The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal launches on-site vertical farm

The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal has launched an on-site vertical hydroponic farm as part of its sustainability program.

The farm is expected to produce 10kg of produce per day throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions, and occupies an area of ​​41 square meters.

Its yields are expected to be equivalent to what would be obtained on an acre of land in a conventional farming facility — or 30 times more than conventional farming.

The farm will also reportedly employ the practice of controlled environment agriculture (CEA), a technique for managing various aspects of a farm’s environment.

CEA optimizes the growth of crops by providing ideal growing conditions such as lighting, ambient temperature, carbon dioxide levels, nutrient regulation of water, and many others, allowing crops to grow more efficiently.

The Ritz-Carlton outlines several advantages of owning a farm. The farm further eliminates emissions associated with food transportation as produce is made on-site and delivered directly to restaurants. Additionally, there is zero spoilage from the moment it is harvested to the moment it is brought to the kitchen. In addition, the produce is grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.

“Vertical hydroponic farms add an exciting element to the hotel and the community,” said Christian Hoehn, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. “The farm reinforces our commitment to sustainability while maintaining the high quality and freshness our guests have come to expect from our culinary offerings.”

In the United Arab Emirates, last year Emirates Catering opened the world’s largest vertical farm. Located near Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai World Central, the 330,000-square-foot facility produces more than one million kilograms of high-quality leafy greens, including lettuce, arugula, mixed salad greens and spinach annually, compared to conventional farming Water demand is reduced by 95%.

This article originally appeared on Business Travel Middle East