DUBAI There are many myths about organic foods out there, but a visit to this Dubai farm may help you debunk them.
Called Organic Oasis, the Al Khawaneej-based farm not only lets you pluck the organic produce fresh off the ground, but also get up close with everything that goes into its making.
Says Emirati Sheikha A. Al Muhairy who set up the farm: “Transparency is the key to our products which include fruits, vegetables and eggs. We use modern organic techniques coupled with 100 per cent natural ingredients.”
A health-conscious eater, she said she was motivated to set up Organic Oasis last year as the source of many organic products on the shelves of local supermarkets seemed elusive, “almost as if they were coming from a secret farm”.
Open to public
She said, “As a consumer, I was not being educated or allowed to see how these organic products came about. So I established a farm that would be accessible to the public. I wanted people to reconnect with nature and agriculture. I wanted them to realise that chicken is a live animal and fruits and vegetables grow off the ground. Today, kids visiting our farms have a great time hunting around for fresh eggs while learning all about how they are made.”
Sheikha said Organic Oasis encourages first-hand farm visits to ensure transparency.
“This is a way for consumers to experience real life farming. Healthy lifestyles are necessary to counter the fast pace and stress of work. Whoever wants to relax in an oasis of organic goodness not very far from home is welcome to visit us. It relaxes you and at the same time, you can learn about our farming techniques and methods.,” she noted.
Sheikha said a team of 10 farmers currently grows 52 crops across three plots spanning six hectares, she said, adding, “We are into our second season now and have produced over 50 tonnes of mixed crops.”
She claimed Organic Oasis produces the best quality organic vegetables, fruits and eggs as it is the only farm in the UAE that is organically certified by the German body BCS Öko–Garantie GmbH and locally, by ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology).
Besides offering farm fresh produce to visitors, Organic Oasis also caters to corporate orders.
Its products are available at a number of local supermarkets, organic stores and restaurants. A big veggie box costs Dh150 and a fruit box Dh130. The produce is also sold individually.
Sheikha said Organic Oasis holds periodic events and encourages individual, family, school and corporate visits.
The visits cost Dh30 per head, which includes a bottle of water and some snacks.
