Group AMANA, the regional design-build construction firm, has said that it has delivered its first-ever vertical farm in the region, which is a project that will boost the UAE’s long-term food security and self-sufficiency.
In a statement, the company said that the high-tech hydroponic facility in Dubai South was construction by its subsidiary AMANA Contracting in collaboration with Crop One Holdings and Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC).
The $40m Bustanica hydroponic farm is considered to be the largest in the world. It spans 330,000sqft and is located in Dubai World Central, and will produce more than a million kilos of high-quality leafy greens annually with 95% less water than conventional farming.
The project will boost the UAE’s food security, the statement added. Produce will be available on certain Emirates flights and for consumers to purchase across stores in the UAE under the Bustanica brand.
Joe Labaky, General Manager of UAE and Emerging Markets, AMANA Contracting, said: “AMANA continues to push the boundaries of innovation using the latest building techniques. Being a part of a revolutionary project in the UAE’s agriculture industry to ensure long term food security and strengthen national resilience is a great privilege for the AMANA team.”
To construct the vertical farm, AMANA brought in the best and latest innovations in building and construction. The construction leader executed and installed specialised systems to ensure maximum sustainability and environmental conservation. The project was completed on time, by leveraging advanced to maximise output on site.
AMANA Contracting delivered the project while adhering to the highest quality and safety norms, using off-site construction techniques. AMANA executed and installed specialised systems throughout the project, such as LED lights in the grow room and germination room, grow fans, grow room controls, pack house equipment, grow kit, racking, nutrient dosing systems, and germination room equipment, among other facilities.
Labaky added that BIM technology was leveraged to develop all the workshop drawings and executed MEP using offsite construction. Given that modular techniques are more efficient, leaner and result in less waste production, AMANA ensured that the project was executed in the most sustainable way possible. AMANA also achieved a milestone of 1+ million work hours without any LTI at the project.
Last month, Group AMANA revealed its revitalised brand identity. Now organised into three verticals: Construct, Manufacture and Enhance, the transformation reflects the Group’s offerings for an evolving business landscape and the drive to build cleaner, greener, and smarter. AMANA has built a formidable reputation over three decades of operations in the region, with its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and digitalisation.