Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and Silal, an Abu Dhabi-based agri-food company, have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at integrating AI innovation into agriculture and food production. This partnership seeks to establish a collaborative AI Center of Excellence, bolstering the UAE's food production sector, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainability. The MoU was signed by Sultan Al Hajji, MBZUAI's Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, and Salmeen Alameri, Silal's CEO, during COP28's thematic day on Food, Agriculture, and Water. Under this agreement, both institutions will jointly research AI applications in agriculture and food systems, facilitating the exchange of technical knowledge and resources. Furthermore, the partnership will facilitate the transfer and commercialization of research findings, including support for startups and business spinouts, with the potential to boost efficiency, production, and innovation in the UAE's food sector.

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Salmeen Alameri emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that collaborating with MBZUAI reinforces Silal's commitment to pioneering AI advancements in agriculture and food production. This collaboration holds the promise of unlocking vast potential, elevating research capabilities, and propelling the journey toward a more robust and resilient food system for the future. AI in agriculture offers numerous opportunities, including predictive insights related to weather, crop yields, and pricing trends. It also plays a crucial role in advancing phenotyping and crop discovery, enabling faster and more effective identification of genes with desirable traits to withstand diseases, pests, and the impacts of climate change.