The partnership aims to integrate clean energy, smart irrigation, and agri-tech innovation to enhance resource efficiency and support Abu Dhabi’s sustainable agriculture ambitions.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Silal, Abu Dhabi’s leading agri-food and technology company, to strengthen collaboration in advancing sustainable energy and water management solutions across the Emirate’s agricultural sector. The agreement supports Abu Dhabi’s broader vision to transition toward a more resilient, resource-efficient, and sustainable food system.
The MoU was signed during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 by Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, and Dhafer Rashed Al Qasimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Silal Group. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing the interconnected challenges of energy, water, and food security through innovation, policy alignment, and technology deployment.
Eng. Ahmed Al Falasi, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency Sector at the Department of Energy, emphasized that the collaboration demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s integrated approach to sustainability. He noted that connecting energy, water, and food systems is essential to building long-term resilience and delivering lasting value to communities. By embedding clean technologies and smart solutions within the agricultural sector, the partnership further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s leadership in resource efficiency and future-ready food systems.
Dr. Shamal Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of Silal Innovation Oasis, highlighted that the partnership advances the Food, Water, and Energy Nexus by improving water and energy efficiency through smart irrigation systems and data-driven resource management. He added that the collaboration will accelerate innovation in clean energy and agri-tech solutions, including solar power, low-energy desalination, artificial intelligence optimisation, and enhanced institutional coordination to deliver scalable and sustainable outcomes for Abu Dhabi’s agricultural sector.
The collaboration is designed to boost productivity while reducing resource consumption, contributing directly to Abu Dhabi’s Clean Energy Targets 2035 and supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions. Through the application of renewable energy, digital tools, and advanced agri-tech solutions, the partnership aims to enhance operational efficiency across farms and agri-food systems.
Under the MoU, both parties will work together to deploy clean energy and agricultural innovations such as solar-powered farming systems, AI-enabled water management, low-energy desalination technologies, and optimised energy use. The agreement also focuses on policy integration and institutional cooperation within Abu Dhabi’s water–energy–food nexus. This will be achieved through pilot projects, knowledge exchange initiatives, and digital platforms that link resource data with farm performance to support informed decision-making.
The partnership reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and aligns with key national and emirate-level initiatives, including the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy and the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy 2023. By combining regulatory expertise in energy management with agri-tech innovation, the MoU lays the foundation for joint frameworks and pilot programmes that enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability across the agricultural sector
