UAE unveils world’s highest-protein wheat in food security efforts
In addition to protein concentration, quality standards have been rigorously upheld.
UAE – The Mleiha Wheat Farm in Sharjah, UAE, has cultivated a new wheat variety with an up to 19.3% native protein content, the highest globally recorded.
Named Saba Sanabel (Seven Spikes), this high-protein grain signals a transformative moment for the UAE’s ambitions to reduce dependence on food imports and become a key player in global wheat exports.
Currently in its third year, the Mleiha Wheat Farm spans over 1,400 hectares of desert land and is expected to yield 6,000 tonnes of wheat this season.
The project was launched in 2022 under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, with the dual goals of bolstering local food production and promoting sustainable, chemical-free agriculture.
With less than 2% of the UAE’s land classified as arable and around 90% of its food imported, the creation of a nutrient-dense, desert-grown wheat variety could significantly alter the country’s food landscape.
The nation currently imports 1.7 million tonnes of wheat annually, with 330,000 tonnes brought into Sharjah alone. Once at full capacity, the farm aims to produce 15,200 tonnes of wheat annually, enough to meet Sharjah’s entire demand.
“This project proves that innovation and determination can transform even the harshest conditions into fertile opportunities. Mleiha’s wheat farm is not just an agricultural win, it is a climate-resilient model for the world,” said Amna Al Dahak, the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change.
The farm’s flagship variety, Sharjah 1, was selected from over 1,450 wheat strains for its ability to thrive under drought and high salinity. Advanced biotechnology accelerated the breeding process, while artificial intelligence-driven irrigation reduced water use by 30%, a crucial factor in a water-scarce region.
The farm relies on contaminant-free desalinated water, which enhances protein formation by aiding nutrient transport during plant development.
In addition to protein concentration, quality standards have been rigorously upheld. The wheat is cultivated using organic methods, free of chemical fertilisers or pesticides, and has earned five quality and safety certifications, including the HSP food quality mark and the Made in Emirates label.
The project also secured the UAE’s Best Innovation Award for Sustainability, cementing its role as a model for climate-aligned agriculture.
The success of Saba Sanabel extends beyond the field. In April, Sheikh Sultan inaugurated a product line derived from the high-protein flour, including pasta, croissants, biscuits, and traditional Arabic bread, signaling plans to expand its commercial value chain.
Sharjah now eyes international markets with ambitions to export the grain, positioning itself as a premium supplier of nutrient-rich wheat.
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