Dubai has opened a major new food technology centre that will serve as a "global destination" for innovative companies and a major economic engine for the emirate.
The forward-thinking Food Tech Valley was unveiled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai He claimed that the "city" will aid in the development of vertical farming and other advanced agriculture technologies, as well as strengthen the UAE's food security. The cutting-edge facility aims to triple the UAE's food production and increase the country's self-sufficiency. It was created in collaboration with Wasl Properties and the Ministry of Food and Water Security.
"We have put in motion the first phase of Food Tech Valley, a new futuristic and vibrant city that will serve as a global destination for food ecosystem start-ups and experts", according to Sheikh Mohammed.
"It will house R&D [research and development] facilities, an innovation centre, a smart food logistics hub, and vertical farming areas," according to the press release.
"Each year, the UAE's food trade reaches Dh100 billion ($27.2)." Our country is a global food logistics hub, and we will work to foster an atmosphere that encourages agribusinesses to build new farming technologies and improve our food security in the future.
“Food Tech Valley is one of a number of initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the UAE's food, water, and agricultural systems in accordance with the National Food Security Strategy.
"Food and medicine are critical sectors in ensuring a stable and healthy future for future generations."
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied at the event by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, and Mariam Al Mheiri, the Minister of State for Food Security.
Ms. Al Mheri said that the Food Tech Valley was vital to the objective of self-sufficiency and resource conservation.
"The Food Tech Valley project may be a critical step toward improving food security, and it'll act as a worldwide hub for knowledge across the whole food ecosystem," she said.
"It also will act as an economic zone, which is vital as long as the AgTech market is predicted to expand from $13.5 billion to $22 billion within the next four years.
“The project would come with a food innovation centre shaped sort of a head of wheat, also as labs, testing centres, and prototype agricultural systems.
It will help the R&D ecosystem and explore and deliver sustainable food solutions since it's strategically positioned near universities and academic institutions.
“We want to implement and improve the foremost cutting-edge methods for smart agriculture and food production, also as rationalise water use, accelerate basic food self-sufficiency, and share our fruitful experiences with countries everywhere the planet . this may assist us in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and protecting future generations.”
Agricultural technology and engineering, a food innovation centre, R&D services, and an integrated smart food logistics hub will make up the food hub.Development Goals and protecting future generations.”
Agricultural technology and engineering, a food innovation centre, R&D services, and an integrated smart food logistics hub will make up the food hub.
Congratulation!