The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) signed an MoU with Ruwad Establishment, a division of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry that backs SMEs run by nationals. The MoU will see both entities joining hands to nurture farmers, beekeepers and fishermen. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Sultan Alwan, Assistant Undersecretary of the Regions Sector at MOCCAE, and His Excellency Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Ruwad.

Commenting on the importance of this partnership, His Excellency Sultan Alwan said: “The Ministry has close ties with Ruwad that were formed to serve the common interests of farmers, beekeepers and fishermen in the UAE. This MoU is in line with MOCCAE’s strategy to bolster industries that will contribute to food diversity and sustainability.”

His Excellency Alwan added that the MoU is targeted to streamline cooperation between the two parties in supporting national SMEs that operate in areas of agriculture - namely hydroponic farming and organic farming – beekeeping and fishing.

Ruwad Chairman, His Excellency Sultan Al Suwaidi, said: “We value the support provided by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to local pioneers. It falls within their commitment to leverage national advancement in all aspects relevant to their areas of specialty. As part of Ruwad’s continuous strive to develop mutually-beneficial relationships with public and private entities, we are forging partnerships with relevant entities that can help us realize our objective of creating a culture of entrepreneurship among UAE nationals. Thus, Ruwad has partnered with MOCCAE to incubate SMEs in hydroponic farming and organic farming, beekeeping and fishing, in line with the government’s policy in regard to supporting young entrepreneurs.”

Under the MoU, the two parties will collaborate to provide an environment conducive to growth for SMEs which employ modern technology in agriculture, beekeeping and fishing in the UAE. They will devise and implement policies and mechanisms to develop and support enterprises that offer good returns as well as startups. They will also establish local and regional ties to achieve the purpose of this MoU, and offer easy loans to entrepreneurs in Sharjah per the criteria set out by Ruwad. Moreover, MOCCAE will provide agricultural entrepreneurs with technical services.

To ensure optimal implementation of the MoU, MOCCAE and Ruwad agreed to form a joint committee, entrusted to coordinate efforts and put forth plans and measures to execute programs and proposed initiatives within the scope of the MoU.