Dubai is setting new benchmarks in sustainable agriculture with Al Barakah Dates Factory, which has become the world’s first solar-powered date processing facility. H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently toured the factory, highlighting its pioneering role in combining green energy and economic diversification. Located in Dubai Industrial City, the factory spans an impressive 800,000 square feet and is equipped with over 6,500 solar panels. By harnessing solar power, the facility reduces approximately 3,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, underscoring a commitment to sustainability even in traditional industries.
This privately owned facility is the largest of its kind globally, capable of producing up to 100,000 tonnes of dates each year—nearly half of the UAE’s entire domestic date harvest. Positioned strategically near Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, it exports products to over 90 countries across the US, UK, and the European Union, shipping around 7,000 containers annually. The factory’s export capacity and scale have earned recognition for its significant contribution to the UAE’s food security and economic growth ambitions.
The solar-powered initiative at Al Barakah Dates is not without precedent but represents a major step forward in clean energy application within the food processing sector. Earlier installations included a 1-megawatt peak rooftop solar photovoltaic system with around 3,220 panels, which saved approximately AED 10 million and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 882 tonnes per year. The latest expansion has almost doubled this, bringing the total estimated carbon emissions offset to about 3,000 tonnes annually. These advancements align with the UAE government’s sustainability goals and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, positioning the factory as a model for green industrial development.
Beyond environmental benefits, the factory supports numerous philanthropic causes, including campaigns like One Billion Meals and the Emirates Food Bank, reflecting a corporate ethos that combines business success with social responsibility. The expansion and solar-powered transformation respond to surging global interest in healthier and more sustainable sugar alternatives, positioning dates as a wholesome, natural sweetener in international markets. This aligns with wider UAE initiatives to diversify the economy and bolster domestic food production resilience through innovative technology and sustainable practices.
Al Barakah Dates’ recognition extends beyond sustainability. The Dubai Chamber of Commerce has acknowledged the company for its export achievements, reflecting its growing international presence and quality standards. The factory’s ability to adapt and expand—doubling its production capacity to over 100,000 tonnes from an initial 60,000 tonnes processed per year—demonstrates the robust demand and strategic vision behind this enterprise.
In sum, the solar-powered date factory in Dubai exemplifies how traditional agricultural industries can innovate through renewable energy adoption and large-scale infrastructure development. By merging environmental stewardship, economic growth, and social impact, Al Barakah Dates Factory presents a blueprint for sustainable industrial progress in the region and beyond.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://lovin.co/dubai/en/news/sheikh-mansoor-tours-worlds-first-solar-powered-dates-factory-in-dubai/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/world-s-largest-date-factory-set-up-in-dubai-industrial-city-1.1179217 – Al Barakah Dates has announced plans to expand its existing facility in Dubai Industrial City, aiming to become the world’s largest privately-owned date factory. The expansion will increase production capacity to over 100,000 tonnes of dates and date products annually, nearly half of the UAE’s domestic harvest. The new facility will cover 55,742 square metres and is expected to be completed in early 2022. It will be equipped with more than 6,500 solar panels to offset 3,000 tonnes of emissions per year. This move aligns with the growing demand for healthier sugar alternatives and supports the UAE’s national food security efforts.
- https://www.arabianbusiness.com/abnews/395680-dubai-date-factory-to-become-worlds-first-to-run-on-solar-power – Al Barakah Dates Factory in Dubai Industrial Park has become the world’s first date factory to operate entirely on solar power. In partnership with Enviromena Power Systems, a 1 megawatt peak rooftop solar photovoltaic system was installed, comprising 3,220 solar panels. This system offsets 100% of the factory’s electricity needs, resulting in savings of AED 10 million and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 882 tonnes annually. The factory processes over 60,000 tonnes of dates per year and exports to more than 54 countries worldwide.
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubai-to-have-worlds-largest-date-factory – Dubai is set to host the world’s largest date and date-product factory, with Al Barakah Dates announcing plans to double its existing facility in Dubai Industrial City. The expanded factory will process over 100,000 tonnes of dates and date products annually, equivalent to almost half of the UAE’s domestic harvest. Covering a total area of 600,000 square feet, including 420,000 square feet of processing and cold storage space, the facility is due for completion in early 2022. It will be equipped with more than 6,500 solar panels to offset 3,000 tonnes of emissions per year.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/worlds-first-date-factory-to-run-on-solar-power-in-dubai-fmyewja8 – Al Barakah Dates Factory in Dubai Industrial Park has become the world’s first date factory to operate entirely on solar power. In partnership with Enviromena Power Systems, a 1 megawatt peak rooftop solar photovoltaic system was installed, comprising 3,220 solar panels. This system offsets 100% of the factory’s electricity needs, resulting in savings of AED 10 million and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 882 tonnes annually. The factory processes over 60,000 tonnes of dates per year and exports to more than 54 countries worldwide.
- https://www.abfholdings.com/milestones/achievements – Al Barakah Dates has achieved several milestones, including becoming the world’s largest privately-owned date factory in March 2021, with a total factory area of 600,000 square feet. The expansion was driven by increasing demand for healthier sugar alternatives. In May 2018, the factory became the world’s first solar-powered date factory, installing 3,220 solar PV panels on a 10,000-square metre building, offsetting 100% of its electricity needs and reducing 2,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The company exports to over 85 countries and has been recognized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in February 2022 for its export achievements.
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/world-s-largest-date-factory-set-up-in-dubai-industrial-city-1.1179217 – Al Barakah Dates has announced plans to expand its existing facility in Dubai Industrial City, aiming to become the world’s largest privately-owned date factory. The expansion will increase production capacity to over 100,000 tonnes of dates and date products annually, nearly half of the UAE’s domestic harvest. The new facility will cover 55,742 square metres and is expected to be completed in early 2022. It will be equipped with more than 6,500 solar panels to offset 3,000 tonnes of emissions per year. This move aligns with the growing demand for healthier sugar alternatives and supports the UAE’s national food security efforts.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
3
Notes:
The narrative reports on a recent tour by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the Al Barakah Dates Factory, highlighting its status as the world’s first solar-powered date processing facility. This development was first announced in 2018, with a press release detailing the installation of a 1 MWp rooftop solar photovoltaic system by Enviromena Power Systems. ([zawya.com](https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/worlds-first-date-factory-to-run-on-solar-power-in-dubai-fmyewja8?utm_source=openai)) The most recent update on this project was in 2022, when the Dubai Chamber of Commerce recognised Al Barakah Dates Factory for its outstanding trade performance. ([albarakahdatesfactory.com](https://albarakahdatesfactory.com/media/?utm_source=openai)) The current narrative appears to be a republished or recycled version of earlier reports, with no new substantial information or developments. The lack of new data and the recycling of older material suggest a low freshness score. Additionally, the narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([albarakahdatesfactory.com](https://albarakahdatesfactory.com/media/?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
2
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from Yousuf Saleem, CEO of Al Barakah Dates Factory, discussing the company’s energy-intensive processes and the benefits of solar power. These quotes were first reported in 2018, with no new statements or variations found in the current narrative. The repetition of these quotes without new context or information suggests potential reuse of content. The lack of new or exclusive quotes raises concerns about the originality of the content.
Source reliability
Score:
4
Notes:
The narrative originates from Lovin Dubai, a local news outlet. While it is a known source, it is not as widely recognised or reputable as international news organisations. The reliance on a single, less-established source for the narrative raises questions about the reliability and credibility of the information presented. The lack of corroboration from more reputable sources further diminishes the trustworthiness of the report.
Plausability check
Score:
5
Notes:
The claims about Al Barakah Dates Factory being the world’s first solar-powered date processing facility and its production capacity are plausible and align with previous reports from 2018. However, the lack of new developments or updates in the current narrative suggests that the information may be outdated or recycled. The absence of new data or corroboration from other reputable sources raises concerns about the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative fails to provide new or original information, relying on recycled content from previous reports without substantial updates or new developments. The repetition of quotes and data from 2018, coupled with the lack of corroboration from more reputable sources, raises significant concerns about the freshness, originality, and reliability of the information presented. The reliance on a single, less-established source further diminishes the trustworthiness of the report.
