On Saturday evening, November 2, Sharjah International Airport received the second shipment of 1,300 ‘A2A2’ cows for the Mleiha dairy farm. With the growing demand for organic milk and dairy products, the farm plans to bring in a total of 20,000 purebred cows over the next three years.
Since launching Mleiha organic milk in August, residents have been eager to buy it, often lining up as early as 6am. If shoppers don’t reach the stores by 10am, the daily supply of around 4,000 litres usually sells out quickly.
Plans for New Products
The company aims to expand its product lineup before 2025, including plans to introduce yogurt, flavored infant milk, and long-life milk among other items.
With this latest delivery, the total number of cows at the farm has increased to 2,500. All cows are fed organic feed, which is free from chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, ensuring high-quality milk production.
This growth aligns with the vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and a member of the Supreme Council, to increase the nucleus herd to 8,000 by the end of 2025.
Support for Local Agriculture
Dr. Khalifa Musbah Al Tunaiji, chairman of the Agriculture and Livestock Department and CEO of the Sharjah Agricultural and Animal Production Foundation ‘Ektifa’, stressed the importance of this initiative in meeting local and Gulf market demands.
He noted the community’s increasing focus on healthier lifestyles and the growing demand for organic products, especially Mleiha milk. Part of the organic feed comes from the farm’s own wheat cultivation in Mleiha, which helps support local farming.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the farm is set to receive a third batch of 1,500 cows at the beginning of next year, which will help raise the herd toward its goal of 20,000 by 2027.
Al Tunaiji is confident that the expanded herd will significantly enhance food security in the UAE. “This initiative shows our commitment to improving the quality of food for our community and supporting public health,” he stated.
