Mawarid, a subsidiary of Alpha Dhabi Holding, has joined forces with California-based Plenty to develop a pioneering 7,500-square-metre indoor vertical strawberry farm in Abu Dhabi. With an investment of Dh500 million, this collaboration aims to advance food security in the UAE and GCC through cutting-edge agricultural technology.
Project Details and Production Goals
Construction of the farm is set to begin this winter. The facility will initially focus on growing strawberries, with an annual production goal of over 2 million kilograms. Future phases may expand to other crops based on market demand.
Advanced Technologies
The farm will incorporate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, custom hardware, LED lighting, and proprietary software. These innovations will optimise growing conditions and enhance the quality of the produce year-round.
Sustainability and Environmental Benefits
Vertical farming technology offers significant environmental advantages, including up to 99% less land use and 90% less water consumption compared to traditional farming methods. This initiative will support the UAE’s sustainability goals by reducing transportation emissions and ensuring a stable supply of fresh, local produce.
Economic Impact
The project is expected to create around 100 direct jobs per farm, with additional employment opportunities anticipated in the supply chain and distribution sectors. This will contribute significantly to the local economy.
Alignment with National Food Security Goals
The vertical strawberry farm aligns with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the Agrifood Growth and Water Abundance cluster (AGWA). It supports national efforts to enhance food security and sustainability while providing premium local produce.
Local and Regional Food Security
By producing strawberries locally, the project addresses the increasing demand for fresh produce and reduces reliance on international shipping. This will not only lower transportation emissions but also ensure the availability of high-quality strawberries throughout the year.
