IKTIFA signs cooperation agreement with Emirates Macaroni Factory

Under the agreement, the factory will manufacture all types of "Saba' Sanabel" organic pasta, made from wheat grown at the Maliha farm, which boasts a protein content of 19.3%, the highest globally.

Signing ceremony

The agreement was signed during the "Make it in the Emirates 2025" exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. Eng. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, CEO of the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Establishment "IKTIFA," and Ahmed Saeed Belyouha, Chairman of the Emirates Macaroni Factory, represented the parties involved.

Event significance

This milestone agreement took place at the UAE’s leading industrial event, where the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and its investment arm, "IKTIFA," showcased projects from Sharjah’s sustainable organic food security system, along with a variety of organic products.

Manufacturing practices

According to the agreement, the Emirates Macaroni Factory will produce "Saba' Sanabel" organic pasta using world-class sustainable and eco-friendly practices. This collaboration ensures the continuous availability of high-quality, healthy products from "IKTIFA" and supports the expansion of the "Saba' Sanabel" product range across the UAE.

Strategic alignment

The initiative aligns with Sharjah’s sustainable organic food security framework and reinforces the objectives of the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative by boosting local production and reducing reliance on food imports in critical sectors.

Commitment to quality

Dr Eng. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji stated, “In line with the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, IKTIFA is committed to strengthening its partnerships with the private sector. This effort supports our goals of expanding our diverse range of organic and safe products for all segments of society.” He emphasized the commitment to delivering clean, safe food that enhances the overall quality of life in the UAE.

Focus on local industries

Khalifa Al Tunaiji further emphasized that the increasing focus on local industries—particularly the organic sector—marks a significant milestone in the development and growth of national capabilities. He noted, “It fosters an environment that promotes collaboration between the public and private sectors while accelerating the integration of advanced technologies. This transformation is evident at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ exhibition, which serves as a pivotal platform for driving industrial progress and positioning the UAE as a global leader in safe, organic food production.”

Role of IKTIFA

Khalifa Al Tunaiji highlighted that IKTIFA plays a crucial role in providing safe, organic food to all segments of society. He pointed out that the agreement with the Emirates Macaroni Factory to produce "Saba' Sanabel" organic pasta was made due to the factory's status as one of the leading national institutions. With nearly fifty years of experience, it is the first factory in the UAE and the region to specialize in pasta and its derivatives.

Future of organic food production

Ahmed Saeed Belyouha, Chairman of the Emirates Macaroni Factory, stated that the partnership with IKTIFA marks an important milestone towards a more sustainable future for organic food production in the UAE. Since its establishment, the Emirates Macaroni Factory has remained committed to delivering high-quality products that meet international standards and reflect the evolving aspirations of consumers in the UAE and the wider region. “This agreement allows us to further advance our path of growth and innovation, a journey that has lasted over fifty years in the pasta and its derivatives industry,” he added.