The UAE is utilising modern farming technology to boost local food production and improve food security. In the last nine months, the country has launched the world’s biggest vertical farm, as well as the largest hydroponic farm.
High temperatures, limited water supplies and finite arable land present a number of challenges for the farming sector in the Gulf region. According to the Global Food Security Index, these countries consume approximately US$29.5 billion worth of food per year, 85% of which is imported. This means that the region lacks control over its food sources and is vulnerable to disruption in supply chains and price fluctuations.
Due to concerns about the country’s dependence on foreign-grown food, the UAE’s government has been accelerating its support of AgriTech companies. Abu Dhabi has launched a number of initiatives, including US$41million in grants and incentives worth US$545million to support expansion.
Vertical farming
AeroFarms AgX, the largest indoor vertical farm of its kind, was launched in Abu Dhabi in February 2023. At 65,000 square feet, the farm will focus on bringing Research and Development (R&D) to the UAE and the Middle East. This new venture, which is supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), aims to lead the way in breakthrough innovations to solve some of the world’s most pressing agriculture challenges.
“The grand opening of AeroFarms AgX, and our ongoing partnership with ADIO reflects our bigger commitment to help transform agriculture, accelerate innovating cycles, and commercialise new products for the region and the world,” said David Rosenberg, Co-Founder and CEO of AeroFarms, in a statement.
Vertical farming is a process that involves growing crops in vertically stacked layers or structures. Produce is typically grown indoors, in buildings or warehouses, in a controlled environment that provides plants with the ideal growing conditions, such as temperature, light, humidity and nutrient levels.
Another large indoor farm called GreenFactory Emirates facility in Abu Dhabi is able to grow around 10,000 tonnes of fresh produce a year. By controlling the growing conditions, farmers can produce crops all year-round, regardless of weather conditions or outdoor climate. Furthermore, growing vertically allows for conservation in space, resulting in a higher crop yield per square foot of land used. It also requires less water than traditional farming methods.
Saudi Arabia has also began investing in vertical farming. US-based farming specialist AeroFarms and the Saudi government-owned Public Investment Fund have partnered to develop a network of vertical farms. The first of which will launch in Riyadh next year. It is set to be the largest of its kind in the region, with annual production of up to 1.1 million kilograms of leafy greens and herbs.
Marc Oshim, AeroFarms co-founder and chief marketing officer, said in a statement, that his company plans to develop several more facilities in the Middle East and North Africa region in the coming years.
Hydroponics
This modern way of farming involves growing plants in nutrient-rich water, without soil. This technique is gaining popularity worldwide as it allows farmers to grow crops efficiently throughout the year in controlled environments, using less space and about 90% less water than traditional farming.
In July 2022, a 330,000 square-foot hydroponic farm called Bustanica, was launched by a joint venture between Emirates’ flight catering unit and indoor vertical farming firm Crop One. The US$40 million venture is set to grow more than a million kilograms of leafy greens per year, or about 3 000kgs per day. By utilising machine learning and artificial intelligence, the farm will save 250 million litres of water and grow fresh produce without pesticides, herbicides or chemicals.
The produce, such as lettuce, arugula, mixed salad greens and spinach, is already being served to passengers on Emirates’ flights. Consumers in the UAE will be able to purchase the produce at supermarkets in the coming months, Emirates said in a statement.
At the official launch of the farm, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said: “The Dubai Food Security Committee constantly reviews current opportunities and challenges within the national food security strategy framework. Our plans for enhancing self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector by supporting the use of technologies and applied research in food processing and agriculture are focused on meeting the current and future needs of Dubai’s citizens and residents.”
In February 2023, the first permanent Manbat shop, which aims to provide a link between local farmers and consumers in the UAE, was launched in Sharjah.
The Manbat initiative is a partnership between property developers Arada and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The first phase of the initiative began in 2021 with the roll out of Emirati farmers’ markets, which are currently taking place on a weekly basis during the growing season across the country. These markets allow Emirati food producers to sell their wares directly to customers and retail buyers, which helps to reduce the country’s greenhouse emissions and boost the local agriculture sector. The shop also has an on-site hydroponic farm and offers educational tours that focus on nutrition and Emirati culture. The Manbat Shop is open daily and is located at the Areej 6 building in Aljada in Sharjah.
While hydroponic and vertical farms have some drawbacks such as the high cost of setup and maintenance and requires specialised equipment and expertise, it offers farmers ample opportunity to combat the challenges posed by hot weather and limited water supplies, and bolster food security in the region.