Dubai carrier Emirates’ catering unit has opened what it calls the world’s largest hydroponic farm in the UAE.
Emirates Flight Catering and agritech firm Crop One launched the $40 million facility near Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai.
The 330,000-square-foot facility is expected to produce more than 1 million kilograms of leafy greens on 95 percent less water use, the Emirates unit said in a statement.
Called Bustanica, the site utilises machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced agricultural methods to produce lettuces, arugula, mixed salad greens, and spinach, which will then be served onboard Emirates flights.
The produce will also be sold to supermarkets across the country, its builders said, with plans to expand production to include fruits and other vegetables.
“Long-term food security and self-sufficiency are vital to the economic growth of any country, and the UAE is no exception,” Emirates chief Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said, highlighting the Middle East’s unique agricultural challenges because of extreme climate conditions.
“Bustanica ushers in a new era of innovation and investments, which are important steps for sustainable growth and align with our country’s well-defined food and water security strategies,” he added.
The vertical farm uses a closed-loop system designed to circulate water through the plants, according to the statement, ultimately reducing water usage. When the water vaporises, it is recovered and recycled into the system, it added.
The farm is expected to save 250 million litres of water every year compared to traditional outdoor farming.
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