UAE

A Closer Look: Are heat-resistant sheep the future of UAE sustainable farming?

The National hears from reporter Nick Webster

The National

April 06, 2023

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A Closer Look is The National's show where we take an in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.

Science-led farming is being used to breed sheep that are suited to the warmer Gulf environment.

It promises to transform the rearing of livestock and improve animal welfare by reducing the need for live importing, while at the same time reducing the carbon footprint of importation.

Farmers in the UAE plan to breed grass-fed Australian White sheep, monitoring their health with the latest technology, and provide residents with affordable lamb sourced locally.

The National reporter Nick Webster speaks to host Sarah Forster about the future of sustainable farming in the Emirates.

Read more

UAE-reared lambs highlight the future of sustainable livestock farming

UAE outlines plan to increase domestic food production and consumption

UAE Vertical Farm - in pictures

  • Sean Lee, director of Smart Acres, at the hydroponics farm at the Armed Forces Officers Club, Abu Dhabi, which produces lettuce and leafy greens for sale in UAE supermarkets. Victor Besa / The National
    Sean Lee, director of Smart Acres, at the hydroponics farm at the Armed Forces Officers Club, Abu Dhabi, which produces lettuce and leafy greens for sale in UAE supermarkets. Victor Besa / The National
  • Lettuce is grown in converted shipping containers. Victor Besa / The National
    Lettuce is grown in converted shipping containers. Victor Besa / The National
  • The produce grown using hydroponics. Victor Besa / The National
    The produce grown using hydroponics. Victor Besa / The National
  • Sean Lee, director of the Smart Acres hydroponics farm. We want it to be commercially viable, he said.Victor Besa / The National
    Sean Lee, director of the Smart Acres hydroponics farm. We want it to be commercially viable, he said.Victor Besa / The National
  • The farm is spread across eight converted shipping containers. Victor Besa / The National
    The farm is spread across eight converted shipping containers. Victor Besa / The National
  • The UAE’s newest vertical farm, Smart Acres, has started operation. All photos courtesy Smart Acres
    The UAE’s newest vertical farm, Smart Acres, has started operation. All photos courtesy Smart Acres
  • The company collaborated with n.thing, a Korean-based technology company, to design the farm modules.
    The company collaborated with n.thing, a Korean-based technology company, to design the farm modules.
  • Smart Acres grows fresh produce for UAE residents and businesses.
    Smart Acres grows fresh produce for UAE residents and businesses.
  • Smart Acres says its system not only consumes less resources but generates ultra-high quality crops.
    Smart Acres says its system not only consumes less resources but generates ultra-high quality crops.
  • Smart Acres was founded to improve food security in the UAE and develop the country’s farming capabilities.
    Smart Acres was founded to improve food security in the UAE and develop the country’s farming capabilities.
  • Smart Acres is in talks with hypermarkets and government entities to expand their distribution of produce across the country.
    Smart Acres is in talks with hypermarkets and government entities to expand their distribution of produce across the country.
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The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo

Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic

Power: 242bhp

Torque: 370Nm

Price: Dh136,814

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

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

Name: Carzaty

Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar

Launched: 2017

Employees: 22

Based: Dubai and Muscat

Sector: Automobile retail

Funding to date: $5.5 million

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Updated: March 06, 2024, 8:10 AM
UAEEnvironmentA Closer Look