Hydroponic farming is taking off in the deserts of Libya. Here, farmer Mounir inspects lettuces growing without soil in a greenhouse in Qouwea, about 40 kilometres east of the capital Tripoli. AFP
Hydroponic farming is taking off in the deserts of Libya. Here, farmer Mounir inspects lettuces growing without soil in a greenhouse in Qouwea, about 40 kilometres east of the capital Tripoli. AFP
Growing vegetables like these lettuces hydroponically is still in its infancy in Libya, but proponents say the method could offer a path toward greater food self-sufficiency. AFP
Growing vegetables like these lettuces hydroponically is still in its infancy in Libya, but proponents say the method could offer a path toward greater food self-sufficiency. AFP
Mounir tours a greenhouse filled with hydroponically-grown lettuces in Qouwea, Libya, a country whose territory is 90 per cent arid desert. AFP
Mounir tours a greenhouse filled with hydroponically-grown lettuces in Qouwea, Libya, a country whose territory is 90 per cent arid desert. AFP
Mounir and Siraj Bechiya began training in hydroponics in Tunisia two years ago and together run the hydroponic farm at Qouwea in Libya. AFP
Mounir and Siraj Bechiya began training in hydroponics in Tunisia two years ago and together run the hydroponic farm at Qouwea in Libya. AFP
Mounir and Siraj plant sprouts for their plantation of hydroponically-grown lettuces. They say that high yield, low water usage and a lack of pesticides are all advantages of the farming method. AFP
Mounir and Siraj plant sprouts for their plantation of hydroponically-grown lettuces. They say that high yield, low water usage and a lack of pesticides are all advantages of the farming method. AFP
A polytunnel filled with hydroponically-grown lettuces in Qouwea, Libya. AFP
A polytunnel filled with hydroponically-grown lettuces in Qouwea, Libya. AFP
Lettuces thriving at Mounir and Siraj's hydroponic farm in Qouwea. The farming technique could make a big difference to food production in Libya, which is plagued by water shortages. AFP
Lettuces thriving at Mounir and Siraj's hydroponic farm in Qouwea. The farming technique could make a big difference to food production in Libya, which is plagued by water shortages. AFP
Siraj at the entrance of the greenhouse in Qouwea. There has been some improvisation on materials as the farm pioneers hydroponics in Libya. AFP
Siraj at the entrance of the greenhouse in Qouwea. There has been some improvisation on materials as the farm pioneers hydroponics in Libya. AFP

MENA

Farming without soil: Libyan entrepenuers use hydroponics to grow vegetables - in pictures

Hydroponic farming in the Libyan town of Qouwea uses greenhouses to grow produce

The National

April 14, 2021

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
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Fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit

As he spoke, Mr Aboul Gheit repeatedly referred to the need to tackle issues affecting the welfare of people across the region both in terms of preventing conflict and in pushing development.
Lebanon is scheduled to host the fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in January that will see regional leaders gather to tackle the challenges facing the Middle East. The last such summit was held in 2013. Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki told The National that the Beirut Summit “will be an opportunity for Arab leaders to discuss solely economic and social issues, the conference will not focus on political concerns such as Palestine, Syria or Libya". He added that its slogan will be “the individual is at the heart of development”, adding that it will focus on all elements of human capital.

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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency
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While you're here
Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning. 
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. 
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
 

The biog

Name: Salvador Toriano Jr

Age: 59

From: Laguna, The Philippines

Favourite dish: Seabass or Fish and Chips

Hobbies: When he’s not in the restaurant, he still likes to cook, along with walking and meeting up with friends.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Environment