Photos: Mohammed bin Rashid tours world’s largest vertical hydroponic farm in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai during a tour of Bustanica, the world’s largest vertical farm that recently opened in Dubai.

Speaking during the tour of the facility, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the unique initiative reflects the country’s commitment to food security by fostering sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices.

The UAE has maintained the highest levels of food security with one of the world's most comprehensive plans to address this vital issue, His Highness said. The UAE will continue to make the right investments in technologies and people to make food production and supply more agile and sustainable, His Highness added.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, during the tour of Bustanica opened by Emirates with an investment of Dh150 million ($40 million).

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the tour.

Sheikh Mohammed noted that the Emirates Group has made significant contributions to achieving the UAE’s vision of being a leader in shaping the future of humanity. The world’s largest vertical farm in Dubai is an embodiment of the UAE’s goal of generating solutions for the world’s greatest challenges and advancing innovation for creating a sustainable and prosperous tomorrow, he said.

Located near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, the newly opened hydroponic facility in Dubai is geared to produce more than 1,000,000 kilograms of high-quality leafy greens annually, while requiring 95% less water than conventional agriculture.

At any point in time, the facility grows in excess of 1 million plants, which provides an output of 3,000 kg per day. The leafy greens grown in the facility, which include lettuce, arugula, mixed salad greens and spinach, will be used for catering for passengers on Emirates and other airlines. People in the UAE will be able to buy the produce at stores under the Bustanica brand.