Al Ain Farms began not as a commercial venture, but as a visionary response to a national need.

In 1981, with just 200 cows, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — the UAE’s Founding Father — planted the seeds of what would become the country’s modern food security movement.

Sheikh Zayed’s vision was clear: to build a homegrown source of “nourishment” for the people of the UAE, ensuring access to fresh, local food and dairy in a land where little grew naturally. What started as a small dairy farm has since evolved into a symbol of resilience, innovation, and national pride.

Going beyond just milk production, Al Ain Farms now a diverse food group that encompasses poultry, juices, eggs, and even camel farming, delivering sustainable, healthy, and affordable food to everyone in the UAE.

A total of five farms, including three large dairy farms that are home to over 20,000 heads of cattle and 1,000 camels, are part of this complete food production powerhouse, handling everything from farming to manufacturing and distribution. Its driving force: An efficient system that gets products from farm to shelf within 24 hours, ensuring they’re incredibly fresh. In fact, the company has never missed a day of delivery not even during Covid.

Last month, Al Ain Farms achieved another milestone that qualifies its standing as a “national champion”. Unveiled at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum in Abu Dhabi, the new Al Ain Farms Group was launched, forming an influential consortium of five of the UAE’s most familiar food brands — Al Ain Farms itself, Marmum Dairy, Al Ajban Chicken, Al Jazira Poultry Farm’s Golden Eggs, and Saha Arabian Farms. The consolidation marked a powerful evolution of that founding vision.

As Hassan Safi, the group CEO of AAFG, notes, their mission “has evolved into a larger vision”, with the goal to to become the top producer of high-quality protein and drinks in the region.

“This is the start of something new,” Safi adds. “It blends great operations, brand trust, and decades of know-how to deliver high-quality, affordable food to every home in the country.”

Safi explains why now was the right time for this big step: “After Covid, food security became a top national focus. This merging helps us meet that goal by making more food, sourcing more locally, and running things more smoothly. It also makes us stronger in supporting local farmers — through long-term commitments and technical assistance.

“We’re also pushing for sustainability and cutting down on food waste throughout our whole system.”

Al Ain Farms Group: Strong backing in place

This bold plan is strongly supported by Ghitha Holding and Yas Holding — two powerful investment groups from the UAE, both deeply committed to farming independence and industry breakthroughs. Their involvement injects critical capital strength and operational acumen, strategically aligning AAFG’s path with the UAE’s big National Food Security Strategy for 2051.

The move signals long-term confidence in local food systems, transforming the group into a national platform equipped to meet rising demand across the UAE and the wider region. It also reflects the UAE’s ambition to lead the region in quality, sustainability, and innovation, building integrated, future-ready platforms.

Smarter systems, sustainable practices

AAFG is also rethinking how food is made and moved — with AI as the game-changer. From smarter product R&D to dynamic store stocking, the group is investing heavily in tech that keeps shelves filled without overloading them.

“We’re using AI to improve everything — from understanding microbiotic data for better recipes, to predicting exactly what each store needs each day,” says Safi. “It’s helping us cut waste, speed up innovation, and build a food system that’s actually built for the future.”

This smart approach goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. Whether it’s turning cow manure into nutrient-rich soil with help from Australian partners, recycling water on-site, or switching to in-house recycled PET packaging, AAFG is actively closing the loop. Even its convenience foods — like microwave-ready, cook-in-the-bag chicken — come with sustainability in mind.

Every day, AAFG supplies 22,000 outlets around the country. “The challenge is simple: the right product, in the right amount, at the right time. That’s where AI really shines,” Safi says. “Less guesswork means less waste.”

While the company has already rolled out organic dairy products, going fully organic will take time. “Right now, we’re focused on making food secure, accessible, and healthy — for everyone,” he adds.

The next chapter

AAFG has mapped out a bold five-year plan to scale up production, drive innovation, and deepen its sustainability agenda.

At the core of this strategy are three key pillars:

• Scale: AAFG aims to become the GCC’s largest table egg producer, targeting an output of 800 million eggs annually.

• Product innovation: The group is expanding into long shelf-life goods, value-added products, and exploring alternative proteins to meet shifting consumer demand.

• Regional growth: Strategic partnerships and investments are underway to grow AAFG’s footprint across the region and build export-ready capabilities.

While rooted in national food security priorities, AAFG is also shaping a model for regional collaboration in agri-food manufacturing.

“As the UAE doubles down on food independence,” says Safi, “we see ourselves as a blueprint — advancing local innovation, reducing import reliance, and building a resilient food economy.”

AAFG stands as one of the UAE’s clearest examples of how food security, innovation, and economic ambition can converge into a scalable model.

The Dubai Event Security Committee (ESC) has confirmed its preparedness to ensure a safe Eid Al Adha holiday, unveiling a comprehensive security and transportation plan for the festive period.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, acting commandant assistant for Operations Affairs and Acting Chairperson of the ESC, said the plan includes securing all mosques and large prayer grounds, deploying traffic and security patrols, and working in coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to ease congestion and maintain smooth traffic flow.

The security measures include 34 marine security boats, two helicopters, 139 ambulatory points, five rescue boats, 52 bicycle patrols, 515 security patrols, 130 civil defence vehicles, 24 small cranes, 21 land rescue patrols, five CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) responders, and four operations rooms, as well as two ambulatory boats.

Read: Eid Al Adha 2025 – What’s on offer from shopping to live events in Dubai

Eid Al Adha: Transportation services, free parking

In terms of transportation services, the plan mobilises 104 trains, 16,981 luxury limousines, 13,867 taxis, 1,240 public buses, and 43 marine transport vehicles. It also involves four traffic diversion units and seven traffic management and public transport control centres.

“Additionally, 18 hospitals and outpatient clinics, along with a health operations centre, will be on standby to ensure public safety,” Al Mazroui said.

RTA has earlier announced that public parking will be free of charge from Thursday June 5 to Sunday, June 8, excluding multi-level parking terminals.

Additionally all stations on the Red and Green Lines will operate from Wednesday, June 4 to Saturday, June 7 2025, from 5am to 1m (next day).

Command Centre operations

The Command and Control Centre will operate 24/7 throughout the holiday to handle emergency calls and ensure rapid response. Al Mazroui urged the public to contact 999 only in emergencies, and to use 901 for non-emergencies or general inquiries.

Violations can also be reported via the ‘Police Eye’ service on the Dubai Police website.

Al Mazroui called on motorists to comply with road speed limits to avoid traffic accidents and the severe consequences that can result. He also advised jet ski users to avoid areas where families are gathered on beaches and called on parents to closely monitor children in public spaces such as beaches, pools, and parks.

He further warned against the use of fireworks, especially by children, citing the risks of burns, permanent injuries, and fires that could endanger lives and property. “Fireworks can cause serious injuries and environmental damage,” he said.

Addressing recreational initiatives, Al Mazroui noted that the Event Security Committee, along with the Positive Spirit Council and Dubai Police Station Directors’ Council, will organise sports competitions for workers in areas such as Jebel Ali, Al Sufouh, Al Muhaisnah, and Al Quoz.

These events will take place on the first and second days of Eid from 5pm to midnight to “bring joy and share in the festive spirit with them,” he added.

Read: Elevate DMC’s Samir Hamadeh on Eid Al Adha, summer 2025 travel trends

Emirates SkyCargo has launched a specialised product named Aircraft Engines, designed to transport one of aviation’s most critical and high-value components.

The service falls under a newly introduced vertical, Aerospace and Engineering, focused on providing high-precision logistics solutions to the aerospace, defence, and space sectors.

“Moving highly specialised items is always an exciting challenge, and, having significantly invested in building world-class infrastructure across our network, it’s a challenge that we are ready to meet,” said Badr Abbas, DSVP of Emirates SkyCargo.

“Harnessing the technical expertise of our team, our proprietary and innovative technology and fit-for-purpose infrastructure, we liaised closely with various stakeholders to develop aircraft engines and a dedicated product vertical, to ensure we were able to cater to such valuable and technical cargo at every touchpoint.”

Read: Emirates soars to further success: CCO Adnan Kazim on its growth and global reach

Aircraft engines, due to their complexity and value, are often moved for maintenance, repair or replacement and require swift, highly specialised handling.

Emirates SkyCargo worked closely with manufacturers, operators, and external consultants to optimise its existing processes, resulting in a dedicated solution for the global movement of engines.

The Aircraft Engines solution includes end-to-end expert oversight, with certified loadmasters supervising each stage of the shipment — from loading and securing to unloading. The carrier uses specialised handling equipment, including shock-absorbing transport dollies, and offers real-time shipment monitoring through its control tower team and optional track-and-trace devices.

The service also prioritises speed, offering the highest loading priority for engine shipments to minimise ground time and keep customer aircraft operations running efficiently.

A team of experts is based in key cities across the network to provide round-the-clock consultation via a dedicated hotline and email channel, enabling faster response times.

Emirates SkyCargo says its vast global network, competitive connection times, and the ability to swiftly reroute freighters give it an unmatched edge in delivery times.

Emirates SkyCargo’s new vertical includes AOG service

The newly introduced Aerospace and Engineering vertical is aimed at a targeted customer base that includes commercial aviation companies, aircraft manufacturers, defence and space sector clients, and government entities.

Alongside Aircraft Engines, the vertical also includes Emirates AOG (Aircraft on Ground), a service for time-critical aircraft parts.

Emirates recently enhanced this offering with distinctive ‘Must Go’ bags stamped with ‘CARGO’ for quicker recognition and handling.

Additional subcategories under the vertical are currently in development to broaden Emirates SkyCargo’s specialised services.

Emirates SkyCargo already handles hundreds of aircraft engine shipments annually and has played a role in high-profile aerospace missions, including the transport of KhalifaSat, the first Emirati-built satellite, and most recently, nanosatellites transported from Paris to Auckland for global IoT connectivity. These operations have helped shape the development of the new product and vertical.

Across the Middle East, insurers are racing to adopt AI and meet rising regulatory demands but many are still losing the race where it counts: data integration.

According to Norton Rose Fulbright’s “Insurance Foresight 2025” report, artificial intelligence (AI) will play a growing role in driving this transformation.

Yet, despite the buzz around innovation, most insurers are still shackled by siloed systems that can’t talk to each other.

Data is often stored in different systems, slowing communication, creating errors, and frustrating customers. Solving this isn’t just a technical upgrade – it’s the next big leap toward real operational agility, trust, and regulatory readiness.

The unseen barrier behind delays and errors

AI may be the headline, but broken data systems are the footnotes where failure lives. Delayed quotes, slow claims processes, and inconsistent customer service often stem from fragmented systems and manual data transfers. Without seamless connections between systems, even the most sophisticated AI becomes blind ineffective.

This issue isn’t just a technical inconvenience; it undermines the customer experience and affects the brand`s credibility.

Regulatory expectations are rising

In the Gulf, what was once guidance is fast becoming obligation. For example, in the UAE, the Artificial Intelligence Ethics Guidelines outline how entities should manage data, transparency, and accountability when deploying AI systems. Saudi Arabia’s National Strategy for Data and AI emphasises similar principles, calling for responsible governance and traceability across the data lifecycle.

Insurance companies must now prove they can track where data originates, how it is used, and whether it is being handled with consent and integrity. This level of accountability is unachievable without robust, interconnected systems.

Why seamless data sharing will separate leaders from Laggards

While regulators demand it, leaders leverage it. When brokers can access customer data instantly, they reduce response times and enhance service quality. Efficient data exchange across insurers, healthcare providers, and repair shops reduces duplication and human error in claims.

Moreover, the performance of AI systems is directly tied to the quality and accessibility of data. Without structured, interoperable datasets, even the smartest algorithms can’t deliver on their promises – from fraud detection to personalised coverage.

The tools powering interoperability

Despite the Middle East’s reputation for innovation, insurers are still held back by entrenched workflows, legacy systems, and inconsistent data quality. But as adoption begins to accelerate, a new wave of tools is quietly enabling systemic interoperability — offering insurers a way to leapfrog outdated practices and unlock the next stage of transformation.

One of the most persistent issues across regional markets is the continued reliance on email as the primary placement method — a sign of deeper fragmentation in insurance processes. Many insurers are only now beginning to transition from legacy systems toward modern, integrated tools that enable true end-to-end data connectivity. These tools include:

Unified Dashboards: Modern dashboards consolidate underwriting, claims, and client data in real time. This single source of truth reduces duplication, enables quicker decision-making, and ensures that brokers and underwriters are aligned in servicing and risk evaluation.

AI and Automation: AI-enabled solutions are already being applied to streamline underwriting, automate claims processing, and flag potential fraud. Digital placing platforms and workflow automation tools significantly reduce time spent on manual tasks like re-keying data — freeing brokers and underwriters to focus on growth, advisory services, and value delivery.

Collaborative Portals: Secure digital portals are replacing PDF-based submissions, spreadsheets, and lengthy email threads. These collaborative environments allow stakeholders across the insurance lifecycle to exchange data, approve policies, and monitor progress in real time — dramatically improving speed and reducing operational friction.

Real business impact

This technology isn’t just improving backend operations; it’s shaping frontline outcomes and strategic partnerships.

• Faster decision-making: Integrated systems mean approvals that once sat idle in inboxes now flow automatically. Leads convert faster, onboarding is frictionless, and no client is lost in the waiting.
• Efficient claims handling: Today’s AI tools assess claims quickly, flag suspicious ones, and speed up legitimate payouts. When linked to hospitals, repair shops, and legal teams, they create a fast and reliable claims process, just when customers need it most.
• Transparency = trust: Visible workflows, predictable timelines, and steady communication make clients feel like partners. In a competitive market, this kind of transparency builds loyalty and drives referrals.

Preparing for what’s next

The window to act is narrowing; As regulations toughen and customer expectations rise, insurers have a short window to embed transparency, security, and seamless data sharing into their operating core.

A smooth digital experience isn’t just about compliance; it’s a key to client satisfaction. Easy data sharing means clients stay longer, refer more business, and explore new services. The ecosystem is shifting fast. Collaboration between insurers, regulators, and tech enablers is no longer optional – it’s a growth strategy.

With these foundations in place, insurers can not only meet today’s demands, but they’ll also be ready to grow, offer tailored products, and thrive through future challenges.

The writer is the regional VP, Southern EMEA & ME at Denodo.

Read: How embedded solutions are transforming the insurance sector

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a major infrastructure development project covering Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim Street, and the Al Qudra corridor, aimed at reducing travel times and significantly increasing road capacity across key urban areas of the city.

The development spans 15 km along Al Wasl Road, from the intersection with Umm Suqeim Street to the junction with 2nd December Street. It includes the upgrade of six intersections and the construction of five tunnels totalling 3,850 metres.

The road will be widened from two to three lanes in each direction, which is expected to reduce travel times by 50 per cent and increase capacity from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

“Al Wasl Road Development Project forms part of a master plan developed by the RTA to upgrade the road network in the area, which also includes enhancements to Umm Suqeim and Al Safa Streets,” said Mattar Al Tayer, DG and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA. “These projects are designed with a focus on creative and aesthetic elements, incorporating pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, boulevards, and vibrant urban public spaces.”

Read: RTA launches major upgrade of Umm Suqeim St to boost traffic flow

Al Wasl project: Tunnels and intersection upgrades

The Al Wasl Road project includes upgrades to intersections at Al Thanya, Al Manara, Umm Al Sheif, Umm Amara, Al Orouba, and Al Safa Streets.

A three-lane unidirectional tunnel will be built at the Al Manara intersection, branching into two routes with a combined capacity of 4,500 vehicles per hour.

A two-lane tunnel on Umm Al Sheif Street, spanning 750 metres, will accommodate 3,200 vehicles per hour.

A 700-metre tunnel at Umm Amara Street will feature two lanes in each direction with a total capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour.

A unidirectional, two-lane tunnel at Al Orouba Street will head toward Jumeirah Street, while a 750-metre tunnel at Al Safa Street will serve two-way traffic, each with a capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour.

The Al Satwa roundabout will be converted into a signalised junction, and surface-level enhancements will be implemented at five intersections along Jumeirah Street.

Expanding the corridor

The Al Wasl Road initiative complements a broader RTA plan to upgrade Umm Suqeim Street from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road, boosting capacity from 12,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hour. Travel times are expected to drop from 20 minutes to six minutes. The area serves over two million residents.

The upgrade includes six intersections and will involve four bridges and three tunnels totalling 4,100 metres.

Key features include a tunnel with two lanes in each direction at the intersection with Jumeirah Street, and a tunnel at Al Wasl Road for traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Jumeirah Street.

Two bridges at Sheikh Zayed Road will eliminate traffic weaving, and a tunnel at First Al Khail Road will aid traffic from Al Barsha towards Sheikh Zayed Road.

An extra lane will be added between First Al Khail and Al Asayel Street, while two elevated ramps will facilitate access to Al Khail Road and the Al Quoz Industrial Area.

Al Qudra Road upgrades

RTA is also progressing with upgrades from Al Khail Road to Emirates Road via Umm Suqeim Street and Al Qudra Road. A key feature is an 800-metre tunnel at Al Barsha South with four lanes in each direction.

Al Qudra Road itself will be upgraded along an 11.6 km stretch, including several intersections and bridges totalling 2,700 metres. Travel times along this section are expected to fall from 9.4 minutes to 2.8 minutes.

“These projects form a blueprint for smart and sustainable mobility in Dubai,” said Al Tayer, noting that the areas covered are among Dubai’s most vibrant, home to beaches, hotels, restaurants, and residential communities.