Dubai, a shimmering gem in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and ambition. Renowned for its breathtaking skyline, luxurious lifestyle, and vibrant culture, this city has transformed from a modest trading post into a global powerhouse in commerce, tourism, and innovation. But beyond its glitz and glamour, Dubai embodies a spirit of resilience.
It thrives in an environment characterized by vast deserts and limited water resources, yet it has mastered the art of turning challenges into opportunities. The UAE, of which Dubai is a key part, is home to a forward-thinking populace that continually seeks sustainable solutions to ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.
One such visionary is Abd Rahman Rashid Al Shami, an Emirati entrepreneur whose groundbreaking work is revolutionizing agriculture in the region. In the outskirts of Al Ain, he has created an innovative aquaculture system that marries fish farming with sustainable crop cultivation, effectively addressing the pressing issues of food and water scarcity in the desert.
Al Shami’s farm, a remarkable oasis nestled over 100 kilometres from the sea, is a living example of ingenuity. Utilizing advanced techniques, he has developed a method that produces three times the yield of traditional farms while cutting water consumption by a staggering 90%. This unique system yields an impressive 150,000 kg of fruits and vegetables and 50,000 kg of tilapia fish annually.
Crops like dates, pomegranates, watermelon, and mangoes thrive alongside zucchini, cabbage, and others, demonstrating that this system can grow food year-round, even in the harsh desert climate.
Central to Al Shami’s farm are 12 high-efficiency fish pools, each housing up to 50,000 tilapia. The fish waste, rich in ammonia, is cleverly repurposed to fertilize the crops. The water used in the pools is recycled through a drip irrigation system, ensuring minimal water loss. Additionally, an onsite bacteria production facility converts inactive bacteria into active agents. These are then added to the water to enhance the nutrient cycle. The bacteria turn ammonia into nitrates, which the plants absorb as essential nutrients.
Beyond vegetables and fish, the farm raises Lamborghini chickens, a rare Indonesian breed distinguished by its black feathers and high market value, sometimes fetching thousands of US dollars. These chickens add another income stream to the farm’s diverse production system.
The farm’s innovation extends further with its self-sufficiency in animal feed. The fish feed on floating ferns, known as Aola, while livestock like the Lamborghini chickens consume alfalfa, both of which are cultivated in-house. This closed-loop system not only reduces operational costs but enhances the sustainability of the farm.
Al Shami’s approach to farming has earned him numerous accolades, and he believes that his system offers a viable solution for water-scarce and desert regions worldwide. By promoting local organic and sustainable food production, he addresses the UAE’s reliance on imported food, as over 80% of the nation’s food is brought in from abroad. He envisions his farm as a model for tackling the growing challenges of food security and environmental conservation in arid regions.
His innovative aquaculture farm demonstrates that sustainable farming techniques can revolutionize food production in even the harshest environments, offering hope to regions struggling with water scarcity and food insecurity.