Elite Agro Projects, under the leadership of General Manager Hassan Halawy, has been at the forefront of this transformation. Hassan Halawy shares insights into his journey, the innovative solutions adopted by Elite Agro Projects, and the crucial role technology plays in shaping the future of agriculture.

Hassan Halawy is the general manager of Elite Agro Projects, the design engineering construction arm of Elite Holding in the UAE. Hassan's journey in agriculture began in Africa, specifically Nigeria, after graduating from the American University in Beirut with a degree in agricultural engineering. He moved to the UAE in 2003, joining Elite Agro Projects as GM in 2020. Here, his vision was to revolutionize the industry by leveraging local expertise in optimal and sustainable growth conditions.

Our exploration of the greenhouses while talking to Hassan immersed us in an intriguing environment where predominantly figs and tomatoes were cultivated, aligning with Elite Agro's commitment to seasonal growth. Moving from the coolness of an air-conditioned car into Abu Dhabi's arid heat, and finally into the humid embrace of the nethouse, was a striking transition. The moment we entered we could feel, and almost taste the moisture that was in the air, it was like walking in a raincloud. This humidity level is used to create an environment that not only nurtures the crops but also cools the nethouse.

"We managed to succeed in creating sustainable agriculture that is also profitable," he declares. Solutions like retractable roof net houses and clever farming methods turn challenges into wins. “At Elite Agro Projects, we handle development projects globally. One notable project is the Elite Smart Farm, an innovation manufactured by Elite in the UAE to address challenges faced by farmers in Africa. This self-contained farm, housed in a 40-foot container, is powered by solar energy, equipped with a cold store, and features an automated irrigation system. It's designed to overcome issues such as being off the grid, shortage of water supply, and access to agriculture extension services.”

Navigating the swift currents of horticultural innovation, for Hassan, keeping up with technology is both a challenge and a necessity. Immersing himself in data science, he underscores Elite Agro Projects' tech investments, eyeing a future where machine learning and artificial intelligence predict the best conditions for crops.

Drawing from the UAE's experience, he stresses the value of water, emphasizing efficiency through hydroponics and controlled environment agriculture to minimize water use.

Transitioning to the day-to-day dance of modern farming, Hassan sheds light on the changing role of technology. While a horticultural background is beneficial, technology has reshaped the game, allowing growers to manage multiple projects remotely. Connectivity and IoT devices have redefined the profession, making operations more efficient and streamlined.

Priva's comprehensive solutions align seamlessly with Hassan's vision, offering round-the-clock control over climate and irrigation, along with real-time updates on conditions.

Hassan Halawy is a clear-sighted dreamer that infuses his personal dedication and knack for tech into the promising future of agriculture. Under Hassan's guidance, Elite Agro Projects isn't just a farm; it's a living proof that farming can roll with the punches of a changing world.