This strategic move establishes Emirates Bustanica as a fully UAE-owned company, helping sustain the country's vision of enhancing food and water security and its agricultural capabilities. The acquisition empowers Emirates Bustanica to leverage its local expertise and the latest tech know-how to meet the growing demands of the market.

Located near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, Bustanica’s 330,000sqft facility has the capacity to grow more than 1 million kilograms of exceptional quality leafy greens a year, equivalent to 3 tonnes daily, while using 95% less water than conventional agriculture.

Operating under the brand name Bustanica, the produce is available across all major retailers in the UAE such as Spinney's, Waitrose, Carrefour, and Choithrams. Customers on Emirates and other airlines enjoy this farm-fresh produce in their salads and meals.

Since its launch in July 2022, Bustanica has become a part of UAE’s dinner table conversations, thanks to its growing range of leafy greens, herbs and microgreens that can and should be eaten straight out of the box – even tap water can contaminate the produce. Bustanica’s produce is grown without pesticides or herbicides, and is 100% clean, fresh, and nutrient-rich. Bustanica produces a variety of lettuce, spinach, parsley, and kale.

Bustanica is driven by powerful technology – machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other patented technologies – and a highly specialised in-house team that includes agronomy experts, engineers, horticulturists, and plant scientists.

More recently, Emirates Bustanica was a preferred produce supplier for COP28, a recognition of its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

About Emirates Flight Catering

Operating the largest flight catering facility in the world at Dubai International Airport, Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) is a global leader in aviation hospitality. EKFC offers a comprehensive range of services, including airline catering, airport dining, private dining and event catering, food supplies to the HORECA and hospitality industries, complemented by support services such as laundry. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, EKFC consistently delivers exceptional culinary experiences tailored to the discerning tastes of consumers worldwide. With cutting-edge facilities, a dedicated team of culinary experts, and state-of-the-art technology, EKFC continues to set the standard for premium dining across the aviation and wider hospitality industries.

Daniel Wells, Vice President - Commercial of EKFC, said: “We are proud to have earned the trust of Coca-Cola Arena and look forward to delivering best-in-class services for their guests.

“Having already successfully managed popular local events such as Dubai Rugby 7s, Dubai Airshow and Jazzfest, we are currently looking to expand our events catering business to become Dubai’s go to caterer. We are perfecting our offering of local cuisine with a dedicated team of Emirati chefs to offer contemporary international menus suitable for any occasion. Coca-Cola Arena is an ideal platform to showcase what our talented team of chefs and hospitality professionals are capable of.

“We will ensure that our food and beverage offering is in line with the arena’s objectives and the amazing events that it hosts. Creating a flexible menu that can change to the varying demographics welcomed to the arena is a challenge we will excel in. We will provide an enjoyable and quality experience on every level.”

Mark Jan Kar, General Manager at Coca-Cola Arena, said:  “Delighted to announce our partnership with Emirates Flight Catering, part of the Emirates Group. We look forward to strengthening our catering services whilst learning and implementing best practices across both industries to continue elevating the food and beverage services at Coca-Cola Arena. The partnership will also provide us with ample opportunity as we look at how we can operate the venue 365 days a year, outside of normal event times.”

EKFC is a culinary innovator and producer of premium food. It owns and operates the largest food manufacturing facility in the GCC region, providing quality services to over 100 customers, including leading airlines and hotels, with a team of 8,000 highly-trained hospitality and culinary professionals.

In recent years the company has significantly enhanced its offering to further diversify its portfolio and expand its customer base. It established Foodcraft, a gourmet food store that provides fresh ingredients for home cooking, and co-invested in facilities to become the first registered and certified producer of kosher food (Kosher Arabia) in the UAE, and build the world’s largest vertical farm (Bustanica).

EKFC has also contributed to the success of Dubai Expo 2020 by ensuring world-class hospitality services at the Emirates, New Zealand and DP World pavilions and over 100 events, including concerts, conferences and high-level government meetings.

In addition, EKFC has invested in infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies to further enhance environmental efficiency. The company’s investments include a rooftop solar power system which has helped it cut carbon emissions from electrical consumption by 15%.  

About Emirates Flight Catering

Emirates Flight Catering is one of the world’s largest catering operations. Offering airline, events and VIP catering as well as ancillary services including laundry, food production and airport lounge food & beverage, Emirates Flight Catering is a trusted partner of over 100 airline customers, hospitality groups and UAE government entities. Each day, the company’s 8,000 dedicated employees prepare an average of 200,000 meals and handle 210 tonnes of laundry.

About Coca-Cola Arena

Opened in June 2019, Coca-Cola Arena has revolutionised the live entertainment industry in the UAE and throughout the Middle East. Capable of hosting live shows 365 days a year, the fully air-conditioned, 17,000-capacity arena establishes Dubai as a major destination on the global events circuit. Coca-Cola Arena’s unique automated seating design means it can be adapted to international and local events of all sizes, from international touring artists, sporting tournaments, e-gaming, comedy and live theatre and musical performances, to conferences, gala dinners, AGMs and weddings. Located in the heart of City Walk, Dubai’s lifestyle destination, Coca-Cola Arena is a 15-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and a 5-minute walk from the closest Dubai Metro Station. The region’s largest multipurpose indoor arena, Coca-Cola Arena is an asset of Dubai Holding’s entertainment portfolio and is managed by ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management and services company.

Contact
Kim Tormey
Email: kimt@ekfc.ae
Phone: +97142086014

Kirsty Bailey
Email: kbailey@coca-cola-arena.com
Phone: +971 4 2153000  Ext: 5019