Breathable sand in Ras Al Khaimah - in pictures

  • A fig farm in Ras Al Khaimah is using breathable sand, a technology that can boost farming in the desert. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    A fig farm in Ras Al Khaimah is using breathable sand, a technology that can boost farming in the desert. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The product is manufactured from the finest sand taken from the Gobi Desert.
    The product is manufactured from the finest sand taken from the Gobi Desert.
  • Water consumption on the farm has been reduced by 80 per cent.
    Water consumption on the farm has been reduced by 80 per cent.
  • The product was first patented in 2010 by the Rechsand Technology Group in China.
    The product was first patented in 2010 by the Rechsand Technology Group in China.
  • The sand enhances water retention and improves air circulation around the roots.
    The sand enhances water retention and improves air circulation around the roots.
  • The technology has transformed desert grounds into 446 square metres of arable land.
    The technology has transformed desert grounds into 446 square metres of arable land.
  • About 800 fig trees planted in a greenhouse in December are already bearing fruit.
    About 800 fig trees planted in a greenhouse in December are already bearing fruit.
  • Earlier, the trees had to be watered every day for five minutes.
    Earlier, the trees had to be watered every day for five minutes.
  • Now, the new technology allows them to be watered once in two days for two to three minutes.
    Now, the new technology allows them to be watered once in two days for two to three minutes.
  • For any kind of plant, only one centimetre of the product is required. The special sand is then covered with regular desert sand, compost and nutrients.
    For any kind of plant, only one centimetre of the product is required. The special sand is then covered with regular desert sand, compost and nutrients.
  • The sand has been used at many schools while the Ras Al Khaimah Municipality has agreed to plant 1,000 trees using the technology.
    The sand has been used at many schools while the Ras Al Khaimah Municipality has agreed to plant 1,000 trees using the technology.