UAE residents may have a reputation for unhealthy eating habits, but it seems the tide is slowly turning. As The National reported yesterday, consumers are buying and eating more organically grown food while western counterparts cut back.
The Ministry of Environment and Water has revealed that more than 5,000 tonnes of organic produce was harvested last year, an increase of 15 per cent on 2009. This rise in greenhouse farming follows a general rise in popularity for locally produced crops.
The last few years have seen an increase in farmers' markets across the Emirates. Every Friday, farmers from Abu Dhabi, Ras al Khaimah, Umm al Qaiwain, Al Ain and Sharjah descend on some of Dubai's largest developments to sell their vegetables, herbs and dairy products. The offer of fresh products has been gleefully received by the public, and similar markets have popped up across the other emirates.
To be certain, farming in the desert is a significant drain on fresh water. Agriculture practices that use less water are, therefore, essential. But local organic (and pesticide-free) food mean less travel, thereby offering the benefit of burning less fossil fuels to reach our plates.
UAE residents are increasingly seeking healthy food options. And at long last, local farmers are answering the call.
Six pitfalls to avoid when trading company stocks
Following fashion
Investing is cyclical, buying last year's winners often means holding this year's losers.
Losing your balance
You end up with too much exposure to an individual company or sector that has taken your fancy.
Being over active
If you chop and change your portfolio too often, dealing charges will eat up your gains.
Running your losers
Investors hate admitting mistakes and hold onto bad stocks hoping they will come good.
Selling in a panic
If you sell up when the market drops, you have locked yourself out of the recovery.
Timing the market
Even the best investor in the world cannot consistently call market movements.
The biog
Favourite book: You Are the Placebo – Making your mind matter, by Dr Joe Dispenza
Hobby: Running and watching Welsh rugby
Travel destination: Cyprus in the summer
Life goals: To be an aspirational and passionate University educator, enjoy life, be healthy and be the best dad possible.
The five pillars of Islam
If you go
The flights
The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
How it works
Booklava works on a subscription model. On signing up you receive a free book as part of a 30-day-trial period, after which you pay US$9.99 (Dh36.70) per month to gain access to a library of books and discounts of up to 30 per cent on selected titles. You can cancel your subscription at any time. For more details go to www.booklava.com
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The biog
From: Upper Egypt
Age: 78
Family: a daughter in Egypt; a son in Dubai and his wife, Nabila
Favourite Abu Dhabi activity: walking near to Emirates Palace
Favourite building in Abu Dhabi: Emirates Palace
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