The Middle East is a region known for its deserts, wealth, and rapid development. Despite having ample space for agriculture, the region faces critical challenges. Water scarcity and non-arable land are the prime ones among many. Conventional agriculture relies heavily on water, a resource limited in the Middle East.
These challenges create the ideal environment for vertical agriculture farming in the Middle East, where vertical farms are helping to overcome these challenges by utilizing advanced, water-efficient technologies. Countries in the Gulf region, such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are heavily reliant on food imports. Nearly 85% of their food needs are met from abroad. The need for sustainable agriculture has made vertical farming in the Middle East an emerging industry.
What is Vertical Farming?
Vertical farming refers to growing crops indoors in stacked layers, often using techniques, but not limited to hydroponics or aeroponics, eliminating the need for traditional soil. This method maximizes space and water efficiency, making it a perfect solution for arid regions like the Middle East. As the demand for local food production increases, vertical farming in the Middle East continues to expand, driven by investments in food security and sustainability.
Saudi Arabia’s Vertical Farm Revolution
Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in vertical farming with the launch of its first indoor vertical farm. Supported by the country’s USD 620 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF), this farm is projected to produce up to 1.1 million kilograms of crops annually. This initiative is part of the broader trend to enhance food production locally and reduce dependence on imports. The country’s investments in indoor vertical farming demonstrate a strong commitment to tackling food security challenges in the region.
Dubai’s Record-Breaking Vertical Farms
The Middle East is also home to the world’s largest vertical hydroponic farm, Bustanica, located in Dubai, UAE. Covering 330,000 square feet (roughly the size of seven Walmart Supercenters), this vertical farm uses advanced AI and machine learning technologies to produce over 1 million kilograms of leafy greens annually. The use of hydroponic techniques reduces water usage by up to 95%, a key advantage in water-scarce regions. Dubai is quickly becoming a hub for vertical farming, with more investments in sustainable farming methods.
Top 5 Largest and Most Significant Vertical Farms in the Middle East
1. Bustanica – Dubai, UAE
● Founding Year: 2022
● Size: 330,000 sq ft
● Production Capacity: Over 1 million kg of leafy greens annually
● Country: United Arab Emirates
Bustanica, a joint venture between Emirates Flight Catering and Crop One Holdings, is the world's largest vertical hydroponic farm. Located near Al Maktoum International Airport, it employs advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to produce pesticide-free greens such as lettuce, arugula, and spinach, using 95% less water than traditional farming methods.
2. AeroFarms – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
● Founding Year: 2023
● Size: 54,000 sq ft (proposed)
● Production Capacity: Up to 1.1 million kg of crops annually
● Country: Saudi Arabia
In collaboration with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, AeroFarms plans to establish the largest indoor vertical farm in the MENA region. The facility aims to utilize cutting-edge technologies to produce high-quality crops year-round, significantly reducing water usage compared to traditional agriculture.
3. Pure Harvest Smart Farms – Abu Dhabi, UAE
● Founding Year: 2017
● Size: Not specified
● Production Capacity: Various crops, year-round
● Country: United Arab Emirates
Pure Harvest utilizes high-tech greenhouses and vertical farming techniques to grow a diverse range of produce in the desert climate near Abu Dhabi. Their controlled-environment agriculture system maintains a stable climate year-round, demonstrating the viability of vertical farming in harsh climates.
4. Greeneration – Dubai, UAE
● Founding Year: 2023
● Production Capacity: Approximately 3 tonnes of produce per month
● Country: United Arab Emirates
Greeneration operates a vertical farm specializing in microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty greens. With a $5 million investment from Future Food Foundry, the farm aims to enhance Dubai's local food supply and contribute to sustainable farming practices in the UAE.
5. Mama Natura Greens – Dubai, UAE
● Founding Year: 2023
● Production Capacity: Over 3 tonnes of produce per month
● Country: United Arab Emirates
Utilizing iFarm Multigreens technology, Mama Natura Greens produces ultra-fresh leafy greens, microgreens, edible flowers, and herbs. Located near central Dubai, the farm supplies premium produce to restaurants, hotels, and retail chains, focusing on hyperlocal production to ensure freshness.
Future Opportunities in the Middle East Vertical Farming Industry
As vertical farming becomes more mainstream, several opportunities are emerging in the Middle East, especially in energy-efficient and sustainable practices.
1. Energy-Efficient Farming
Integrating renewable energy sources like solar power can significantly reduce operational costs for vertical farms. This approach promotes sustainability while lowering energy expenses, an important consideration in regions with harsh climates.
2. Carbon Footprint Reduction
By reducing transportation and water usage, vertical farming can help decrease the agricultural industry’s carbon footprint. This opens the door for vertical farms to enter carbon credit markets, benefiting both the environment and businesses looking to offset emissions.
3. Food Processing and Value-Added Products
As vertical farms expand, opportunities exist to venture into food processing. Vertical farms can produce ready-to-eat meals and plant-based products, creating new revenue streams and tapping into the growing demand for convenience foods.
4. New Crop Varieties and Biotechnology
Vertical farming provides an opportunity to innovate in crop genetics. Biotechnology can help produce high-yield crops optimized for controlled indoor environments, increasing efficiency and reducing reliance on natural resources.
5. Vertical Farming for Medicinal Plants
Growing high-value medicinal plants like ginseng and lavender in vertical farms can cater to the increasing demand for natural health products. Controlled environments allow for more precise cultivation, ensuring consistent quality and high yields.
Scaling New Heights in Middle Eastern Agriculture
The Middle East is uniquely positioned to become a leader in the vertical farming industry, with the potential to transform the region’s food production systems. As investments in vertical agriculture farming continue to grow, countries in the Gulf region and beyond are likely to adopt more advanced farming technologies. With a focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and local food production, the future of the Middle East's vertical farming looks promising.
The 6th Global Vertical Farming Show, Dubai
As the Middle East accelerates its shift toward sustainable agriculture, the 6th Global Vertical Farming Show, on 10–11 September 2025 at Festival Arena, Dubai, stands as the region’s most influential platform uniting global innovators, policymakers, and agritech leaders.
Renowned for its high-level networking, curated conference sessions, and impactful business matchmaking, the show showcases cutting-edge vertical farming technologies and drives strategic partnerships, powering the Middle East’s transformation into a climate-resilient, tech-driven agricultural hub.
