Sharjah launches 2-month ‘Wheat Festival’ in Mleiha

Under the patronage of Dr. Eng. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock (SDAL), the inaugural edition of the “Wheat Festival” was officially launched on Thursday evening.

The festival, which runs till February 27, 2025, will be held at the wheat farm in the city of Mleiha, Sharjah, spanning two months of engaging events and activities. The opening ceremony was attended by Sultan Ali Saif Ali Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Mleiha Municipal Council; Mohammed Obaid Bin Matar Al Tuniji, Director of the Branch of the SDAL in the Central Region; and Ali Hareb Al Mansouri, Manager of the Maliha Pasture, along with members of the Mleiha Municipal Council, dignitaries from the Central Region, and several SDAL employees.

AIMING FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY GOALS: Commenting on the festival, Dr. Eng. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji stated: “The Wheat Festival is part of a series of community initiatives and activities organised by the SDAL to promote sustainable food security practices and instil environmental responsibility among community members. This festival coincides with the third anniversary of the launch of our pioneering wheat cultivation and harvesting project in Sharjah.”

A VALUE-ADDED INITIATIVE SUPPORTING FOOD SECURITY: Al Tunaiji highlighted the festival’s strategic goals, which include emphasising the importance of wheat cultivation as a cornerstone of food security and a step toward achieving self-sufficiency and strategic reserves for agricultural products in the emirate.

He noted the festival’s role in supporting the local economy, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering awareness about this vital crop, which aligns with broader efforts to encourage healthy, active lifestyles. The festival is also expected to advance Sharjah’s leadership in agricultural investment, providing significant support to local farmers participating in the event by showcasing their products and highlighting their contribution.

Additionally, the festival adds cultural and tourism value by offering engaging programmes and entertainment for visitors, enhancing Sharjah’s appeal as a hub for agricultural tourism.

OPEN FOR VISITORS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK: The festival offers free admission for visitors of all ages. From Monday to Thursday, the festival operates from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while on weekends (Friday to Sunday), it welcomes guests from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

EXCITING ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES: The Wheat Festival features a diverse range of activities, including educational and entertainment programmes catering to all age groups. Live demonstrations of harvesting and milling will offer a hands-on experience, while multiple stalls selling local wheat products will be set up. Visitors can also participate in interactive workshops on sustainable farming practices.

SUPPORTING SERVICES AND FACILITIES: The festival’s organising committee has ensured that comprehensive logistical services are available to guarantee the comfort and safety of both participants and visitors. Registration remains open for entities interested in joining the event, and they are encouraged to reach out to the SDAL through official channels.

Earlier, His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inspected, on Wednesday, the progress of agricultural work at the wheat farm in the Mleiha area. Sheikh Sultan followed up on the agricultural work in the farm’s lines, which number 37 agricultural lines on an area of up to 1,900 hectares, and the methods of irrigating the lines using the latest and best equipment that operates according to modern water-saving technologies, which also helps in monitoring performance and following up on the needs of the soil and plant and achieving a balance between them, in order to obtain the best wheat crops.

The wheat farm is one of the food security projects directed by the Ruler of Sharjah, to provide, through 1900 hectares, the finest organic wheat crops free of pesticides, toxins and harmful substances, and with the highest protein levels in the world.

The Ruler of Sharjah was accompanied during his visit by Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Engineer Ali Bin Shaheen Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Department of Public Works, Dr. Khalifa Musabah Al Teneiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, Dr. Aisha Ahmed Bu Shlaibi, Chancellor of the University of Al Dhaid, Tim Jones, Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, and a number of senior officials.