Mohammed Al Nuaimi Receives a Patent of invention for Developing an Advanced Agricultural System

The researcher Mohammed Al Nuaimi has successfully developed an advanced agricultural system known as the Agroponic System, which integrates crop cultivation with fish farming within a comprehensive ecological framework. The system relies on recycling water and nutrients and is supported by artificial intelligence technologies and smart sensor-based monitoring.

He has been awarded a U.S. patent for this innovative design, which represents an advanced evolution of the aquaponics system. All stages of agricultural and aquaculture production are computer-controlled, ensuring high efficiency in resource utilization. Notably, the system requires only 10 to 20 percent of the water used in traditional farming.

The project began as a hand-drawn conceptual sketch and continued as a pilot project for five years in the Emirate of Sharjah over an area of approximately 1,000 square meters. During this period, it demonstrated success in producing a wide variety of crops, including basmati rice, despite the local climate being unsuitable for this type of crop. This highlights the system’s flexibility and its potential for application in arid and semi-arid environments both within the country and beyond.

The agroponic system operates through two closed-loop water cycles, beginning with fish tanks and passing through biofiltration units that convert organic waste into plant-available nutrients before returning the water to the fish tanks. Excess water is utilized to irrigate palm trees, while a poultry unit has been integrated into the system to further recycle organic waste and enhance soil nutrition.

Results from the pilot project showed productivity levels up to ten times higher than traditional farming for certain leafy crops, alongside year-round production, reduced agricultural waste, and greater stability in food supply. These outcomes represent a significant contribution to efforts aimed at strengthening sustainable food security in the United Arab Emirates.

Mohammed Al Nuaimi emphasized that the primary objective of the project is to advance scientific knowledge and provide practical solutions to environmental and agricultural challenges. He noted that the system has strong potential for commercial scalability, particularly given the growing demand for locally produced, sustainably grown agricultural products.

This innovation aligns with national efforts to support scientific research and leverage advanced technologies in pursuit of sustainable development, in accordance with the UAE’s vision of building a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.