Smartkas, an agricultural technology company in the Netherlands, and the Hamad Bin Khalifa Department of Projects have formed a joint venture to develop hi-tech farms in the UAE.
As part of the deal, Smartkas will transform the desert sand into “smart greenhouses” using the latest technology such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, drones and robotics to help boost food security in the UAE and across the GCC, the two companies said on Sunday.
“Food security is among the top priorities for the Emirates, especially after the devastating impact of Covid-19. Our joint venture with Smartkas will bring about the future of agriculture in the UAE,” Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa, chairman of HBK DOP, said.
Smartkas, which recently gained recognition at a European start-up contest for its innovative agricultural solutions, is planning to build a research and development centre in Toulouse, France, to carry out research on artificial pollination, full automated harvests and new generation farming based on AI.
“The mission of Smartkas is to make access to food and water a basic human right. This is why we partner up with the market leaders instead of competing with them; we focus on sharing and scaling together,” said David Meszaros, chief executive and founder of Smartkas.
HBK DOP was founded by Sheikh Hamad to handle project investments and enter into joint venture partnerships that focus on sustainability and job creation.
The Dubai company intends to develop projects in the Middle East, Africa, India, Russia, Central Asia, Hong Kong and Mexico.
Food security was priority for many Gulf nations even before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains.
Gulf countries import as much as 90 per cent of the food they consume, according to think tank Chatham House.
Earlier this year, Pure Harvest Smart Farms, an Abu Dhabi agricultural technology company, secured a multistage investment commitment of $100 million from Kuwait's Wafra International Investment Company to fund hiring and a massive expansion of its sustainable greenhouses in Kuwait and across the wider region, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The UAE is also focused on developing the sector.
Last year, Abu Dhabi launched a Dh1 billion ($272m) programme to support the establishment of agri-tech companies in the emirate, as part of the Ghadan 21 stimulus package.
The programme involves both cash and non-cash incentives being made available to make it easier for both local and global agri-tech companies to expand.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The 12
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
Another way to earn air miles
In addition to the Emirates and Etihad programmes, there is the Air Miles Middle East card, which offers members the ability to choose any airline, has no black-out dates and no restrictions on seat availability. Air Miles is linked up to HSBC credit cards and can also be earned through retail partners such as Spinneys, Sharaf DG and The Toy Store.
An Emirates Dubai-London round-trip ticket costs 180,000 miles on the Air Miles website. But customers earn these ‘miles’ at a much faster rate than airline miles. Adidas offers two air miles per Dh1 spent. Air Miles has partnerships with websites as well, so booking.com and agoda.com offer three miles per Dh1 spent.
“If you use your HSBC credit card when shopping at our partners, you are able to earn Air Miles twice which will mean you can get that flight reward faster and for less spend,” says Paul Lacey, the managing director for Europe, Middle East and India for Aimia, which owns and operates Air Miles Middle East.
HWJN
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The biog
Name: Abeer Al Shahi
Emirate: Sharjah – Khor Fakkan
Education: Master’s degree in special education, preparing for a PhD in philosophy.
Favourite activities: Bungee jumping
Favourite quote: “My people and I will not settle for anything less than first place” – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
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7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
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Austria 2
Hinteregger (53'), Schopf (69')
Germany 1
Ozil (11')
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Rating: 4/5
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