Thousands of dairy cows shipped to Abu Dhabi from Uruguay

Shipment is part of biggest UAE cattle breeding project

Holstein cows are among the world’s top milk producing breed. Getty

A shipment of about 4,500 dairy cows have been delivered to Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi from Uruguay.

The import of Holstein cows, one of the world’s top milk producing breeds, is the first of several that will arrive in Abu Dhabi as part of the launch of the country’s largest dairy cattle breeding programme. The goal of the programme is to boost food security.

"The arrival of the first Holstein breed shipment is a perfect step to strengthen the country's efforts to enhance local production,” said Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of State for Food Security.

"The UAE has a strong and flexible food system and can cope with all current and future changes.”

She said the government aimed to increase local food production using technology and improve co-operation between local and global bodies.

Stringent safety and health precautions were observed during the transport of the cattle from Uruguay. Once the cows reached Abu Dhabi, veterinarians examined them and conducted a series of health tests, as per rules set out by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The cows are currently in quarantine, in accordance with international regulations, and will be released once test results are received, according to Wam, the state news agency.

UAE officials have partnered with other countries to maintain continuity of food supplies with no disruptions during the coronavirus outbreak. The government has also worked with suppliers across the UAE to ensure stocks replenished during the stay-home order in place over the past few months.

Last week, the UAE Cabinet launched a sustainable agriculture system that uses the latest technology to maximise farm production. The aim of the programme is to attract investments in agriculture projects across the Emirates.