Baladna signs feed supply partnership with Al Dahra to support global dairy expansion

UAE – Qatar Baladna has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UAE-based Al Dahra Holding to explore a strategic partnership focused on global farming collaborations and long-term animal feed supply, as the Qatari dairy producer expands its international operations, including in Syria.

The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi during the Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum and establishes a framework for cooperation in agricultural production, feed sourcing, and supply chain management. 

Under the proposed partnership, Al Dahra would serve as Baladna’s global farming partner and strategic supplier of grains and other feed commodities tailored to Baladna’s operational requirements.

The collaboration is expected to support Baladna’s growing dairy footprint across multiple markets by securing consistent access to feed inputs, a critical factor in dairy production economics and food security planning in the Middle East.

Marek Warzywoda and Wissam Abbas signed the MoU in the presence of senior executives from both companies, including Saifullah Khan, Maurice A. Ghattas, and Arnoud van den Berg.

“This agreement represents a strategic step in strengthening Baladna’s global supply chain capabilities as we expand our dairy operations internationally,” said Warzywoda.

“Partnering with a leading agribusiness player such as Al Dahra allows us to secure a reliable, high-quality feed supply while building an integrated farming platform that supports long-term food security and sustainable growth across key markets, including Syria.”

Feed security remains central to Gulf dairy expansion

Feed sourcing has become a major strategic priority for dairy and livestock companies across the Gulf region, where limited arable land, water scarcity, and dependence on imported grains continue to shape production economics.

Animal feed typically accounts for the highest operational cost in dairy farming, representing a substantial share of milk production expenses. 

As a result, Gulf agribusiness firms have increasingly invested in overseas farming assets, grain supply agreements, and vertically integrated feed supply chains to reduce exposure to global commodity price volatility and supply disruptions.

Al Dahra has built a global agricultural sourcing network spanning Eastern Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia, supplying feed and food commodities to markets across the Middle East. 

The company’s expertise in forage production, grain trading, and logistics is expected to complement Baladna’s rapidly expanding dairy operations.

The proposed partnership also reflects broader regional efforts to strengthen food and feed security through long-term strategic sourcing agreements and integrated agricultural investments.

Baladna expands beyond Qatar

Baladna has continued to expand internationally following its rapid growth in Qatar, where it emerged as a major dairy producer after the 2017 Gulf blockade accelerated domestic food production initiatives.

The company has since pursued opportunities in several international markets, including Algeria and Syria, as it seeks to replicate its vertically integrated dairy production model abroad.

Reliable access to feed commodities is expected to play a central role in supporting these expansion plans, particularly in markets where local feed production remains limited or vulnerable to climate-related disruptions.

According to Al Dahra CEO Arnoud van den Berg, the collaboration aims to develop scalable agricultural systems capable of meeting rising global demand for dairy products while improving supply chain efficiency and productivity across multiple markets.

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