Sokovo inaugurates a vertical farm in the industrial city of Dubai to reinforce the national food security agenda

As the global push towards positive climate action drives greater investment in sustainable food production, Sokovo has launched its vertical farm to produce leafy greens and microgreens in Dubai Industrial City, a part of PJSC TECOM Group.

SokovoThe opening of the factory contributes to the UAE’s push for food security, which is also on the agenda of the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023 (COP28) which concludes today at EXPO City Dubai.

The covered farm has a plot size of over 100,000 square feet (sq ft), with a total built-up area spanning over 20,000 square feet and a production capacity of 360 tons, equivalent to nearly 160 standard shipping containers twenty feet unloaded. . It joins an exclusive FB economic zone in Dubai Industrial City and will grow fresh kale, spinach, lettuce, basil and rosemary, among other leafy greens and microgreens. The farm will supply its products to hypermarkets, hotels and restaurants across the country, helping to reduce dependence on food imports and meet the needs of the UAE’s growing population.

“The challenges of agriculture in the desert belong to the past”

saying Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industry at TECOM Group, on behalf of Dubai Industrial City.

“Vertical farming provides an excellent solution to ensure UAE residents have access to fresh produce, especially as demand grows in line with the population.

“The launch of the Sokovo advanced hydroponic farm in Dubai Industrial City brings us closer to achieving the objectives of the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051, while promoting the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, Operation 300 billion and the Make it in the Emirates visions. enhance UAE local supply chains across various sectors.”

Harsh Gurbani, owner of Sokovosaying,

“Dubai Industrial City has been a key support in the creation and establishment of our farm, which focuses on sustainability by ensuring that the water it consumes is recycled and reused. We also ensure maximum use of natural sunlight in a temperature-controlled environment and remain committed to supplying the UAE with pesticide-free, local and newly produced items. As long-time residents of the UAE, we are proud to contribute to making the country more independent and self-sufficient to improve its food security.”

SokovoState-of-the-art hydroponic facilities use sustainable design and technologies to ensure high-quality performance and efficient resource consumption without pesticides. It features seven meter high towers with a double retractable sliding roof to ensure that all crops receive maximum and equal exposure to renewable natural light while reducing electricity consumption.

The launch of the facility follows Dubai Industrial City’s strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in May 2023 to boost food security in the UAE. Signed on the sidelines of Dubai Industrial City’s Make Brilliance awareness campaign, the agreement will allow both parties to promote the adoption of advanced technology and emphasize the importance of innovation, knowledge sharing and nutritional security.

Dubai Industrial City is among the region’s leading industrial manufacturing and logistics hubs, catalysing the strengthening of the UAE’s industrial sector as home to over 800 clients, including FB industry leaders such as Nutridor, Al Barakah Dates, Patchi and Barakat Quality Plus. .

With over 300 operational factories, Dubai Industrial City belongs to TECOM Group’s portfolio of 10 business districts, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, and Dubai Design District (d3).

News source: Emirates News Agency