Waterfront Market is turning its floor space into a children’s food education programme this summer, with a free initiative called Growtopia running from 23 July to 31 August.
Developed in partnership with Greeneration, a Dubai-based vertical farming company that supplies pesticide-free produce to luxury hospitality clients across the region, the programme is aimed at families looking for school-holiday activities in the city. Entry is free.
Through live learning stations, children can explore how plants grow in controlled-environment vertical farms without soil, understand the role of light and water in food production, and follow how fresh ingredients move from a local farm to a market to a table. Each child who takes part receives a grow punnet to take home.
An accompanying activity guide, the Little Explorers Passport, sends children around different areas of the market to complete challenges and earn additional prizes.
Mohammad Al Madani, Associate Director and Senior Centre Manager at Waterfront Market, said the programme was designed to make conversations about food origins and responsible food choices accessible to younger visitors. “As a destination closely connected to Dubai’s food journey, Waterfront Market plays an important role in helping younger generations understand how food is grown, where it comes from and why responsible food choices matter,” he said.
