Collect information on the cultivation of rice in Sharjah

Rice grown in the Sharjah desert promises bright farming future

Research in partnership with experts from South Korea reaps impressive crop yields in early trials

Rice is a demanding crop to grow. It typically requires specific conditions and flooded paddies but a group of scientists in the UAE are learning to turn the dry deserts of Sharjah into land capable of nurturing this global staple.

It is hoped the joint project between UAE University scientists and South Korean experts could lead the way for similar initiatives that will reduce the country's reliance on imported food.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced some rice growing nations to restrict the amount of produce they export.