ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — AD Ports Group has signed a 50-year land lease agreement with Al Ain Mills, part of Jordan-based Al-Hazaa Investment Group, that includes the development of a grain storage and processing facility at the Khalifa Port in the UAE.

At 50,000 square meters, the facility will have a storage capacity of approximately 300,000 tonnes and is planned to be online within 2½ years after the start of construction. It is expected to play a crucial role in supporting the UAE’s food security initiatives and will contribute to the economic growth of the region by creating new job opportunities and fostering trade activities, AD Ports Group said in its Feb. 4 announcement.

The South Quay plot within Khalifa Port will provide Al Ain Mills with direct access to deep-water berths and port facilities. This development is set to significantly boost the efficiency and capacity of grain storage and handling, catering to the growing demand for high-quality grain products in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and beyond, AD Ports Group said.

“This agreement underscores the strategic importance of Khalifa Port as a vital trade hub, not only for the UAE but for the entire region,” said Saif Al Mazrouei, chief executive officer, ports cluster, for AD Ports Group. “The state-of-the-art grain storage and processing facility will enhance our port’s capabilities and attract more customers seeking world-class infrastructure and seamless access to global markets.”

Al Ain Mills, established in 2010 in Ajman, UAE, processes soft and hard wheat from countries such as Canada and Australia, as well as European and Black Sea countries. In addition to serving local customers, the mill ships flour to more than 10 countries in Asia, Africa and South America.