Mohammed bin Rashid visits world’s largest private dates factory

The facility spans over 800,000 square feet and has an annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes, making it one of the market leaders in packaging and processing dates worldwide.

During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for advanced food industries through innovation, stronger production chains, and by boosting the competitiveness of national products. He noted that the date industry is a successful example of turning the country’s agricultural heritage into a modern, high-value-added sector that supports the economy and enhances food security.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE continues to invest in key sectors that affect people’s lives, particularly the food sector, and is developing its national industries to become more globally competitive through advanced technologies, higher production efficiency, and expanded access to international markets.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed added that the date industry is part of the UAE’s identity and heritage, and its development reflects a vision to turn resources into sustainable opportunities.

He also said that humanitarian initiatives in the sector, including efforts to combat malnutrition, reflect the UAE’s commitment to improving lives and addressing global food-security challenges.

During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, accompanied by Malek Al Malek, Chairman of TECOM Group, was briefed by the factory founder Saleem Mohammed and his son, Yousuf Saleem Mohammed, Managing Director, on the production lines, manufacturing and packaging processes, and the factory’s product range.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the global reach of the factory’s products, which are exported to 97 countries, including the US, the UK, and the EU as key markets.

The factory is in Dubai Industrial City, part of TECOM Group’s industrial parks, launched in 2004. Dubai Industrial City hosts over 350 factories and more than 17,000 employees, and is strategically located near Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Etihad Rail’s freight terminal, ensuring strong logistics connectivity. The factory reflects private-sector success in the food industry and was founded by businessman Saleem Mohammed, who began his career in Dubai in 1983 before moving into date trading and processing in the 1990s.