In support of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, through which the UAE aims to achieve zero hunger by ensuring access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round throughout the world, Al Ajban Poultry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Veterinary Association in a move to improve local production and enhance the skills of UAE-based Emirati and expat talents in the field.The MoU signing took place on the sidelines of the 37th World Veterinary Association Congress that was hosted in Abu Dhabi for the first time in the Middle East in March 2022 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and for which Al Ajban Poultry was the main sponsor. The signatories were Dr. Mohammed Ezzat El Agamy, General Manager of Al Ajban Poultry L.L.C., and Dr. Roula Shaaban Ibrahim, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Veterinary Association.Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will plan and coordinate in order to maximize benefits from their human resources to support research and enhance scientific knowledge and open new horizons of cooperation between both parties in their common interests.
Actions to be taken include practical and field training for veterinarians in the latest technology used in poultry production, and carrying out a series of workshops and training sessions between both parties to enhance awareness and knowledge of biosecurity and innovations that help produce healthy and high quality local poultry products, thereby contributing to the UAE’s national food security program.Speaking on the values of the MoU, Dr. Mohammed Ezzat El Agamy, General Manager of Al Ajban Poultry, pointed out that it was important to recognize the importance of veterinary medicine as first protection and defense line to protect humans from zoonotic diseases which could be transmitted to humans through poultry products and animal based food. He said, “Al Ajban is a leading company in the field, and we strive to succeed through our commitment to excellence with innovation and superior product quality in the poultry industry, so that we can fulfill our commitment to provide the best services and poultry products from both chicken meat and hatching egg to enhance our quality of life.“
By signing this MoU, we are demonstrating how keen we are to provide the necessary knowledge and research for better talents and to contribute to ensuring food security in the region by providing good healthy products, in support of our CSR activities and commitment to excellence. This agreement will open the doors to a new era of cooperation in the quest to make the UAE the world’s best in the Global Food Security Index by 2051.”Dr. Roula Shaaban Ibrahim of the Emirates Veterinary Association and World Veterinary Association Councilor for Middle East and North Africa expressed her delight at the signing, stressing the importance of the MOU in involving the 3rd sector, along with both private and public sectors, in joining forces in the interest of food security, saying, “Such collaboration will re-direct UAE-based talent within the veterinary sector who have previously chosen to work in the companion animals and equine fields, but now will appreciate the need to diversify that by becoming involved in other fields that will support the food security strategy of the UAE, as they take advantage of the very best training in practical techniques and involvement in research and development.”