Emirates Crop One, along with Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), the largest catering operation in the world serving over 100 airlines, has launched the largest vertical farm in Dubai.
Bustanica, located near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central is the largest hydroponic farm in the world.
The facility will produce over 1,000,000 kilograms of high-quality leafy greens yearly, which requires 95% less water than conventional agriculture.
The farm uses a closed loop system to circulate water to maximise water usage and efficiency.
When the water vaporises, it is recovered and recycled into the system, saving 250ml of water every year in comparison to traditional outdoor farming for the same output.
The farm uses technology including machine learning, artificial intelligence and advanced methods as well as a highly specialised in-house team that includes agronomy experts, engineers, horticulturists and plant scientists.
A continuous production cycle is followed to ensure that the produce is fresh and clean and grown without pesticides, herbicides or chemicals.
From July, passengers onboard Emirates flights will be able to try the leafy greens, including lettuces, arugula, mixed salad greens and spinach.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said, “Long-term food security and self-sufficiency are vital to the economic growth of any country, and the UAE is no exception. We’ve specific challenges in our region, given the limitations around arable land and climate. 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.