Silal Group and Ayla Berries are joining forces to expand blueberry production in the United Arab Emirates. The programme aims to develop 50 hectares of cultivated area within three years, with the first plantings scheduled for 2027.
Silal Group, a UAE-based company operating in the agri-food and technology sectors, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ayla Berries, IQ Berries’ exclusive agent in the Middle East. The partnership aims to introduce blueberry varieties suited to local environmental and climatic conditions and develop 50 hectares of planted area in the UAE.
The agreement will give Silal exclusive access to premium varieties and genetics, supporting its commercial expansion in the UAE and selected regional markets. Ayla Modern Farms manages the brand’s intellectual property in the region.
The memorandum was signed during Silal Group’s participation at Fruit Attraction. Dhafer Rashed Al Qasimi, the group’s CEO, attended the ceremony. The agreement was signed by Emil Moukarzel, Silal’s chief farming officer, and Abdallah Al Tayeh, CEO of Ayla Modern Farms.
A 50-hectare programme over three years
“This partnership represents an important strategic step in supporting our plans to expand local blueberry production, strengthen food security and develop the country’s agricultural production capabilities,” said Al Qasimi.
“By introducing high-quality varieties suited to conditions in the UAE, we aim to meet the needs of local and regional markets. We also want to use these varieties to improve productivity and crop quality, helping ensure a more consistent and sustainable supply of locally grown blueberries,” he added.
Silal plans to develop 50 hectares over the next three years, at a planting density of 6,000 plants per hectare. Planting is expected to begin in 2027, with the first commercial harvest anticipated in the 2028 season. The project aims to reach its planned production capacity by 2030.
The first phase will focus on MegaEarly and MegaCrisp, selected for protected cultivation systems and their suitability for warm climates. Their stated attributes include yield potential, fruit quality and firmness, and shelf life.
Varieties, storage and pollination
According to Silal, introducing the new varieties should help increase productivity. MegaEarly has also demonstrated that it can maintain stable fruit quality for more than 30 days under standard blueberry cold-storage conditions.
The varieties are self-pollinating, which can reduce the risks and logistical challenges associated with pollination.
Silal plans to introduce them primarily across its own farms, replacing and expanding its current 14-hectare blueberry production area. Further expansion may take place at other Silal sites and through selected growers, depending on market demand and grower interest.
Potential for extended production in warm climates
IQ Berries sees the agreement as a strategic step towards strengthening its presence in the region. “We look forward to combining Silal’s agricultural expertise with our own to develop production models suited to local conditions,” said Danny Francis, general manager of IQ Berries.
“As IQ Berries’ exclusive agent in the Middle East, we are proud to support Silal in introducing these varieties in the UAE and helping make this 50-hectare programme a model for the region,” commented Al Tayeh.
MegaEarly has also shown the potential to maintain continuous flowering and fruiting in warm climates. This could extend the production season or potentially enable year-round production. However, this performance will need to be replicated and validated under greenhouse conditions in the UAE.
