There are enormous benefits to indoor farms. They often use 90% less water than traditional farms. Indoor farming also eliminates pesticides and reduces fertilizer. It’s possible to grow delicate, flavorful foods that otherwise wouldn’t survive a long trip through the supply chain. And as climate change makes extreme heat and drought more likely, growing inside could become necessary for some crops. 

Since its launch in July 2022, UAE-based Bustanica, the indoor vertical farm, has been driven by technology, including machine learning and artificial intelligence. 

Produce is grown without pesticides or herbicides, providing a variety of lettuce, spinach, parsley, and kale.

To leverage Bustanica’s local expertise and tech know-how in meeting the market’s demands, Emirates Flight Catering has fully acquired Emirates Bustanica, formerly Emirates Crop One, and its consumer brand Bustanica.

The move now makes Emirates Bustanica a fully UAE-owned company, marking its dedication towards sustaining the Gulf state’s vision of enhancing food and water security and its agricultural capabilities. 

Bustanica’s 330,000-square-foot facility can grow more than 1 million kilograms of quality leafy greens annually. This is equivalent to 3 tonnes daily, using 95% less water than conventional agriculture.

At COP28, Emirates Bustanica was a preferred produce supplier, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The Innovation By Design Summit is in Doha on April 24. Attendance at the summit is by invitation only. Delegates can register here to receive their exclusive invite.