Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
With the UAE’s food security drive kicking local production into high gear, the poultry sector is moving closer to self-sufficiency, according to a leading producer in the industry.
Falal Ameen, CEO of Ghitha Holding, said the country is nearing its target. “We are almost there — and sooner or later we can reach a substantial level to ensure self-sufficiency in poultry production,” he told Aletihad.
Ghitha Holding, a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), is a diversified conglomerate collectively engaged in dairy, poultry, fish, agriculture, food commodities, edible oils, trading and distribution.
Accounting for nearly 40% of the UAE’s poultry output, Ghitha also produces about 400 million table eggs for the country every year, Ameen said.
He emphasised that the group is focused on expanding what can be produced locally, aligning with national efforts to strengthen domestic food production.
“We want to maximise what we can make in the UAE,” Ameen said, adding that platforms such as Make it in the Emirates help bring together different entities to accelerate that process.
The country has made clear that it wants to produce more of its own food, but food security is not a standalone goal: it is a key pillar of the country’s manufacturing and economic diversification strategy, Ameen said.
“The UAE has already laid the foundation through the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision and the Food Security Vision. We just need to accelerate to reach that target,” he said.
Ameen highlighted that the country's infrastructure and coordinated approach across government entities have been among the key enablers of progress in the sector.
“Food security is not an individual effort, it is a public-private partnership. We need infrastructure, capital and talent, and everything is available in the UAE,” he added.
Predictive technology and analytics are also proving helpful in advancing these efforts. “With technology, we can forecast demand, plan our route maps, guide logistics and reduce expenses and wastage,” Ameen said.
New Fresh Juice Brand Set to Hit Shelves
On the sidelines of Make it in the Emirates 2026, Ghitha Holding announced a memorandum of understanding between its subsidiaries Al Ain Farms Group and NRTC Group to launch Al Ain Taaza, a new ultra-fresh juice brand targeting one-third of the UAE’s Dh500 million fresh juice market within three to five years.
The partnership combines NRTC’s sourcing, processing and cold chain capabilities with Al Ain Farms’ brand strength, in-house bottling and nationwide distribution network spanning more than 23,000 sales points daily. Ameen said the venture will establish a fully UAE-based production line, with products set for launch in Q3 2026.
He added that strengthening distribution networks is key to improving supply chain resilience and operational efficiency in the UAE.
