Ahmed Hamad Al Sheikh, aged 24, has recently graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from a university in the UAE. Instead of embarking on a traditional career path, the young Emirati has chosen to dedicate himself full-time to his family's farm, aiming to enhance the country's food security. He is well aware that farm work extends beyond routine tasks like feeding and cleaning animals, and he is prepared to tackle the challenges head-on.
Al Sheikh was introduced to livestock breeding at the age of 13 and has since played a pivotal role in developing the family farm. 'My family already had a farm, and I grew up assisting in raising goats and sheep with my father and grandfather. What began as a hobby and a means to bond with my family has evolved into a significant venture,' Al Sheikh, who is based in Ras Al Khaimah, explained to Khaleej Times.
As the hobby transformed into a full-fledged business, he sold his car to fund his entrepreneurial efforts. His responsibilities now include managing farm operations, purchasing, and trading livestock. Initially, he focused on selling to relatives and friends, but his business expanded significantly through social media, allowing him to source livestock from diverse locations.
Balancing his studies at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic with farm management in Ras Al Khaimah was initially challenging. 'It was extremely difficult to manage both university and the farm, but with determination and support from others, I managed to overcome these obstacles,' he recounted. Despite the difficulties, he received extensive support from his family and friends.
Looking to the future, Al Sheikh has ambitious plans to expand his business, including establishing his own production farm separate from his father's and potentially importing livestock from neighboring countries. However, he remains flexible, acknowledging the possibility of returning to his electrical engineering background if needed. 'I aim to grow my business and establish a specialized company, but if the plans don’t materialize, I might consider going back to my field of study and finding a job there,' he stated.
Regarding the financial aspects, Al Sheikh noted that the business is highly demanding. 'There’s no success without effort and some losses. Livestock farming is incredibly expensive,' he shared. His farm, spanning 65,000 square feet, can accommodate numerous animals, and he is hopeful for increased support from authorities to aid projects like his that contribute to food security and local production.
