Region's First-Ever Vertical Strawberry Farm is Coming to the UAE
Berry exciting news for sustainable foodies in the region
22 July 2024
Abu Dhabi will be welcoming another first in the region's food scene...
After a series of exciting foodie "firsts" in the UAE, including the region's first Michelin Guide Food Festival plus the opening of Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi, the region's first culinary studio; the emirate is gearing up to launch another that'll kick the door open for a new wave of farming ventures.
This time, we can expect the region's first-ever indoor vertical strawberry farm, set to open in Abu Dhabi.
According to Reuters, the new farm is part of the US$680 million joint venture between US-based vertical farming startup, Plenty, and Mawarid Farming, a subsidiary of Alpha Dhabi Holding.
The partnership is in line with the capital's goals towards transforming into a smart, sustainable emirate.
What's sustainable about it?
The indoor vertical strawberry farm in Abu Dhabi will support the UAE's Green Agenda 2030 and the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
Sustainable foodies may be happy to hear that vertical farms typically lower transportation emissions and reduce carbon footprint. It's also estimated to use 99% less land and consume up to 90% less water.
At an area of 7,500 sqm, the farming venture is expected to locally produce about 4 million pounds of strawberries annually, making use of tech such as LED lighting, Artificial Intelligence, and other cutting-edge software.
The joint venture plans to build five farms in the Middle East over the next five years, starting off with the strawberry farm in Abu Dhabi which is planned to be up and running by 2026.
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