His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited Al Barakah Dates Factory in Dubai Industrial City, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to transforming traditional agriculture into a high-tech, globally competitive industry.
Lede: On April 28, 2026, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai toured Al Barakah Dates Factory, the world’s largest privately owned dates processing facility, located in Dubai Industrial City. Spanning more than 800,000 square feet and capable of producing 100,000 tonnes annually, the plant is a market leader in date packaging and processing. The visit reinforced the UAE’s strategy to bolster food security and economic diversification through innovation in the food sector.
A Heritage Sector Goes Global
During the walkthrough, Sheikh Mohammed observed the factory’s full production chain—from processing lines to packaging stages—guided by founder Saleem Mohammed and his son, Managing Director Yousuf Saleem Mohammed. The factory ships its products to 97 countries, with key markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
Sheikh Mohammed noted that the UAE continues to strengthen its status as a global hub for advanced food industries. “The dates industry is a successful example of turning the country’s agricultural heritage into a modern, high-value added sector that supports the economy and enhances food security,” he said. He emphasized ongoing investments in key sectors that directly impact people’s lives—especially food—and highlighted efforts to boost competitiveness through advanced technologies, higher production efficiency, and expanded access to international markets.
A Private-Sector Success Story
The factory’s growth mirrors the entrepreneurial journey of Saleem Mohammed, who started his career in Dubai in 1983 and moved into dates trading and processing in the 1990s. Today, Al Barakah stands as a symbol of private-sector achievement in the food industry, operating at a massive scale that combines heritage with modern logistics.
Located in Dubai Industrial City, a TECOM Group development launched in 2004, the facility benefits from its strategic position near Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Etihad Rail’s freight terminal. The industrial park now hosts over 350 factories and employs more than 17,000 people, offering strong connectivity for global export.
Beyond Business: Humanitarian Impact
Sheikh Mohammed also underscored the philanthropic dimension of the date industry. He noted that humanitarian initiatives within the sector—particularly efforts to combat malnutrition—reflect the UAE’s broader commitment to improving lives and tackling global food security challenges. “The dates industry is part of the UAE’s identity and heritage, and its development reflects a vision of turning resources into sustainable opportunities,” he added.
What This Means for Dubai’s Economy
The visit signals continued governmental support for homegrown industries that can scale internationally. By investing in food processing and packaging technologies, the UAE aims to reduce reliance on imports and create high-value export products. The date sector, with deep cultural roots, provides a blueprint for how traditional agriculture can evolve into a modern, knowledge-driven industry.
Actionable takeaways for readers:
- For investors: The UAE’s food processing sector offers opportunities in automation, cold-chain logistics, and sustainable packaging.
- For entrepreneurs: The success of family-run businesses like Al Barakah shows that combining heritage with modern supply chains can unlock global markets.
- For policymakers: Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks reinforce the need for continued public-private partnerships in food security.
The factory’s expansion and Sheikh Mohammed’s endorsement send a clear message: Dubai is betting big on food—not just as a necessity, but as a pillar of its knowledge economy.