In a landmark development for sustainable agriculture, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has officially inaugurated the Mleiha Dairy Farm and Factory—now certified by Guinness World Records as the planet’s largest A2A2 cattle farm. Spanning approximately 20,000 square meters with an annual production capacity nearing 600 tonnes, this state-of-the-art facility represents the culmination of a 65-year vision for the Ruler.
The project forms an integral component of Sharjah’s comprehensive food security initiative, which synergistically integrates livestock management, poultry operations, crop cultivation, and supporting manufacturing plants. This strategic framework is further bolstered by specialized academic programs in agricultural, veterinary, and desert sciences, cultivating a new generation of experts to drive the sector forward.
Emphasizing a return to heritage-based agricultural practices, Sheikh Sultan articulated a philosophy centered on natural production methodologies. The farm exclusively raises rare A2A2 cattle breeds—genetically distinct varieties known for producing milk containing only A2 beta-casein protein, which some studies suggest offers superior digestibility compared to conventional milk. These animals are nurtured through organic feeding systems and ethical treatment protocols aligned with traditional desert farming.
‘Our objective transcends commercial profit; we prioritize population wellness above financial gain,’ the Ruler declared during the inauguration ceremony. This health-first ethos extends across Sharjah’s agricultural landscape, including ongoing olive cultivation projects, free-range poultry farms, and vegetable production using indigenous plant varieties—all monitored through advanced agricultural technology systems.
Following the formal opening, Sheikh Sultan conducted an extensive tour of the compound, inspecting production lines, packaging facilities, the central control room, milking parlors, and livestock housing areas. Senior officials detailed the facility’s rigorous quality control measures and outlined ambitious expansion plans designed to enhance the emirate’s self-sufficiency objectives within the broader national food security framework.