AD Ports Group has entered into a 50-year land lease agreement with Emirates Food Industries Group (EFIG), a subsidiary of National Holding, to develop a state-of-the-art grain storage and processing complex at Khalifa Port’s South Quay.
Strengthening Food Security Through Infrastructure Expansion
The long-term partnership begins with the construction of advanced silos designed to significantly expand the UAE’s grain storage capabilities. This infrastructure will reinforce Khalifa Port’s strategic position as a leading logistics and trade hub, enhancing national food resilience and supporting the UAE’s ongoing food security agenda.
Subsequent phases of the project will involve the development of a sophisticated grain processing plant. Upon completion, the AED2 billion project will form a fully integrated industrial complex with advanced facilities for storing and processing multiple grain varieties.
Executive Endorsements Highlight Strategic Value
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, emphasised the strategic impact of the agreement:
“This 50-year agreement with Emirates Food Industries Group marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to support the UAE’s food security ambitions. By providing access to our advanced infrastructure and integrated logistics solutions, we are creating a robust platform that will enhance the efficiency and resilience of the nation’s food supply chain.”
Joseph Abdo, CEO of Emirates Food Industries Group, echoed the importance of this collaboration:
“This project represents a transformative step in significantly enhancing and advancing our industrial and operational capabilities in the food sector. Our long-term collaboration with AD Ports Group is a strategic imperative, which will contribute directly to the UAE’s food security objectives. The access to Khalifa Port’s world-class facilities will enable us to optimise our supply chain, expand our storage capacity, and ensure a consistent flow of essential food products to meet the growing regional demand.”
A Modern, Integrated Logistics Ecosystem
Spanning 100,000 square metres, the new facility is designed to store up to 150,000 metric tonnes of grain. Its strategic location within Khalifa Port grants direct access to deep-water berths capable of accommodating full-load Panamax vessels, ensuring seamless international trade and import-export flow.
The complex will leverage the latest industrial and operational technologies to enable responsive, sustainable, and high-efficiency grain processing and storage operations. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s national food security strategy, aiming to create a resilient supply chain that can adapt to global market fluctuations and regional demand growth.
Aligning with National Sustainability and Resilience Goals
By establishing a technologically advanced, integrated grain complex, the partnership not only contributes to enhanced food storage but also reflects the UAE’s vision of building long-term economic and infrastructure resilience. The initiative positions Khalifa Port as a critical node in the regional food supply network while delivering on national sustainability priorities.
