by Editor | May 25, 2021 | Muslim World
The GreenFactory Emirates
ABU DHABI: A joint venture between GrowGroup IFS from Barendrecht (The Netherlands) and RainMakers Capital Investment from Abu Dhabi, UAE, will build the largest indoor farm in the world in the desert of Abu Dhabi.
The GreenFactory Emirates will produce 10,000 tonnes of fresh produce per year on a plot of 17.5 hectares and a cultivation area of 160,000 sq m, said a statement.
The project, costing AED650 million ($176.96 million), is planned in different phases in three years. Phase 1 will be operational before Expo 2020 Dubai in October 2021, so GreenFactory Emirates can show the world its innovations.
GreenFactory Emirates will develop innovative indoor farming with the world’s most advanced indoor growing system from The Netherlands. It is a combination of vertical and flat farming and solves the normal cultivation restrictions due to extreme climates in regions like the UAE, the statement said.
The facility will involve numerous leading agro-technological companies in its construction as best of breed for each component will be sourced through top-tier Dutch companies. It is now possible to cultivate high-quality vegetables 100% pesticide-free, all year round and anywhere on the planet: “Quality of Holland – Local Grown.” From seeding, harvesting, processing to “ready to eat” products will take place under one roof.
The joint venture also plans to build other indoor farms in other regions of the world where extreme climates are a challenge to normal cultivation, they added.
Commenting on the venture, Mariam Hareb Almheiri, Minister of State for Food Security, said: “The private sector plays a vital role in the transition towards more sustainable food systems. Private sector organisations have entrepreneurial traits that drive innovation. They possess the qualities necessary to disrupt existing non-sustainable agricultural systems.”
She added: “The UAE is applying concerted efforts to improve its domestic production of food, with agricultural technology – ‘AgTech’ – having a hugely important role to play. In fact, key targets of the government’s National Food Security strategy launched in November 2018 are to generate a 30 percent yield improvement from technology-enabled production and for the UAE to become a world-leading hub in innovation-driven food security by 2051. Indoor farms such as GreenFactory Emirates are instrumental in helping us reach these goals.”
Water, Co2 and waste
The GreenFactory will be saving 95 percent of water consumption as opposed to standard methods of cultivation as well as reducing its Co2 footprint up to 40 percent. By growing fresh produce locally, GreenFactory Emirates will also contribute to reducing waste in various other areas. Its contribution to slowly reducing reliance on fresh foods imports will in turn reduce waste of produce occurring during the transport process while reducing logistical traffic.
Research and development GreenFactory Emirates will include a built-in research and development component that will help ramp up the production beyond the 56 current varieties of lettuces, leafy greens, herbs and kale. It will also optimise its production by collecting real-time data to inform future global expansion of indoor farming. With confirmed partnerships with GAAS Wageningen and Delphy in The Netherlands, GreenFactory will benefit from live feedback provided by some of the best students and Academia in the field.
The partnership between GrowGroup and rainMKRS is initiated and a result of an introduction made by the embassy of The Netherlands in the UAE and the Monarch Group which has played an instrumental role in seeking opportunities and nurturing relationships, the report said.
Lody Embrechts, Ambassador of Netherlands to the UAE, said: “The Netherlands has a lot to offer across all aspects of the food value chain. This flagship project is a symbol of the know-how and expertise available back home as well as the Dutch Triple Helix approach (collaboration between academia, industry and government): combining growing crops commercially along with research and development in order to continuously innovate the way in which we grow our food, in a sustainable manner, hence taking into account our impact on the environment. As an Embassy we are proud to have been able to contribute – within our means – to this project. We hope to intensify our cooperation with the UAE to further develop the local agriculture ecosystem.”
by Editor | May 25, 2021 | Business Summit, Events, Muslim World
Key leaders from business and government sectors will congregate to lay the blueprint for greater economic cooperation between the two countries.
Abu Dhabi: The capital city of Abu Dhabi will host the second edition of Economic Times India-UAE Strategic Conclave on November 27, 2018 under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of Tolerance.
The day-long Conclave will feature key discussion topics including fresh ideas for the strategic ties, ‘Encouraging trade and long-term strategy for enhancing non-oil trade’ and ‘The India UAE Defence and Space Collaboration.’
The Conclave, to be held at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi, will have an exciting line-up of participating leadership which includes ministers, higher leaders from government organizations, mission offices, semi-government and commercial bodies, trade organisations, commerce, industry including businesses, investors, innovators, advisors and specialists.
The Conclave will identify new rewarding sectors in order to widen the scope of bilateral investments. Key business leaders and senior government officials will come together to lay the blueprint for greater economic cooperation between the two countries and explore the economic gains through boosting both the countries’ status as major trade hubs and key gateways to regional and international markets.
Commenting on the significance of the Conclave, Mr. Deepak Lamba, President, Times Strategic Solutions Limited said, “We are glad to conduct the 2nd edition of Economic Times India-UAE Strategic Conclave in Abu Dhabi this year. This will further enhance the insights from the inaugural edition by identifying key areas for more investment flows between the two nations. This conference will enhance the connection between the governments and business communities of both countries to forge new partnerships and explore the possibilities of deeper cooperation in sectors of mutual interest.”
“The Conclave happens at a time when both countries are seeking to increase innovation and entrepreneurship in sectors of mutual interest. Since India and UAE are two of the world’s largest and fastest growing emerging markets, the Conclave will provide a platform to highlight investment potential in India and the UAE by creating awareness among investors about exciting opportunities,” he added.
HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, will deliver his keynote speech at the Conclave, which will be inaugurated by HE Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to the UAE. The Conclave will also feature HE Abdulla Al Saleh, Under Secretary of Foreign Trade & Industry at the UAE Ministry of Economy, and HE Dr. Matar Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Energy.
The line-up of thought-leaders to be featured in the Conclave includes HE Dr. Eng. Mohammed Alahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency; Sharafuddin Sharaf, Chairman – UIBC & Vice Chairman of Sharaf Group; Abdulla Alshehi – MD, Chief Consultant & Founder of National Advisor Bureau Limited; Ankur Singh – CEO & Vice-Chairman of Dana Group of Companies; Dr BR Shetty, Founder & Chairman – NMC Healthcare; Rajiv Agarwal, CEO & MD – Essar Ports; Cyrus Engineer, MD – SP International Property Developers; and Dilip Chenoy, Secretary General of FICCI.
The other senior leaders at the Conclave include; Gautam Sashittal, CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC); Arvind Varchaswi, MD – Sri Sri Tattva, Saurabh Kochar, Co-Founder, Foodpanda; M.A Yussuf Ali, Chairman and Managing Director, Lulu Group; Capt. BVJK Sharma, JMD and CEO, JSW Infrastructure Ltd; Ulugbek Yuldashev, CEO & Founder, AWOK.com; Raza Siddiqui, CEO, Arabian Healthcare Group; Sangita Reddy, ED, Apollo Hospitals
The Conclave will also unveil two Coffee Table Book titled ‘The Economic Times Best Lifestyle Brands and Et Best Realty Brands’.
The inaugural edition of ET India-UAE Strategic Conclave laid the foundation of a very important platform for bilateral trade discussions between the two regional powerhouses and the second edition will take stock of the developments during the past year and deliberate on the future of this very important relationship.
by Editor | May 25, 2021 | Muslim World
Abu Dhabi : The UAE on Tuesday approved an economic package worth over $13 billion aimed at accelerating economic growth in Abu Dhabi over the next three years, WAM reported.
In addition to the approval, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed launched 10 new economic initiatives to create 10,000 new jobs for nationals over the next five years. This is aimed at improving businesses in the capital, as well as accelerating work experience for citizens, residents, and investors.
“I have approved a 3-year 50 billion dirham economic stimulus package to support Abu Dhabi’s economic development,” Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter late Tuesday.
He said he has asked the emirate’s executive council to draw up a working plan for allocations within three months.
The plan will also boost competitiveness within Abu Dhabi’s private sector, and will be made of a set of initiatives that covers projects in infrastructure, industrial, social, and legislative sectors.
Two weeks ago, the UAE announced new incentives to lure foreign investors that included a 100 percent ownership of companies and a 10-year visa for professionals and investors.
—AG/UNA-OIC
by Editor | May 25, 2021 | Muslim World
Abu Dhabi : Abu Dhabi University has launched a happiness course as part of its Public Health programme’s core requirements across campuses in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Marking the first time that such a curriculum is to be offered at ADU, the Introduction to Happiness and Positive Psychology Course focuses on the definition of happiness, positive psychology, principles of positive psychology and happiness as well as on positive psychology strategies and the practical application of happiness, a report said on Monday.
It will also cover the core components of positive psychology with an emphasis on the optimistic side of human nature and the most effective ways for individuals to thrive and achieve their potential.
At the launch, Deena Elsori, Head of Department of Applied Sciences and Mathematics at ADU, said: “The happiness course is a fruitful outcome of several rigorous workshops and training programmes for our faculty members on the concept and notion of happiness.
“We are confident that this first-of-its-kind course will help our students focus better on their individual well-being,” Elsori said.
—IANS/WAM
by Editor | May 25, 2021 | Business Summit, Events, Muslim World
Abu Dhabi : Moroccan Prince Moulay Rachid chaired the opening ceremony of the 3rd annual “Morocco in Abu Dhabi” event, which will last until March 19.
With the ultimate goal of reinforcing ties between Morocco and the UAE, “Morocco in Abu Dhabi” offers UAE communities a glimpse on the Moroccan culture, heritage, and its ability to preserve craftsmanship throughout generations.
The Prince visited many pavilions set up in Morocco in Abu Dhabi event, “which is an opportunity to highlight the different facets of the authentic Moroccan heritage,” according to Maghreb Arab Press (MAP).
The National Foundation of Museums will showcase for the first time outside Morocco unique masterpieces from different museums of Morocco.
The event’s attendees will also have the chance to explore an original artistic stand devoted to young artists, “whose modern and creative works are inspired by the authentic Moroccan heritage,” added MAP.
The event, which is being held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, is organized by the ministry of tourism.
In addition to enhancing political, economic, scientific, touristic and cultural relationships, the event also aims to educate future generations on the importance of preserving the heritage and instill principles of tolerance, Morocco World News reported.
The event is being marked by the attendance of several Moroccan officials, including Minister of Tourism, Air Transport, Handicrafts and Social Economy Mohamed Sajid, and Ambassador of the King to the United Arab Emirates Mohamed Ait Ouali, in addition to the Chairman of the National Foundation of Museums Mehdi Qotbi, Director General of the House of Craftsmen Abdellah Adnani, and Acting Director General of the Moroccan Tourism Office Rachid Hamzaoui.
—SM/UNA-OIC
