Latest news with #UrbanOasis
Forbes
15-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
A Gem Of A Famers Market
Counter with fresh vegetables and a sign of local products. Miami is not known for its abundant, fresh local produce. Nor is it famous for sustainably raised meat and eggs fresh from the chicken. As a result, I have been struggling since I moved here to find a local farmers market to supply my culinary needs. To my great surprise I discovered Legion's Park Saturday farmer's market near the MiMo area of Miami. While the market features more pre-made food—think empanadas and blue corn tamales—and handcrafts than you might find on the West Coast, it does offer some solid vegetables. One of the larger entities, that features product from different farmers, is Urban Oasis. The company offers everything from some of the best salmon I have ever had to zucchini bread and arugula and tropical fruits. They will even delivery the products in Miami for free if you spend $150 dollars or more and for free if you are on food stamps. So, I recently sat down with Art Friedrich, Urban Oasis's founder, to talk to him about what inspired him to open the company. All answers have been edited and condensed for clarity. Liza B. Zimmerman (L.B.Z.): What inspired you to found Urban Oasis almost 20 years ago? Art is one of the founders of Urban Oasis. Art Friedrich (A.F.): I moved to Miami in 2008 and was shocked at how little a local food movement there was. My family was running a small hobby farm in New Hampshire sand had overseen a community garden in St. Louis. I wanted to create community—our first activities were potlucks and a bicycle tour of community gardens—and to plant gardens and see more food less lawns. L.B.Z.: How did you choose which farmers markets to be present at? A.F.: We have created our own, so that we can serve the people and populations we choose. We look for locations that are physically and culturally accessible to a variety of economic demographics. The Legion's Park farmer's market attracts one of the most diverse crowds one finds in Miami. We've tried markets in many different areas and had to let many go because they weren't supporting the other vendors or us enough. L.B.Z.: How did you choose which farmers to represent? A.F.: We have worked with almost every farm in Miami, and will work with any of them. Sometimes we have cut ties because they can't operate in a respectful way, or want to overcharge consumers, but we always try to get the farmers the compensation they need while giving the consumers affordable food. We've lengthy relationships with a number of growers who have been able to scale up, so we're not foraging from backyards quite as much as we used to. L.B.Z.: Can you speak to me about some of the lesser-known local fruits and vegetables that grow in Florida? Fresh jackfruit cut out isolated on white background A.F.: That could be a whole book! My faves are ripe jackfruit, which tastes like Juicy Fruit bubble gum and I love to cook the seeds for a great protein source. Canistel or Eggfruit was my first tropical love- the creamy sweet flesh is like custard and makes a fabulous milkshake! L.B.Z.: Was your service the first farmer's market that delivered and provided discounted boxes for those who earn less? We started our free food boxes in response to the huge needs of the pandemic and it has since morphed many times, and now is like a low-income CSA, with repeat customers who chip in $10 each. We keep trying different ways to grow and develop the program in sustainable ways with limited funding. L.B.Z.: Why has Miami been so underserved with farmer's markets and food stamp access for those who earn less? A.F.: It's typical across most of the country. Government policy shut down SNAP, which stands for supplemental nutrition assistance program, at markets in 1993. It was a huge loss for farmers and for those consumers who had been spending those benefits at farmers markets. We were at the forefront of many organizations pushing policy change to make sure markets could get approved for SNAP redemption locations and then to bring all those alienated customers back to markets with the double-dollar incentives. L.B.Z.: Are Miami residents less interested in fresh, and local food, than in other markets? A.F.: Miami residents have been going to fake farmers markets for years, with unlabeled or mislabeled produce, so they don't know what their missing. They haven't prioritized local foods other than a few fruits that only we can grow, like mangoes and avocadoes which have cultural significance for them. COLOMBIA - 2012/04/28: Avocados and mangoes for sale along road. (Photo by Wolfgang ... More Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images) L.B.Z.: Why does such a temperate place like Miami have so few growers and markets? A.F.: Land is inaccessible. Many people have left traumatic histories with agriculture because it wasn't a choice or a respected occupation. Histories of slavery and disrespected immigrant labor weigh heavy on many communities' ability to choose agriculture, as it has often been the scene of the crime. However, reconnecting with the earth sustains us and it is why we believe it's important for everyone to engage with the process of creating food.
Arabian Business
31-01-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Yousef Al Shelash's expansion strategies in UAE and beyond
Yousef Al Shelash, the chairman of Dar Al Arkan, has transformed the Saudi-based real estate developer into a force in the luxury property market. With major developments planned in the UAE and other regions, Yousef Al Shelash is working to expand Dar Al Arkan's position in luxury real estate. The UAE plays a role in this vision of expansion. Known for its robust real estate market and a strong demand for high-end developments, cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi provide natural fits for Dar Al Arkan's ambitious growth plans. Several high-profile projects have already been completed in Dubai, including the W Residences Dubai – Downtown and Urban Oasis by Missoni, Dar Arkan is preparing to establish a greater presence in Abu Dhabi, thereby targeting a market that values the luxury and innovation of modern real estate. Capitalising on opportunities Dar Al Arkan's upcoming residential project in Abu Dhabi represents a new step in real estate opportunities. The UAE capital has become a primary destination for international real estate, as an increasing demand for luxury properties has been driven by global investors and other affluent residents. Abu Dhabi–which is known for its modern infrastructure and world-class cultural landmarks–provides an ideal setting for anyone looking to gain entry into this competitive market. While details of the project have not yet been disclosed, Dar Al Arkan has shown a commitment to replicating successes in other regions by delivering developments that focus on design excellence, exclusivity, and functionality. Building on success in Dubai Dubai has proven to be a successful market for Dar Al Arkan. With projects such as the W Residences Dubai, the company has established itself as a notable presence in the city's luxury real estate sector. These developments, which are quickly becoming more prominent, have set new standards for high-end and luxury living, which combine contemporary design with exclusivity that appeals to Dubai's affluent audience. The success of such projects demonstrates Yousef Al Shelash's ability to align the company's developments with the demands of the market. Through partnerships with globally recognised brands, Dar Al Arkan has worked to position itself as a developer that delivers quality and sophistication. A plan to expand While the UAE remains a primary focus for the company, Dar Al Arkan's expansion has worked to launch several high-profile projects in the Middle East, including Aida overlooking the Sea of Oman and Les Vagues by Elie Saab in Qatar. These types of developments highlight the company's capabilities of extending its offerings in diverse markets while maintaining a reputation for delivering high quality. Dar Al Arkan's influence in international markets also includes the Sidra project in Bosnia, which marks the company's first major venture into Europe. Spanning 500,000 square meters, Sidra is being designed as a gated community surrounded by native forests. The development works to blend natural surroundings with modern amenities, which include residential villas, shops, restaurants, and a five-star hotel. Looking ahead With new residential projects planned for Abu Dhabi, Dar Al Arkan looks to continue its projects both within the UAE and outside of it as well. The company's focus remains on prime locations, strategic partnerships, and excellence in execution will remain crucial to its growth in the coming years.
