Farm fresh fruits and vegetables for Abu Dhabi residents

Abu Dhabi: If you are looking for fresh fruit and vegetables head to The Collection at St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort where a new Local Harvest Farmers Market offers farm fresh items beginning Saturday.

The central courtyard market will also have locally made arts and crafts and run every Saturday (10am-4pm) until summer.

Local Harvest is an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Farmers Services Centre (ADFSC), which was established in 2009 to provide technical and operational support services to help farmers grow and market their produce.

The Collection has tied up with Local Harvest who will source locally-grown fruit and vegetables that meet or exceed international standards from 1,250 farms in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.

Chris Hirst, chief executive officer, ADFSC, said: “The market at The Collection is a great fit for ADFSC and Local Harvest. We have previously had success bringing local farm produce to supermarkets and stores across the emirates.

“On top of this we are excited to work directly with the community at events such as The Collection market. Community events such as this give us an opportunity to speak directly with UAE residents about the benefits of buying high quality, farm fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and honey.”

Visitors can also make it a complete day chilling out at The Collection’s Mediterranean village-inspired courtyards, piazzas and terraces, browse through boutique gift shops, or enjoy a meal in one of many restaurants and cafés – with the picturesque Saadiyat Beach as a magnificent backdrop.

Community bonding

“We wanted to create an event that would regularly bring the community together and offer a great place for all the family. We believe that The Collection, which is fast becoming a lifestyle destination in Abu Dhabi, is the perfect location to do just that,” said Angus Woodhead, director of retail development at Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC).