UAE Minister Opens Carrefour’s Hydroponic Farms In Abu Dhabi
Two Farms Opened at Carrefour Stores In My City Centre Masdar, Yas
Mall, And Support Majid Al Futtaim's Net Positive Strategy
The farms were opened by UAE’s minister of climate change and environment (MOCCAE), Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. [image: Wam]
25 Nov 2019
The UAE’s minister of climate change and environment (MOCCAE), Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi opened the region’s first hydroponic in-store farms at Majid Al Futtaim’s Carrefour stores in Abu Dhabi’s My City Centre Masdar and Yas Mall.
The UAE’s state-held news agency, Wam said that the farms are a part of the multi-billion dollar conglomerate’s Net Positive strategy that aims to ‘overcompensate’ its water and carbon footprint by 2040.
Careefour’s isolated and temperature-controlled glass farming chambers have been designed in line with the highest standards of hydroponics. Customers can choose from a select range of herbs and microgreens, once they are fully grown within the facility. The two farms, which are the first-of-their-kind to be installed in the region, use 90% less water and less space than traditional farms to deliver around 25kg of fresh herbs and microgreens each day.
The farms use 90% less water than traditional farms [image: Wam]
Speaking on the inauguration, Dr. Al Zeyoudi said: "MOCCAE supports technological development and innovative techniques in the agricultural sector, including vertical and hydroponic farming that reduces water consumption by at least 90% and increases the productivity of multiple agricultural products.
Meanwhile, chief operating officer of Carrefour UAE and head of operational excellence at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, Miguel Povedano, said: "As leaders in the retail industry, we should always be the pioneers in coming up with outstanding sustainable initiatives that leave a positive impact on our environment, economy, and society.
“As well as supplying our customers with fresh quality produce, the hydroponic farms will allow them to learn about the role of technology and innovation in the development of local agricultural production."