Emirates Flight Catering Debuts the Biggest Vertical Farm in the World, Based in Dubai

Tuesday 19th of July 2022

The largest hydroponic farm in the world, supported by a $40 million investment, has opened its doors in Bustanica. The facility serves as the first vertical farm for Emirates Crop One, a joint venture between Crop One, a leader in technology-driven indoor vertical farming, and Emirates Flight Catering (EFC), one of the largest catering companies in the world serving more than 100 airlines.

The 330,000 sq ft facility, which is situated at Dubai World Central close to Al Maktoum International Airport, is designed to produce more than 1,000,000 kilograms of premium leafy greens annually while using 95% less water than traditional agriculture. The facility grows more than 1 million cultivars (plants) at any given time, with a daily output of 3,000 kg.

Powerful technology, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, and sophisticated methods, as well as a highly specialized internal team composed of agronomy specialists, engineers, horticulturists, and plant scientists, are what drive Bustanica. The produce is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals and is extremely fresh and clean.

From July, travelers on Emirates and other airlines can look forward to enjoying these delectable leafy greens onboard their flights, including lettuce, arugula, mixed salad greens, and spinach. In the UAE, customers will soon be able to add these greens to their shopping carts at the closest supermarkets, so Bustanica is revolutionizing more than just salads in the sky. Bustanica also intends to increase its production and retail of fresh produce.

“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.” Shared the Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, Mr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

“Emirates Flight Catering constantly invests in the latest technologies to delight customers, optimise operations, and minimise our environmental footprint. Bustanica helps secure our supply chain, and ensures our customers can enjoy locally sourced, nutritious produce. By bringing production closer to consumption, we’re reducing the food journey from farm to fork. Congratulations to the Bustanica team for their remarkable achievements so far and for setting global standards and benchmarks in agronomy.” Concluded Mr Ahmed.