The UAE’s desert bloom is on its way to a flowering spring. The country is about to embark on one of the region’s most ambitious initiatives. Near the present Dubai Expo 2020 site, the UAE will construct the world’s largest vertical farm. The project will shortly be operational. Most important foods, such as green vegetables and tomatoes, will be grown on the farm.
Essa Abdul Rahman Al Hashemi, Head of the UAE’s Food and Water Security Office, discussed his vision for the country’s gradual march toward a progressive green revolution and self-sufficiency in food production aided by technological marvels at the Food, Agriculture & Livelihoods event.
According to the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE farmers presently produce around 70 distinct vegetable and fruit kinds! The food basket of the country is separated into many subcategories, one of which being homegrown food. Technology has been the forerunner of a desert farming revolution in recent years.
Techniques such as temperature management, humidity control, and other underlying factors aid in increasing yield. Indoor farming is becoming increasingly popular among Emiratis. Currently, the United Arab Emirates boasts approximately 35,000 high-tech farms that use techniques such as hydroponics and vertical farming.
The country aspires to see investment and innovation in the agrotech industry in order to ensure long-term food production and food security, as outlined by the United Nations Food Security Program. In this sector, the ministry is looking to partner with and engage with innovators and investors.