Desert To Dairy Farm: Inside Mleiha's Sharjah Factory That Produces 600 Tonnes Of Milk Daily

2026-01-01 11:13:42

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

What was once a stretch of arid desert in Sharjah's central region has been transformed into the largest farm of "A2A2" breed cattle in the world.

During a recent visit, Khaleej Times was offered an inside look at the Mleiha Dairy Factory, which spans an area of 20,000 square metres, and has a total capacity of approximately 600 tonnes.

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Here, modern technology and strict quality controls are enabling large-scale dairy farming in one of the region's most challenging climates.

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Inside the facility, visitors are guided through a clearly illustrated, end-to-end production process that traces milk's journey from farm to table.

Here are the steps involved:

The process begins at the farm, where cows are milke using automated systems designed to minimise human contact and maintain high hygiene standards.

Fresh milk is immediately transferred into stainless-steel cooling tanks, where temperatures are carefully regulated to preserve quality from the outset.

From the farm, the milk is transported in insulated tanker trucks directly to the factory, ensuring a continuous cold chain throughout the journey.

Upon arrival, the milk undergoes multiple quality and safety checks before entering the processing stage. Technicians monitor the milk as it moves through filtration and treatment units, with automation playing a central role in maintaining consistency, efficiency, and food safety.

Once processed, the milk is packaged using automated filling and sealing machines, with workers overseeing the production lines to ensure quality control.

Finished products are then moved into temperature-controlled storage areas before being dispatched to retailers. Delivery trucks leave directly from the factory, enabling milk and dairy products to reach stores within a short timeframe and reinforcing freshness for consumers.

Food resilience

The Mleiha Dairy project demonstrates how non-traditional landscapes can be transformed into productive agricultural centres through investment in technology and sustainable practices. By combining scale with innovation, the facility reflects Sharjah's broader efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and build long-term food resilience.

Healthy milk products

Beyond production scale, Mleiha milk has gained attention across the UAE for what sets it apart in terms of quality and composition. Launched in 2024, the brand quickly drew consumer interest, with demand rising shortly after it reached retail shelves.

The milk is sourced from cows carrying the A2A2 gene, a trait widely associated with easier digestibility compared to conventional dairy, making it popular among families and health-conscious consumers. The milk is produced without artificial additives and is known for its natural fat and protein content, reinforcing its positioning as a fresh, locally produced dairy option.

Expanding operations

Building on the success of its fresh milk, the Mleiha brand has expanded its product range to include flavoured milk, yogurt, laban and labneh. These products are manufactured within the same controlled environment, ensuring consistency across the brand's growing.

Distribution, which initially focused on Sharjah, has since expanded to outlets in Dubai and other emirates, with plans to further increase availability as production capacity grows.

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