ABU DHABI // Farmers will soon be able to save energy, water and money with a new green-technology programme.
G-Earth will provide water for greenhouses by extracting it from the air and use solar energy for electricity.
The scheme will be operated by the Abu Dhabi Farmers' Services Centre (FSC) and Anexo Emirates, the local division of a Swiss consultancy specialising in technology transfer.
"It's vital for farmers to learn about this technology because it includes environmental and cost benefits," said Christopher Hirst, the chief executive of the FSC.
"In an effort to achieve sustainable agriculture in Abu Dhabi, water used in the greenhouses of local farms will be obtained by condensation from the humidity in the air."
The programme will help farms with hydroponic systems, where plants are grown in water and mineral-nutrient solutions rather than soil, to become less dependent on power grids and expensive water supplies.
"Our farmers will be able to grow rich crops with zero impact on water and energy resources," said Aldo Garbagnati, the chief executive of Anexo Emirates.
The programme is scheduled to run for 12 months and a model farm demonstrating the technology to farmers will open in Al Gharbia in six months, officials said.
"Farmers will be able to learn how to use it and see its benefits and costs before applying it to their own farms, should they choose to," Mr Hirst said.
cmalek@thenational.ae
The Bio
Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village
What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft
Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans
Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface
T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
Results
UAE beat Nigeria by five wickets
Hong Kong beat Canada by 32 runs
Friday fixtures
10am, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – Ireland v Jersey
7.30pm, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Canada v Oman
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
