H.H. Sheikh Mohammed tours Dubai's vertical farm Bustanica

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has highlighted the Emirate's commitment to ensuring food security while touring the newly opened vertical farm.

Pegged as the world’s largest vertical hydroponic farm, the Emirates Crop One (ECO 1) is geared to produce more than 1,000,000 kilograms of high-quality leafy greens annually, while requiring 95 per cent less water than conventional agriculture.

Sheikh Mohammed said the farm 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.

"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.

The farm reflects the country’s commitment to food security by fostering sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices, he said, adding, that the UAE has maintained the highest levels of food security with one of the world's most comprehensive plans to address this vital issue.

Developed in a joint venture between Emirates Flight Catering and Crop One, the $40 million facility near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central can grow 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.