Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been buying up tracts of land around the world – from Sudan to Cambodia – to ensure future food security for their populations. Now a new project run in Ras Al Khaimah hopes it will be a model for growing food both locally and – in an unusual twist – in a way that’s economically viable.

Philip Hampsheir investigates for BBC Middle East Business Report and talks to:
Thomas Schwarz, Managing Director, Salata Farms
Nicholas Lander, Senior associate, Inhabit Living Engineering
Mariola Hickmann, Housewife

Salata Farms
Salata is the first company in the MENA region to use automated hydroponics technology growing quality salads, herbs and vegetables all year round at competitive prices. These products are presently imported from Europe or North America at high transportation costs, and often lose their freshness during freight. By growing salads at the point of demand in the MENA region, Salata can ensure fresh produce at significantly lower costs. Using advanced computerized climate control systems, Salata ensures consistency in growing conditions such as temperature, humidity, light, irrigation, ventilation, and carbon dioxide. This allows them to harvest pest-free, high quality produce all year round, irrespective of weather conditions in the desert. Salata is an environmentally sound company. They recycle 80% of all water and use a fraction of the land requirements compared to conventional farming methods.
www.salatafarms.com

Ras Al Khaimah www.rasalkhaimah.eu
HeliImage FZE www.heli-image.com

Unravel Travel www.unraveltravel.eu