Date: 08 Oct, 2026
Location: Abu Dhabi - UAE
The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), Elite Agro Holding and Saba Agrima have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop agricultural operations at the Aftout/Rosso Project in Mauritania, with an investment of AED 440 million across approximately 8,900 hectares. The project is expected to produce approximately 244,000 metric tonnes of agricultural products, contributing to local market needs in Mauritania by expanding agricultural productive capacity and supporting exports to neighbouring countries.
Beyond its economic returns, the project is expected to generate significant social and development benefits for rural communities in Mauritania. It is projected to create more than 4,000 direct jobs, including permanent and seasonal employment, with the majority expected to support the economic empowerment of rural women. The project is also expected to generate 6,000 indirect jobs across supporting activities, including logistics, packaging and contracting. Its broader economic and social impact is expected to contribute, directly and indirectly, to the livelihoods and stability of more than 30,000 people within rural communities.
AAAID and Elite Agro Holding also signed an MoU to develop the Sidi Yahya farm in Morocco, with an investment of AED 140 million across approximately 400 hectares.
The farm is expected to focus on the production of high-value crops, including blueberries, mandarins and avocados, further strengthening Elite Agro’s presence in Morocco’s agricultural sector and supporting the development of agricultural production for domestic and international markets.
The total value of the investments and projects announced by AAAID in Mauritania and Morocco amounts to AED 580 million.
The projects form part of the parties’ efforts to expand agricultural investment, strengthen productive capacity and deepen international partnerships across the food and agribusiness sectors, contributing to the development of agricultural and food value chains and advancing food security.
The agreements were signed on the sidelines of Global Food Week 2026, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 6 to 8 October under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Office, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority.
H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, said that the investments announced during Global Food Week reflect the UAE’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships as a driver of growth in priority sectors, while supporting UAE companies in their efforts to expand into international markets.
“Against the backdrop of growing challenges facing global food systems, cross-border cooperation is increasingly important to advancing agriculture and strengthening its sustainability. By mobilising capital, expertise and advanced technologies, we can build sustainable productive capacity and enhance the resilience of food supply chains worldwide,” said H.E. Dr. Al Zeyoudi.
He added that the projects demonstrate the vital role of the UAE private sector in translating investment opportunities into tangible outcomes with sustainable economic and development impact, further reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading global hub for trade, investment and economic partnerships, and as a trusted partner in supporting growth and prosperity at the regional and international levels.
H.E. Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID), said: “This partnership represents an important step in strengthening Arab cooperation in agricultural investment and leveraging available resources and expertise to develop productive projects capable of generating sustainable economic and development impact. The Aftout/Rosso Project demonstrates the importance of partnerships between investment institutions and the private sector in translating agricultural potential into tangible production opportunities, developing agricultural value chains, improving production efficiency, and leveraging modern technologies and expertise.
“It also reflects our commitment to investing in initiatives that contribute to food security, build local capabilities and create sustainable value for economies and communities, supporting the development of a more competitive and growth-oriented agricultural sector in Mauritania and across the Arab region”.
Hassan Halaoui, Group Chief Executive Officer of Elite Agro Holding, said: “The investments we are announcing today mark a new phase in Elite Agro Holding’s growth and expansion into strategic markets, in line with our shareholders’ vision and the Group’s commitment to building sustainable agribusinesses capable of generating long-term economic and development value.
“Our expansion across the UAE, Morocco and Mauritania is part of our vision for sustainable growth and stronger strategic partnerships, reflecting our commitment to the countries and communities in which we operate through contributing to food security, creating employment opportunities, transferring knowledge, expertise and technology, and developing local capabilities.
“We believe that sustainable partnerships are ultimately built on economic success. What we are announcing today reflects our partners’ confidence in Elite Agro’s capabilities and expertise in translating opportunities into successful, scalable and commercially viable projects that generate sustainable returns and lasting value for all stakeholders.
“As an agribusiness group that originated in the UAE, our ambition is to take the expertise, technology and partnership model we have developed in the UAE to other markets, enabling us to generate tangible economic impact and contribute to strengthening food security”.
A Platform for Dialogue on Financing and Investment in Agrifood Systems
AAAID is participating in a number of high-level sessions as part of Global Food Week, including the FAO Policy Majlis, which addresses the transformation of agrifood systems in the Near East and North Africa region, including the financing and investment required to support the implementation and scaling of solutions.
AAAID will participate in the session “Navigating the Financing and Investment Landscape”, scheduled for 8 October, with the participation of Dr. Abdelilah Belatik, Executive Director of Investment Activities.
