Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
UAE University students showcased some of their innovations that link agriculture to technology and sustainability at Global Food Week.
Presenting his home-growing project, Salem Alalawi told Aletihad: "Growing native microgreens like ghaf, moringa and date palm at home supports local production and encourages sustainable, healthy living in the UAE."
He explained that microgreens are young edible seedlings harvested 7–21 days after germination and rich in flavour and nutrients.
His growing kit uses shallow trays with soil, cocopeat, or palm peat.
Seeds are kept moist to sprout in two to three days, and harvested within one to three weeks, with spent mats composted to reduce waste.
"By using seeds naturally produced in large quantities every year, we connect people to the UAE's plants and traditions while strengthening food security," he said.
This approach reduces reliance on imported vegetables and aligns with national food security goals.
Fellow student Manaal Nojimol Mansar presented UpZyme, a project that upcycles food waste into functional enzymes.
"We developed a multi-nutrient fermentation soup from dairy whey, brewery waste and Kombucha residue.
Beneficial microbes then produce enzymes that can modify texture, create natural flavours, and reduce dependence on synthetic additives," she explained.
"This demonstrates a sustainable, zero-waste approach that supports a circular economy."
Aysha Alkaabi introduced the DILU – Dynamic Intelligent Liquid Unit, a compact system for precise liquid handling.
She said its AI-based planning and touchscreen control "makes processes faster, more accurate and safer, while lowering waste."
The device is designed for hospital labs, research centres, and educational institutions.
Shaima Misbah, presented a greenhouse digital twin.
"It is a system that learns from real-life greenhouse data - like humidity and temperature - and creates a virtual simulation," she explained.
"This way, adjustments can be tested virtually before applying them in reality, reducing risks and resource waste. It contributes to smart agriculture and UAE Vision 2031."
Reem Alothman demonstrated a camera-based app that enables researchers to quickly capture plant metrics in the field.
"By scanning plants with a camera, the app instantly provides measurements such as height, diameter, leaves and branches," she said.
"This saves time and effort, giving researchers accurate data to improve the quality and quantity of food production. It also contributes to food security by helping identify the best agricultural solutions."
