Agricultural city being developed in Abu Dhabi to aid UAE's food security efforts
In the era of smartphones and social media, in which many simply order groceries through a delivery app, the disconnect between humans and farms has never felt so pronounced. This may be about to change, as the future of farming takes shape in Abu Dhabi . An agricultural community, known as Qitaf City, twice the size of Monaco is being developed in Abu Dhabi to help boost the country's efforts to…
An agricultural community, dubbed Qitaf City, is in the works in Abu Dhabi to bolster the nation's food security efforts. Spanning four million square meters, the ambitious project will encompass villas, townhouses, and agricultural ventures alongside AgriTech innovations. Shamsa Alfahim, chief executive of Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development and managing director of Qitaf Holding, revealed plans to attract individuals with a keen interest in farming to inhabit the city, providing them with farming plots for personal use.
The objective is to cultivate a fusion of traditional farming and modern technology, fostering a connection between Emiratis and their agricultural roots. The inaugural endeavor within the agricultural city will involve cultivating potatoes using solar power. Months of disrupted food supply chains, particularly due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have underscored the criticality of food security for the UAE, a country heavily reliant on imports.
Ms Alfahim emphasized that Qitaf City aims to establish a strategic hub for food security within Abu Dhabi, positioning the region as resilient and self-sufficient. Situated approximately 40 minutes away from Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport, Qitaf City falls within a broader master plan that includes a sports city and Etihad Rail's track.
The railway's proximity enhances logistical advantages for transporting produce from Qitaf to other parts of the UAE. Qitaf Holding, the agricultural entity of ADID, has been established to create an environment promoting food security. The project is set to launch in February, with the larger master plan encompassing health, sports, medical facilities, and housing.
Qitaf Holding is collaborating with AG Groups on global projects, including a green corridor between Tanzania and the UAE, as well as plans to bring vanilla from Madagascar to the UAE.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
