Ritz-Carlton JBR has its own vertical farm - in pictures
The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, JBR teamed up with Green Container Advanced Farming (GCAF) to launch a hyper-local, on-site hydroponic (a method of growing plants without soil) farm, one of the first-ever vertical farms in the city. Executive Chef Tobias Pfister is pictured. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National
With a focus on food security and regenerative farming practices, the farm is approximately 40 square metres in size and completely sealed to ensure it is pesticide and herbicide-free
Executive chef Tobias Pfister conducts a tour of the vertical farm, which grows crops year–round with daily harvests of up to 10 kilograms of produce
Maan Said, CEO of Crisp, that built the farm. As the first Marriott property in the region to establish a vertical farm, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai supports the UAE’s ambitious food security goals
The freshly grown selection of herbs includes Italian basil, Thai basil, and rosemary, among others, while coast-line lettuce, salanova mix and kale is also grown
Executive chef Tobias Pfister looks at some of the farm's produce, which will enhance the dishes served at the property’s dining establishments, including Blue Jade, Splendido and Amaseena
The hydroponic technique employed by the resort eliminates the need for soil to grow crops and reduces the amount of water needed by close to 90 per cent when compared with traditional farming techniques
By harvesting a variety of herbs, microgreens, lettuce and other ingredients at the hydroponic centre, the hotel offers daily delivery of local produce
