Dubai THE
FUTURE
OF
FOOD
PAGE 2
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
OP-ED
THE CHALLENGES OF THE DESERT IN THE 21ST CENTURY WRITTEN BY LUCAS B.
At the Eastern end of the Arabian
that
Peninsula, a tiny country flourishes as a
practices
global trade hotspot. The tallest tower,
problem in 2021. In the 21st century, if it
the largest mall and even the highest
really wants to achieve food security
infinity pool - all these sprout in the
while consolidating itself as a part of the
middle of the desert. What doesn’t grow,
developed world, what the United Arab
paradoxically, is what needs to be grown.
Emirates will need is to rethink its
Over the course of the last 50 years, what used to be a sustainable group of fisher’s villages back in the 1970s saw its brittle balance with nature being broken. In March 2020, 90% of the UAE’s food supplies were internationally sourced. The agricultural practices of the past were not able to expand quickly enough to meet the needs of the present, faced with a rapid population increase of more than forty thousand per cent. Extreme heat, severe water scarcity and vastly desertified lands, however - everything
limited -
traditional
should
no
agricultural longer
be
a
socioeconomic system. It can be difficult to imagine a population of 10 million people being entirely fed with domestic production in a country where 75% of the soil is sandy, but not when we take a closer look at the innovative
agricultural
techniques
already taking place. Desert Control, a Norwegian Company currently operating in the UAE, recently launched a gamechanging product, the fruit of 12 years of Research & Development. It consists of a
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 3
OP-ED
Liquid Natural Clay compound that,
also raise animals fed exclusively with
when applied to desertified land, turns it
their own grass produce. Making use of
into fertile soil by forming a structure like
multiple
a sponge, which reduces water and
Mohammed
fertilizer usage up to 50% within 7 hours.
sustainably and supply Dubai consumers
If
maintenance
throughout the whole year - breaking
techniques are conducted afterwards,
with the misconception that climatic
this soil restoration can be definitive. Ole
conditions are the ones preventing the
Sivertsen, the company’s CEO, argues
country from domesticating its food
that not only can this LNC stop and
production.
the
appropriate
non-invasive manages
techniques, to
grow
food
reverse desertification in the UAE, but also make the country’s oldest deserts
If it is demonstrably possible to convert
turn green; his point is that even those
the UAE’s lands into fertile soil and grow
have
human
food there, why isn’t that happening right
interventions on the environment. That
now? Our point here is that this is no
being proved, the UAE’s historical soil
longer an environmental question, but a
issue is drastically surpassed.
social
been
formed
by
and
economic
one.
The
domestication of food production is of Even if the soil is restored, however, one can
think
that
the
UAE’s
climate
great national importance for the UAE, but
not
for
multinational
food
conditions and water scarcity do not
companies. At the beginning of this text,
allow food production - and that’s
we highlighted that the country currently
exactly when Mohammed proves the
sources 90% of its food internationally -
opposite. Through a holistic approach to
from multinational retailers. Why would a
systems
big, multimillionaire company invest in
thinking
and
sustainable
agriculture, the French permaculture
soil
consultant built a sustainable farm a
agricultural techniques in Dubai when it
mere 20 minutes away from the Burj
can, for a much lower price, use South
Khalifa. MyFarm Dubai grows a wide
America’s natural resources and then
variety of world vegetables with no
export to the Middle East?
pesticides and rotating crops, all whilst using its own fertilizers. Besides, they
restoration
and
non-invasive
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
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OP-ED
The Emirati solution for food security
At a first glance, investing in the poor can
does not lie with big companies, but
seem
with small-scale, family farmers. Those
intentions for the nation. Not with a long-
who have lived in the country for
term vision, though. Recently, the UAE
decades and can not decide on which
has increased efforts to consolidate itself
continent they’ll grow potatoes and
as
which goes better with soy; those who
Ambitious
would invest in soil restoration if they got
energy and a great commitment to move
financial support from the government,
from an oil-based economy to a world
but are currently struggling in poverty. If
trade center are among some of the
the UAE wants someone to work on soil
actions
restoration
food
governors to be interested not merely in
production, it will need to work against
making money, but actually transforming
an
country’s
the nation into one of the most stable
inequality.
and sustainable world economies. In that
country’s
sense, the UN Sustainable Development
population retain only 5.8% of the
Goals are one of the most acknowledged
national wealth, while the richest 1%
international frameworks.
and
inherent
part
socioeconomic Currently,
national
half
of
system of
the the
own has more than 50% on its hands.
opposed
part
of
to
the
the
developed
transition
that
government’s
plans
prove
the
to
world. clean
country’s
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 5
OP-ED
Goal No. 2 urges countries to end hunger,
Economy, Environment and Equity -
achieve
three pillars commonly used to define
food
security
and
promote
sustainable agriculture. Target 2.3, one of
sustainability.
the most important, specifically focuses
highlights one thing, it is that this
on
agricultural
concept can only be viewed from a
productivity and incomes of small-scale
holistic perspective: it is impossible to
food producers, in particular women, …
achieve
family farmers, pastoralists, … including
promote sustainable production, adapt
through secure and equal access to land,
to climate change and work to reduce
other productive resources and inputs,
inequalities. It doesn’t matter how much
knowledge, financial services, markets
the UAE focuses on the first E - if it keeps
and
2.4,
making
the
second and is inherently opposed to the
resilient
third, its global geopolitical propulsion
increase
will be just as permanent as its oil
doubling
“the
opportunities…”.
complementarily,
highlights
importance
to
agricultural
practices
productivity
Target
“implement
and
that
production,
that
strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate
change,
extreme
weather,
drought… and that progressively improve land and soil quality”. The solution, thereby, is very well depicted in target 10.3,
which
aims
to
“ensure
equal
opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, appropriate
including
by…
legislation,
promoting
policies
and
action in this regard”. It is only by direct investment
on
small-scale,
domestic
food producers that the UAE will be able to internalize its food production and therefore achieve lasting food security.
reserves.
food
unreal
If
the
security
Emirati
if
promises
you
about
case
don’t
the
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
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OP-ED
FOOD SECURITY: A GOVERNMENTAL DUTY by Luiza B.
Tall
skyscrapers,
luxurious
cars,
makes planting outdoors impracticable
grandiosity everywhere; Dubai is a rapidly
for six months of the year, which is added
developing
a
to the low precipitation rates –only
playground for innovation. However, have
68mm per year– and water scarcity,
you ever thought of the challenges the
which doesn’t provide the plants with
United Arab Emirates may face? One of
enough water they need to survive. On
the main answers is food, a basic human
top of that, the desert soil doesn’t have all
need. Currently, 85% of UAE’s food is
the nutrients plants need, creating a
imported, a percentage that is projected
combination of factors that limit Dubai’s
to follow a pattern of increasment over
growing potential.
metropolitan
city;
the next few years. To cut a long story short, the keywords to solving Dubai’s
All the production challenges set by the
food issue are: an increase in domestic
environment
production, government involvement in
governmental food imports. Although
policy
sustainable
importing food from other nations is a
agriculture, and research development.
viable solution in the present, this can be
But, let’s not rush through this; let’s go
threatening for Dubai in the future. For
step by step.
instance, the geopolitical instability in
implementation,
open
a
big
door
for
the Middle East could escalate and First of all, this high rate of food imports is
jeopardize UAE’s food trading deals. In
a result of the difficulties of growing food
addition to this, climate change is a
in the UAE and the principal obstacles of
factor that will only create and escalate
food production are related to weather,
the environmental challenges of food
water, and soil. The extremely hot climate
production, which will not only affect the
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 7
UAE,
but
also
Therefore,
its
being
unstable
food
suppliers.
immersed
scenario
of
in
this
OP-ED
challenges, but also due to the high expenses attached to planting at home
external
dependency puts the UAE in a very
Given that the population is limited with
vulnerable position moving forward, and,
their food options by factors they can
for this reason, it is necessary for the
hardly change, it is necessary for the
country’s government to be involved
government to get involved and develop
with policies that would allow their
domestic production strategies in order
domestic production of food to increase.
to achieve and spread food security around the country. Well, based on this
Before
we
understand
government
the
demand,
in
2018,
the
government
United
we
need
to
Emirates
the
food
issue
is
National Food Security Strategy 2051,
relevant to the population. First of all, the
which has included different actions for
goal of every nation is to achieve food
achieving food security. Additionally, the
security and food equity, terms that
UAE has established legislative bodies to
mean that people would be able to grow
keep track of their progress, including a
and
Ministry
why
consume
safe,
healthy,
and
of
Climate
launched
Arab
acting,
understand
is
how
Change
the
and
nutritious food. However, these goals are
Environment and a Food Security Center
not currently being successfully fulfilled
in Abu Dhabi. Despite the 2051 plan
by the UAE. Taking into consideration
tackling some measures to increase local
that in the UAE, organic food is 50%
production and encourage sustainable
more expensive than non-organic food,
agricultural practices, it mainly focuses
moreover, added to the fact that organic
on initiatives to facilitate food trade and
food has a shorter shelf life because it
diversify food import sources, which, as
doesn’t contain preservatives, makes it
we have mentioned, is not the best
clear that organic healthy food is not
option moving forward.
available
for
all
in
the
country.
Furthermore, growing your own food in
Actions speak louder than words, so now
Dubai is not an easy and accessible
that we understand why the domestic
option, not just only because of the
production of food needs to increase,
previously mentioned environmental
why this matters to the population and
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 8
OP-ED
why the government should be involved,
In addition to the previously mentioned
let’s talk about policies that are being
policies, the United Arab Emirates has
implemented to achieve food security.
created other strategies to keep the country on track to the 2051 goals. For
Firstly, the government is trying to
instance, the Zaraai program is providing
implement sustainable agriculture, and
training, marketing, and loans to farmers
to
so
achieve
that,
the
Adu
Dhabi
that
they
can
improve
Agriculture and Food Safety Authority
production
(ADAFCA) formulated an agricultural
hydroponics,
policy to reduce the usage of natural
agricultural method consists of growing
resources and improve the quality of
directly using nutrient-enriched water,
agricultural products. To execute that,
avoiding the use of soil; additionally, it
they created the Abu Dhabi Farmers’
can be grown indoors– a solution for the
Service Centre, focused on innovative
problem of planting in the heat–, and it
production methods, reducing water
can also use up to 98% less of water,
usage, and boosting production. This
being
policy is realistically contributing to
environmental challenges.
a
technology for
viable
by
their using
example.
solution
for
This
UAE’s
improving the food security issue on its core: in the way food is grown; however,
On that note, innovative production
it is also necessary to improve legislation,
techniques, such as hydroponics, are the
so that the food security efforts are
way to go moving forward and the
translated to the population. For this
government has already noticed that, so
reason, the UAE implemented the food
they are now trying not to fall behind.
safety law, which protects the consumer
This can be seen when the UAE opened
from harmful or inappropriate food,
the Agricultural Innovation Centre in 2014
thereby,
to promote agricultural development
ensuring
the
safety
and
suitability of what people consume.
and
Moreover, local government entities are
technological modernization. In addition
responsible
food
to this, the International Centre for
quality. Thus, those two different policies
Biosaline Agriculture, based in Dubai, has
complement each other and put the
conducted
UAE one step closer to achieving its food
improvement
security goals.
production. Accordingly, in this ever-
for
inspecting
the
maintain
sustainability
research and
through
about
crop
sustainable
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 9
OP-ED
Ministry of Climate Change & Environment. Photo by www.moccae.gov.ae
changing world, research initiatives like
have developed food security by 2051 in a
these are necessary to find alternative
way that honors its society, economy and
solutions
environment.
for
the
environmental
challenges, as well as to find techniques that depend less on scarce natural resources.
For
these
reasons,
UAE’s
efforts and investments in research on the
agricultural
sector
should
be
encouraged and must increase. Evidently, that was a long journey to understand the food production issue in Dubai and its government’s initiatives. Let’s not forget that pursuing sustainable agriculture and investing in research it’s a necessary step if we want to promote change
in
Dubai’s
food
system.
Furthermore, the government must be involved and, only then, the UAE will
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 10
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
HOW CAN DUBAI MOST SUCCESSFULLY ENSURE FUTURE FOOD SECURITY TO PROVIDE FOR ITS GROWING POPULATION? W R I T T E N B Y S A F F R O N B. Dubai’s population is big, getting bigger.
blockade, 90% of Qatar’s food was
The population is around 3.5 million, with
imported. Due to the blockade, Qatar
around another million commuting to
started to research and set out to be
Dubai daily to work and shop. As of
more self-sufficient which worked well,
today, Dubai doesn’t produce enough
for example, Qatar is now self-sufficient
food
population.
in dairy, having previously imported 72%
Currently, Dubai imports 85% of its food
of its dairy products. The purpose of this
which is unsustainable especially with
essay is to evaluate and suggest an
the current instability and uncertainty of
option that will help secure food security
the Covid-19 pandemic. More importantly
for Dubai now and in the future.
for
the
current
with the instability in the Middle East, the UAE’s relations with other countries
There are two main issues to growing
aren’t guaranteed and blockades may be
food in Dubai, firstly the amount of water
introduced. This happened to Qatar in
needed, agriculture accounts for 72% of
2017 when a blockade was introduced
freshwater use in the UAE and 85% of
therefore revealing the fragility of Qatar’s
water use in the Middle East. On average
food system. Like Qatar, the UAE is one of
it rains just 2.7 inches of rain per year in
the most poorly suited places to grow
Dubai meaning that the water used isn’t
food therefore if a similar situation were
being replenished, which is why the UAE
to happen, the UAE wouldn’t be able to
is projected to run out of groundwater by
cope. Similarly to Dubai before the
2030, if not sooner. Secondly, the
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 11
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
overwhelming heat, for a majority of the
water consumption can be reduced by
year it is too hot to grow crops meaning
up to 70%, which is beneficial because
that
Dubai
crop
yields
are
inconsistent
is
running
out
of
water.
throughout the year. I will base my
Hydroponics requires a lot less space
answer
case
than traditional farming which would be
studies as well as by speaking to experts
helpful as Dubai has a population of
on the topics. Now, I know the two main
860.49 persons per sq. km compared to
arguments
that
the world average of 25 persons per sq.
discussing
changing
on
scientific
evidence,
people
use
the
when
way
we
km.
Hydroponics
can
be
done
on
produce food, the first being that there is
rooftops or on a small scale inside
nothing wrong with Dubai’s current food
peoples homes which means besides the
model, there is a wide variety of food
initial costs hydroponics are accessible to
here, you can get almost every type of
many people. On the other hand, there
cuisine here. And whilst we don’t directly
are many disadvantages to hydroponic
see the damage our current food model
farming, for example, there are high
has on our planet, it is catching up with
upfront costs that may put people off at
us. The other being that we are past the
the beginning, but, as more people start
point of being able to make a change,
hydroponic farms the cost will lessen as
which just isn’t true. Things like liquid
the
nano clay treatment among other things
produced. Now I know someone has to
can restore life to degraded land to
pay for it, so what is the cost? The average
make it fertile again.
cost of a high-tech hydroponic farm is in
pieces
start
becoming
mass-
the tens of thousands of US dollars, Firstly
hydroponic
farming.
Simply,
although
the
average
large
scale
hydroponic plants are grown without
hydroponic farm is $41.16 per square foot,
soil by exposing the roots of the plants to
meaning that over time it will be worth it,
nutrient-rich water. There are many
plus hydroponic farming is much more
benefits
for
consistent than regular farming as you
example, plants can be grown all year
don’t have to worry about pests and
round which is important to Dubai as for
environmental problems.
to
hydroponic
farming,
the majority of the year it’s too hot to grow anything. Another benefit is that
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 12
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
Secondly, vertical farming. Put simply,
arid soil into fertile soil which allows
vertical farming is growing plants in a
plants to grow. There are many benefits
controlled environment in stacked layers
to LNC soil treatment, for example, it’s a
to maximise space use and to optimize
non-intrusive procedure that can save up
plant growth. There are many benefits to
to 50% on water and fertilizer. LNC
vertical farming, for example, water
treatment
savings, less plant loss due to pests as
revolutionary for Dubai as it can reverse
well as protection from the outside
desertification which is a big issue in
environment (the sun in Dubai’s case).
Dubai. LNC soil treatment is a great
Whilst there are many advantages it isn’t
solution for Dubai as it doesn’t require
a perfect option, (there are high upfront
building anything new, and it can be
costs) although over time it is worth it
used on land that you already have. The
when it comes to water as well as fewer
main problem is its cost, which ranges
plants being lost therefore leading to
from $2 - USD 5 per square meter. Whilst
increased profits. Another disadvantage
this price isn’t extortionate on a small
is that vertical farming is only currently
scale, on a large scale it adds up. If looked
able to grow certain types of plants for
after correctly, only one treatment of LNC
example
is
treatment is needed to revive the soil,
currently an issue the space that we
therefore the profit from the crops grown
currently grow lettuces could be used to
is often the cost of the treatment.
lettuce.
Although
this
has
the
potential
to
be
grow vegetables that cannot be grown using
vertical
farming.
vertical
To conclude I believe that a combination
farming becomes more mainstream the
of all three, as well as others, will be
initial costs will lessen as the pieces are
needed
mass-produced, and more people will
Nonetheless having considered the three
become
industry,
options for Dubai I believe the one that
therefore making it easier to find an
will be the most effective is hydroponic
expert to help.
farming.
involved
in
As
the
to
assure
Whilst
food
hydroponic
security.
farming
won’t be the only form of growing food in And lastly LNC soil treatment. LNC soil
the future I do believe that it will be one
treatment
of the most essential. There are strong
requires
pumping
liquid
natural clay (LNC) which can turn sand or
arguments for and against vertical
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 13
farming for example plants can be grown all year round, plants can be grown no matter the weather conditions and vertical farming uses less land space than conventional farming, something which Dubai is short of. Although the upfront cost, as well as the susceptibility to power cuts, makes vertical farming too risky of an option on a mass scale right now, although with future research I do believe that vertical farming will be essential in securing food security for Dubai. In addition, there are many strong arguments in favour of LNC treatment, for example, LNC treatment is for soil that’s already degraded meaning that there is no cost of buying new things as someone
already
owns
the
land.
Unfortunately, LNC treatment is just a way of continuing traditional farming, which uses too much space and water, therefore I don’t think it’s the best option for Dubai moving forward. In conclusion, I believe that overall hydroponics is the best way forward to assure food security for Dubai and its growing population. Hydroponics addresses the three main issues that hinder food production in Dubai by reducing the amount of water needed, avoiding the heat meaning that plants can be grown all year round and reducing the space and land used.
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 14
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
ALTERNATIVE AGRICULTURE:WILL IT SAVE DUBAI FROM THE CRISIS? W R I T T E N B Y S A N T I A G O D. One of the main issues that we face in
10% of all CO2 emissions in the United
this day and age is none other than our
Kingdom
agricultural
farming.
system
and
our
food
in
2020
were
caused
by
production system. A growing portion of
Nevertheless, many new methods for
Dubai's population has started to believe
growing food have risen and quickly
that the main method for growing crops
gained popularity. Many of these could
has outgrown its usefulness and is more
prove their worth, and potentially turn
harmful than helpful. This is because
the tables for some countries facing
much of the potable water that many
climate change. It is the author’s belief
humans are desperately in need of, is
that these methods hold the power to
consumed
ineffective
sway the current food crisis the other
farmlands. Another valid reason that has
way, and could potentially provide food
led many people to believe that the
for countries with harsh climates, saving
current model is not sustainable is the
millions. That is why we must now turn
use of chemicals and pesticides in our
our heads towards the future and start
everyday food, which have negative
looking at the new methods that will
effects on our health, such as a higher
replace traditional agriculture and its
rate of birth defects, infertility, and
deadly secondary effects.
by
thirsty,
several cancers. This has other negative effects on almost all living beings and causes
massive
disruptions
in
their
habitats. The nail in the coffin is the energy consumption:
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 15
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
AQUAPONICS
Many of you might be familiar with
Fisheries and Marine Science from the
hydroponics; aquaponics is a similar
University
method. This method is the result of
aquaponics can work as decoration,
mixing aquaculture and hydroponics:
small-scale
there is a large tank where fish live and
communities, or even industrial-scale
eat, and then, they excrete. Their feces
aquaponics in rural areas. There are
are rich in ammonia, and they go
downsides: the specific balance needed
through a biofilter, full of bacteria, which
means that it takes up big amounts of
will instead transform it into nitrogen-
energy, and excess solid waste can result
rich material. Then, the plants consume
in the failure of the system, not to
that, and, in that process, purify the
mention that no root vegetables can be
water. The main benefit of this method is
grown with this method. Nevertheless,
that it’s self-sustainable, with the only
with all the possibilities for control of the
outside material needed to maintain it
environment provided, combined with a
being fish food. Another benefit is that it
much higher level of resistance to pests
produces
fish,
and diseases (due to the biodiversity and
which can provide an important part of a
variety of mediums), as well as the small
balanced diet, and aquaponics also
amount of land required for it, meaning
provides jobs such as planting, taking
that, as said by Angel Tesorero from Gulf
care of fish, and harvesting, though the
News, aquaponics is a reliable source of
flip side of this is that it also needs a
food for Dubai, even during a crisis.
both
vegetables
and
large amount of money to be set up,
Padjadjaran farming
in
in
Indonesia,
undeveloped
But Dubai's population also needs
prior knowledge about the balance of
simpler
the environment, plumbing, wiring, and
population's health concerns by growing
other
its
technical
skills.
But
still,
as
mentioned by members of the Faculty of
farming,
food
that
without
answers any
the
chemical
intervention. The answer for that is standing before us.
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 16
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
ORGANIC FARMING
Nowadays, organic farming is all the
and, as mentioned by the Organic Trade
rage. Organic farming is, as said by the
Association, organic farming’s produce is
Government of Ontario’s Ministry of
much richer in vitamin c, magnesium,
Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, a
iron, and other nutrients, and, as it
holistic
the
doesn’t have pesticides is not dangerous
productivity, diversity, and sustainability
to children’s health. The downside to
of the ecosystem. Organic farming's
organic farms is that they are much more
essence is to go back to the natural
expensive to maintain with less yield to
process: every single material found
show
inside the farmland is used in one way or
knowledge of ingredients and skills, such
another, so as to leave no waste. An
as how to keep crops safe from pests
example of this is how many organic
without chemicals, not to mention the
farms use tree bark to create barns and
massive amount of physical strength
shelter for their animals. They use natural
needed to work in them. Organic farms
methods to maintain their soil in good
also
condition and stop erosion, such as
certification to be able to call themselves
contour
organic.
system
that
farming,
optimizes
using
rainwater,
for
need
it,
and
to
They
pass also
an
are
exhaustive much
more
weather
and
dependent
of compost, on top of the soil near the
preexisting conditions, but there are
plants, to control temperatures, protect
many new methods, such as liquid
crops from pests, stop food from rotting,
natural clay, which are being used in the
and stopping erosion), and the good
UAE to fight desertification, and it looks
treatment of their animals, who many
like organic farming might actually be
times,
another
the unlikely provider of food in the future.
benefit. Another way that these farms
But Dubai still needs other answers for
are
the climate crisis that can also help it
graze
“natural”
is
freely, by
is
encouraging
its
the
extensive
mulching (making covers, generally out
can
on
require
predator/prey interactions, and building
feed
population.
their farms around natural processes,
agroforestry steps in.
That's
where
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 17
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
AGROFORESTRY
Agroforestry is a lesser-known farming
kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. This
method, which is actually much easier to
means
implement
strategically
than
other
alternative
that
trees to
can
absorb
be
planted
more
carbon
agricultural methods. According to the
dioxide or to protect certain plants. But
United States Department of Agriculture,
the
agroforestry consists of integrating crops
agroforestry is food forests. Food forests
and farmland with woods and land
are an interesting concept, as they
dedicated to growing trees and shrubs,
consist in using the trees for growing
with environmental and socio-economic
fruits. This is a relatively new practice, just
benefits. This is beneficial for the farm
as agroforestry, and it is crucial to
because
the
attracting attention and investment into
massively
agroforestry, and what really helps it
diminishing erosion, and trees massively
stand out from the rest. There is even a
increase other plants’ ability to absorb
national plan, designed by the National
nutrients and soil. Another benefit from
Forest Institute of Guatemala and the
agroforestry is that it helps make the
Food and Agriculture Organization of the
farm more biodiverse and creates links
UN, to promote agroforestry, to feed the
between the plants, making the farm
growing population of Guatemala while
more resilient and resistant to pests and
restoring 1.2 million hectares of damaged
diseases. The trees also provide shade
land. This is why I believe that, despite all
and can alter the local environment,
the challenges, such as the maintenance
making it more favorable. But one of the
required for the trees or the terrain
most important facets of agroforestry is
needed, agroforestry is still a viable
that of carbon sequestration: though this
option for Dubai. But is it the best option,
number can vary depending on the
can these innovative new methods really
environment,
save Dubai's population from starvation?
ground
the
trees’
more
age,
roots
stable,
and
make
species,
average tree will absorb more than 20
an
most
interesting
thing
about
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 18
ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY
FINAL THOUGHTS
I believe that all of these options are
Meanwhile, with organic farming, it is true
innovative and useful, but I found myself
that it has one of the smallest impacts on
liking agroforestry the most of the three
nature, and it produces some of the
of them: new and refreshing, yet simple.
products of the highest quality, and it also
It ticked all the right boxes and putting
brings trust to the customer. Nevertheless,
in the context of Dubai, it would help
the rigorous requirements needed, and the
immensely to bring protection from the
great prices are obstacles to be taken into
weather to the crops that desperately
consideration. But after this small peek at
need it, as well as the resistance, and
three different methods, it is clear that all
many trees can survive in these extreme
three methods have the potential to be
conditions. If you add to that the
successful and feed a section of the
relatively lower cost when compared to
growing world population.
the other two options, I believe it is clear
Dubai has already started making progress
why
I
find
this
Nevertheless,
is
both
the
best
one.
towards sustainable, secure, and ethical
aquaponics
and
agriculture,
by
looking
around
and
organic farming have advantages and
applying these new methods in their
can
here.
agricultural system. This is why the United
Aquaponics has the advantage of being
Arab Emirates, despite finding itself in one
self-sustainable and bringing the most
of
diverse set of materials: water, bacteria,
agriculture, is growing into one of the
fish, and vegetables. But the reason I
world's powerhouses in terms of eco-
don’t consider them the best option is
friendly agriculture.
also
be
implemented
the
worst
possible
climates
due to the specific conditions needed to use
it,
and
the
high
knowledge
Image References:
requirements and starting costs, which
-"Cow in the Palm Tree Forest" by Randy Heinitz is licensed under CC BY 2.0
prevent many investors from going in.
-"Dubai's Spice Souks #1" by mckaysavage is licensed under CC BY 2.0
-"Dubai Sunset" by the_dead_pixel is licensed under CC BY 2.0 -"VegOut Fruit forest" by leighblackall is licensed under CC BY 2.0
for
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE 19
OP-ED
THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE DINING WRITTEN BY KAVI T., DUBAI’S EXPERT IN SUSTAINABLE DINING
What if your favorite restaurant had
Why do Dubai’s restaurants need to be
delicious food and you didn’t feel guilty
more sustainable in the first place?
about where the food came from and
Annual food waste is estimated at 197
the impact it had on the environment?
kilograms per person in the United Arab
Awesome, right? Well, restaurants in
Emirates. That's double the amount
Dubai are coming up with new ways to
compared to the average person in
be
Eliminating
Europe or North America, who wastes
plastic, using reclaimed material for
between 95kg to 115kg annually. Most of
their interiors and even using leftovers
the
to reduce waste are some of the ways
restaurants.
restaurants in Dubai are trying to be
restaurants need to be thinking about
more sustainable. This is what the
their role in food consumption and
future of sustainable dining could look
waste.
more
sustainable.
waste
comes
from
hotels
Therefore
and
Dubai’s
like.
The average UAE resident produces 2.7 kilograms of food and packaging waste per day, according to Dubai Carbon, a government-backed group set up to encourage
a
low-carbon,
green
economy. 11 billion plastic bags are used annually, according to statistics statistics from UAE’s Ministry of Environment and Water
The amount of plastic waste generated in
Madani has also taken pride in saying that
the UAE has increased so much that now
their “main goal since day one is to create a
worry for the environment and for human
healthy and sustainable-focused restaurant
health has grown more serious than ever.
menu”. He has hence created a weekly
Plastics take centuries to decades til then
changing menu that incorporates the local,
animals would have eaten them up and it
fresh
would've
Food
“Purchasing fresh produce at its peak
packaging has played a big part in plastic
supply also means our meals are as
pollution so have single-use plastic cutlery
delicious
and boxes. That’s why Dubai’s restaurants
possibly be,” Madani explains.
led
to
their
deaths.
ingredients
and
they
buy
nurturing
as
seasonally.
they
can
have come up with new strategies to use less plastic.
They also make their bread rolls, pickles, dressings and stock all from scratch to
Carbon footprint is another huge part of
avoid wasting and to have the best quality.
human’s impact on the environment. By
Not only are they banning all plastic in their
importing food into Dubai the greenhouse
cafe and replacing it with plant- based
gases will keep increasing. Most of Dubai’s
disposable materials for their cups, straws
needs are imported from somewhere else. If
and
restaurants
local
fixtures and fittings are all made from
ingredients that would not only lessen the
reclaimed materials. This is how Haider
negative impact imported goods have on
Madani has incorporated sustainability into
the environment but also support local
his cafe. This is a fairly new cafe so It will be
farmers and fishermen.
exciting to see what he and his team come
and
cafes
only
used
takeaway
boxes.
up with in the future. First, let’s talk about the Parisian - inspired cafe Cassette in The Courtyard in Al Quoz, owned by Haider Madani. Opened in February of 2019, this cafe
is
combined
with
music,
nature
and
creativity creating a friendly atmosphere as soon as you walk in. In an article on ,“Entrepreneur Middle
east”
Madani
discusses
the
actions
Cassette has taken to make sure sustainability is a main component of who they are. “We strive to use organic ingredients sourced from local suppliers”, Madani passionately said. He also explains that most of their ingredients are locally sourced to reduce carbon footprint and to support local farmers.
Cassette’s
floor,
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
PAGE X
OPINION
THE GROUNDLESS FEAR OF CHANGE SUB-EDITOR ZOYA A. EXAMINES OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE LIGHT OF THE UAE'S AI M TO MAKE THE COUNTRY THE WORLD'S BEST IN THE GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY INDEX BY 2051.
In human society, irrational fears often
Agriculture, the science which has fed
come uninvited with anything new
humanity for thousands of years might
introduced, just like they came by in the
not be able to sustain us soon. A study of
food technology sector. As we make
82 sites in 21 counties by Iowa State
strides in technology, more and more
University showed that in the 50 years
people,
to
from 1959, soil structure and levels of
educational institutions come up with
organic matter have degraded while
more theories as to why this can be
acidity has increased. However, this is not
harmful to us but more important
all. Our food production activities also
questions to consider are - is innovation
have an impact on our freshwater bodies.
simply
This means that as our agricultural
from
an
social
occurrence,
media
or
is
it
a
necessity? Do our fears provide us with
activities
increase
to
insight or does their irrationality hinder
increasing
our growth?
exhaust at an exponential rate. In such a
population,
feed our
an
ever-
resources
scenario it becomes evident that the only way to prevent these problems is by adapting to our situation, coming up with
new
and
more
sustainable
technology, or in one word - innovation.
PAGE X
FUTURE OF FOOD: DUBAI
In middle-east countries, like the UAE, innovation
in
food
technology
has
brought the impossible to reality.
This
extremely water-scarce region, known for its
inability
to
support
a
domestic
agricultural sector capable of feeding its population, has started pushing for food security,
relying
on
innovation.
According to PitchBook, funding for food
Agritecture’s
tech has skyrocketed from about $60
Gordon-Smith said that “the UAE has the
million in 2008 to more than $1 billion in
right conditions to be the global leader in
2015. However, with this came farmer
commercial urban agriculture, especially
and consumer concerns. Of the farmers
in
surveyed, by an agribusiness association
environment
called Iowa AgState, 65% reported being
Despite this, the challenge ahead for the
"sceptical" and "fearful" of the new
UAE is significant and will require, above
technology.
all, fostering a culture of AgTech amongst
the
youth,
Founder
&
utilization
of
agriculture
and
creating
CEO,
Henry
controlled technologies.
viable
career
In 2015, a survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers
pathways for them.” Currently, the UAE
by the consultancy Daymon Worldwide
has been investing heavily in research
found one-third of respondents were
and
more concerned about food product
technology with additional investments
safety and quality than they were in 2014,
in desalination plants, innovative and
and 50 per cent said they were more
sustainable farming methods such as
concerned than they were in 2010. For
vertical farming. Dubai also launched the
instance, think about the number of
Food Tech Valley, a new project aimed at
times, you looked over the organic foods
tripling
section, and considered the possibility of
positioning it as a global destination for
going over budget because you feared
the industry. The city, also an economic
the presence of GMOs, even though you
zone, will be home to innovation, a food
hadn’t ever looked into if GMOs were
logistics hub and vertical farming zones.
truly bad for you?
development
UAE's
food
for
new
production
food
and
When innovation becomes a necessity,
According to the United Nations, the
irrational fears become a faint noise in
world's
the background of growth. The same
increase by 2 billion persons in the next
happened in the case of the UAE. The
30 years, from 7.7 billion currently to 9.7
motivation
home-
billion in 2050, and with our depleting
grown food amid fears that climate
resources, ensuring the food security of a
change could trigger instability in the
growing population seems uncertain. We
global food trade - started after the
as a society become more and more
country was hit by food export bans
uncertain of the new food technology
during the 2008-2009 financial crisis.
around us, and our irrational fears are fed
They knew that to achieve food security,
by claims made on social media and
they had to innovate. Globally, food
television debates. It is crucial that we
technology for most people seems like a
educate
science venture and not a necessity. We
technology prior to being dismissive of
ignore the fact that without innovation in
them and to understand that the future
food production, the future of food looks
of food is innovation.
rather dull.
to
produce
more
population
ourselves
is
on
expected
new
to
food