Food Tech Valley and Badia Farms Sign 27-Year Deal to Launch Innovative Hybrid Farming Models

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Food Tech Valley, an initiative spearheaded by the UAE government to develop a sustainable food ecosystem, has officially entered a 27-year strategic partnership with Badia Farms to launch innovative hybrid farming models for the year-round production of premium fruits and vegetables. 

The agreement was signed by Rashed Mohammad, Chief Real Estate Officer of Wasl, and Omar Al Jundi, Founder and CEO of Badia Farms, a venture supported by Gulf Islamic Investments (GII). This collaboration aims to revolutionize agriculture in the region by utilizing hybrid growing techniques across a substantial area of 236,000 square feet. 

Badia Farms plans to implement a combination of vertical and horizontal farming methods, which are designed to be more sustainable than traditional farming practices. These advanced techniques are expected to reduce water usage by up to 90% while being powered entirely by clean energy sources. Additionally, all produce will be cultivated in a meticulously controlled indoor environment, completely free of pesticides, ensuring the freshness, nutrition, and quality of the fruits and vegetables grown.

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Rashed Mohammad emphasized the importance of this long-term partnership in advancing the UAE's food security objectives. “This collaboration with Badia Farms is a significant step towards achieving the UAE's ambitious food security goals. At Food Tech Valley, we are committed to fostering innovation and sustainable agricultural practices. By supporting cutting-edge technologies and partnering with industry leaders like Badia Farms, we are building a robust and resilient food ecosystem that will benefit future generations,” he stated.

Omar Al Jundi expressed pride in being part of Food Tech Valley’s efforts to enhance food security. “Through our expertise in hydroponic farming, Badia Farms will continue to deliver fresh and nutritious produce in a safe and sustainable manner,” he remarked.

This strategic partnership marks a pivotal moment in realizing the UAE and Dubai's vision for a sustainable and innovative food ecosystem. Food Tech Valley's focus on state-of-the-art technologies and collaborative projects is attracting key industry players and driving significant progress toward improved food security. As the UAE anticipates a surge in demand for local produce and seeks to lessen its dependence on food imports, such partnerships will be critical in achieving the ambitious targets set forth in the National Food Security Strategy 2051.