Dubai-based Viqa Investment has established a strategic collaboration with the Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products Factory (Camelicious).
This partnership, the two shared, is driven by a “shared vision to harness the potential of camel manure,” utilising “state-of-the-art biochar” transformation technology.
“Our ultimate goal is to restore arid landscapes, transforming them into fertile, cultivable lands to enhance food security, promote agriculture, and more,” commented Adam Viqa, Chairman & CEO of Viqa Investment.
It employs “Carbo-FORCE”, a German technology that carbonises residues into energy and biochar.
It was recently showcased by the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28.
Carbo-FORCE is a product of collaboration between two prominent German companies, and has been successfully introduced at “Camelicious in Dubai.”
“The resultant Biochar is akin to a ‘miracle soil,’ initially utilized by South American indigenous communities over a thousand years ago. This miraculous biochar has the remarkable ability to convert sandy deserts into permanently fertile, arable land,” explained Viqa.
According to Viqa, the utilisation of organic waste materials, such as those generated by large urban centres, can play a “pivotal role” in greening and revitalising once-barren desert landscapes.
“It possesses the unique capability of water retention, making a significant contribution to water conservation efforts. This innovation plays a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, yielding multiple environmental benefits,” he added.
Primarily, biochar, it said, mitigates the need for landfills, which emit methane, which contributes to 23 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per ton of methane, further exacerbating our environmental challenges.
“The process of biochar production not only permanently sequesters carbon, but also harnesses renewable energy in the form of thermal and electrical energy, replacing fossil fuels at the camel farm,” the two shared.
This, they said, establishes a foundation for eliminating organic waste, reducing CO2 emissions, producing and utilising renewable energy, and creating biochar, which can nourish the desert soil and increase water-holding capacity for organic agriculture in the desert.
This, it was shared, enhances agricultural self-sufficiency, reducing the need for vegetable imports.
The Chairman & CEO of Viqa Investment said: “I initially brought German techniques and a German mindset with me, but my time here has been transformative, largely due to the inspirational leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in Dubai. His visionary approach has ignited a newfound determination in me to envision a bold future and pursue pioneering success. I take immense pride in announcing that this technology represents a historic milestone for the Arab world.”
“The very ground beneath our feet is on the verge of becoming a new source of prosperity, akin to the significance of ‘black gold.’ the UAE has a blessed National Animal (the camel). Camel has been the UAE’s source of transportation, food and medicine… Today, the camel has become a true source of fertile land, making the animal UAE’s Circular treasure. We are contributing a fresh Emirati innovation to the prestigious ‘Made in the UAE’ legacy,” Viqa noted.
Mutasher Awadh Al Badry, CEO of Emirates Industry for Camel Milk and Products Factory, commented: “Our partnership with Viqa Investment stands as a cornerstone in our unyielding commitment to address a significant environmental challenge. Together, we have forged a sustainable solution to efficiently manage and repurpose substantial volumes of camel manure, perfectly aligning with our dedication to the UAE Vision 2050’s net-zero strategy for achieving carbon emissions neutrality,” he said.
“Camelicious, guided by the visionary leadership of HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, steadfastly upholds its commitment to sustainability. Under his guidance, Camelicious has consistently championed sustainability, seamlessly aligning itself with Dubai’s forward-thinking leadership vision,” Al Badry said.
“This innovative process of turning camel manure into fertile soil not only mitigates environmental impacts, but also generates clean biological energy. This renewable energy source plays a pivotal role in meeting our farm’s energy needs while advancing our overarching sustainability goals,” he concluded.