Abu Dhabi is to build the world's largest indoor farm as part of a major drive to bolster the UAE's food security.
The GreenFactory Emirates aims to produce 10,000 tonnes of fresh food every year on a 17.5-hectare plot with a cultivation area spanning 160,000 square metres.
The forward-thinking project is being developed by Abu Dhabi's RainMaker Capital Investment in partnership with GrowGroup IFS from the Netherlands.
The hi-tech agriculture scheme has been hailed by Mariam Al Mheiri, Minister of State for Food Security, as "instrumental" to the nation's mission to become more self-reliant.
"The private sector play a vital role in the transition towards more sustainable food systems," she said.
"Private sector organisations have entrepreneurial traits that drive innovation. They possess the qualities necessary to disrupt existing non-sustainable agricultural systems."
"The UAE is applying concerted efforts to improve its domestic production of food, with agricultural technology – ‘AgTech’ – having a hugely important role to play.
"In fact, key targets of the government’s National Food Security strategy launched in November 2018 are to generate a 30 per cent yield improvement from technology-enabled production and for the UAE to become a world-leading hub in innovation-driven food security by 2051.
"Indoor farms such as GreenFactory Emirates are instrumental in helping us reach these goals."
Officials from both companies said the vast facility will boast a world-leading indoor growing system which combines vertical and flat farming and is able to overcome challenges typically posed by dry climates such as found in the Emirates.
Advanced farming methods will reduce water consumption by 95 per cent and cut carbon footprint by 40 per cent, a joint statement said.
As part of the ambitious plans, indoor farms are set to be built in other parts of the world affected by extreme climates.
Phase 1 of GreenFactory Emirates is due to be in operation prior to Expo2020 Dubai, which gets under way next October.
The innovative indoor farm is to be showcased at the high-profile global event.
Lody Embrechts, Dutch ambassador to the UAE, expects the Emirates to reap the rewards of knowledge cultivated in the Netherlands.
The embassy played a role in bringing businesses based in the Middle East and Europe together.
"The Netherlands has a lot to offer across all aspects of the food value chain," said Mr Embrechts.
"This flagship project is a symbol of the know-how and expertise available back home.
"As an embassy we are proud to have been able to contribute – within our means – to this project. We hope to intensify our co-operation with the UAE to further develop the local agriculture ecosystem."
Last month, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic had highlighted the crucial need for the country to make its food and water security strategy a top priority.
The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai said ensuring the nation is self-sustainable and able to protect its resources would be key to its development in the post-coronavirus age.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has given us a better view and a bigger ability to deal with challenges," said Sheikh Mohammed during a meeting with Ms Al Mheiri.
"We have to build on this experience to enhance our food and water security.
“Our food and water security is part of our national security. And the sustainability and preservation of the level of comfort in the UAE requires us to enhance national awareness on the importance of preserving our resources and creating a self sufficient system.”
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
