Arcadia at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray uses Farm-Fresh Ingredients

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray has announced the opening of Arcadia, a venue that serves cuisine from its hydroponic farm and is interactive.

Arcadia will have an outdoor country-style kitchen with a large dining table and a menu that includes salads and BBQ grills, arranged among organic herb garden beds. Chef’s tables, culinary lessons, and distinctive dishes await guests.

Mark Hehir, general manager of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, said, “Our mission at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is to provide our guests with unparalleled experiences while using scarce resources as responsibly as possible. Arcadia, one of the pioneers in the UAE to adopt the idea, is for those who value nature and wonderful cuisine while also caring about the environment. We are pleased to have opened our own hydroponic farm on-site since it will help us to reduce waste and assure a greener and more responsible source of organic products, eventually contributing to the industry’s more sustainable future. Additionally, producing vegetables on the site will provide a chance to educate and involve visitors in responsible production and consumption, as well as provide a new depth to our culinary offering. The hydroponic garden is 55 square meters in size and is predicted to yield 250 kg each month, comprising over 30 species of leafy greens and herbs.

Hydroponic cultivation enables a more environmentally friendly approach of acquiring food. The new technology offers continuous quality throughout the year since it is not reliant on the harsh weather conditions of nature. In addition to lowering water use by up to 90 percent, since no soil is needed for cultivation, it also reduces the carbon footprint generated by conventional transportation methods utilized for distribution. This provides for a shorter harvest-to-consumption window and the production of more fresh, nutrient-dense, and flavorful vegetables.