ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 drives sustainable food production through advanced technology and smart solutions. By adopting cutting-edge agricultural systems, the nation balances food security, boosts production, and fosters economic diversification.
With a strong focus on resource conservation, especially water, the UAE sets a global example in sustainable, tech-driven agriculture.
The ‘Bustanica’ farm in Dubai, established by Emirates Flight Catering, stands as a spectacular model in global agriculture.
Recognised as the world’s largest vertical farm relying on hydroponic systems, ‘Bustanica’ utilises advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and cutting-edge applications.
The farm operates on a continuous production cycle, ensuring the highest quality, freshness, and cleanliness of produce, all while avoiding pesticides and chemicals.
This initiative contributes to food security and self-sufficiency, supports resource sustainability, boosts production, and furthers economic diversification based on knowledge-driven innovation.
The fifth season of the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign, launched under the theme ‘Green Tourism,’ aims to promote successful agricultural tourism destinations in the UAE.
The campaign, which is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, the National Agricultural Center, and local tourism bodies, encourages community involvement in sustainable farming practices and boosts visits to sustainable agricultural projects.
Aligned with the UAE's domestic tourism strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the initiative seeks to develop an integrated tourism ecosystem across the nation.
Smart technologies
Two years ago, on July 18, 2022, Emirates Flight Catering, one of the largest in-flight catering providers globally, announced the opening of the world’s largest hydroponic vertical farm, ‘Bustanica,’ farm, covering an area of 330,000 square feet near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, with an investment of AED 150 million.
Bustanica utilises hydroponic farming, a soil-free agricultural method where water serves as the growing medium for plants.
Soil-less farming projects, such as this, are economically viable in the medium to long term, with the potential to recover project costs within a period of 5 to 10 years.
The UAE is home to numerous pioneering agricultural projects that leverage modern technology, with hydroponic farming standing out as one of the most prominent.
This soil-free farming method boosts productivity, yielding nearly four times more than traditional greenhouse farming by using less space and growing more plants.
Key crops grown in the UAE through hydroponics include cucumbers, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and strawberries.
Investing in resources
Since its opening, ‘Bustanica’ farm has focused on maximizing resource efficiency, particularly water, to ensure sustainable, healthy food production.
Using advanced vertical farming techniques, the farm reduces water usage by 95% compared to traditional agriculture.
It produces leafy crops year-round, unaffected by climate or seasons, ensuring a constant supply to local markets.
The farm has made remarkable strides, now capable of cultivating over a million plants at any given time, producing 3,000 kilograms of high-quality leafy vegetables daily.
This consistent production results in over one million kilograms of fresh, top-tier vegetables annually.
Furthermore, the farm contributes to the supply chain of Emirates Flight Catering, providing locally produced, high-quality food for passengers, especially those flying with Emirates.
Beauty and Sustainability
Bustanica farm has become a one-of-a-kind domestic tourism destination for visitors seeking the beauty of nature combined with environmental sustainability.
The farm offers a chance to explore advanced technologies powered by artificial intelligence and cutting-edge applications, all managed by a highly skilled team of agricultural experts, engineers, horticulturists, and plant scientists.
Notable for its continuous production cycle, the farm ensures exceptionally fresh and clean produce, free from pesticides and chemicals.
It features a closed-loop irrigation system that recycles water, saving up to 250 million litres annually compared to traditional outdoor farming that produces the same yield.
The UAE is the first Arab country to adopt innovative vertical farming in its agricultural production, aligning with the nation’s commitment to sustainability and food security. Vertical farming is key in enhancing the UAE's food and agriculture system, incorporating advanced technologies across the agricultural value chain.
In 2023, the UAE launched several major vertical farming projects, boosting local agricultural production and improving self-sufficiency to achieve the goals of the national food security strategy and ensuring a diverse, sustainable food supply for the future.