Dubai's Sustainable Food Scene - Hatta Strawberry Farm

Uncover the city's greenest food initiatives

Strawberry growth by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

The demand for fresh, locally grown fruits is on the rise as imports often reach the market after weeks in transit.

Strawberry growth by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

A modern cultivation practice is initiating a shift from the traditional, allowing farmers to grow food locally despite the harsh climate. It also contributes to the nation’s efforts in sustainability.

The Hatta Model Strawberry Farm

A successful modern farm that has chosen to grow strawberry over traditional favourites like dates, mango or fig. The family project owned by Khalfan Hamid Al-Mutaiwee, has the support of the UAE Government, the government of Dubai in particular.

Insdie the strawberry farm by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

The first stage saw the planting of nearly 6,000 seedlings in the outfield and up to 5000 in the greenhouse. 

Attempts are being made to multiply strawberry plants through vegetative propagation from the original parent, so as to develop an own source of seedlings, instead of buying them every year.

The cultivation process adheres to the principle of sustainability, wherever possible. The excess water from watering the plants is recycled, thus saving almost 80% of the wastewater.

Reviewing strawberry plant by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

The outdoor field also uses a kind of underground drip irrigation system and plastic to preserve.

When the project is completed, tourists visiting Hatta are expected to come to the nearby farm, where they can pick strawberries themselves. Rest area is also planned where coffee shop would also serve strawberry products, such as juices and jams.

6,000 seedlings planted by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

In Stage 1, nearly 6,000 seedlings were planted in the outfield and up to 5000 in the greenhouse.

Insdie the strawberry farm by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

The new season of planting was launched with the support of Dubai Municipality.

Strawberry growth by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

Once complete, the Hatta Strawberry Farm is expected to offer tourists a memorable experience in sustainable farming.

Plucking strawberry by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

At Hatta Strawberry Farm, 80% of the wastewater is reused for watering the plants as a part of sustainable practices.

Reviewing strawberry plant by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority

Hatta Strawberry Farm aims at multiplying strawberry plants through vegetative propagation to become self-reliant in terms of seedlings.

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