When we hear about farms in UAE, we experience a thrill and why wouldn't we? A deserted land where water feels like a mirage and suddenly you get to see farms in UAE. Modern and tech-enabled farms grow freshly green vegetables all year round. That's the beauty of Vertical Farming and Controlled Environment Agriculture.
What is a Vertical Farm?
The vertical farming technique involves growing fresh crops year round, without worrying about the season and favorable climate conditions. Farms in UAE especially Dubai farms have been ranking in everyone's go-to spot list. The establishments where all these miracles happen are known as Vertical Farms. Let's explore the top 3 best vertical farms in UAE.
Before we proceed, we must know why vertical farming has gained so much significance worldwide, especially in the UAE.
Vertical Farming and CEA gained so much popularity when the governments in and around the Middle East stressed using technology to enhance farming practices. They ruled out a potential solution harnessing the needs of the people living in the region for fresh produce. This made the way for vertical farming and CEA for optimal farming in the region.
Majorly, UAE and MENA countries emphasized-
1) Cutting on Imports The Middle East needed advanced technology to produce locally grown and freshly consumed crops. Import costs, a lack of resources, and the region's dependency on waiting for food to come from a distance were seen as hindrances.
Explore more about the 3 reasons why UAE's vertical farming industry is growing.
2) More Mouths to Feed The Middle East's Growing population has significantly escalated the demand for food. Countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc., highly depend on imports to fulfil four-fifths of their food supply. Hence, vertical farming offers unprecedented benefits, offering the prospect of growing more produce locally while making the best use of local resources.
3) Future-proofing Agriculture Future-proofing agriculture in the Middle East has always been the top priority of governments. Talking about the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, we saw that it emphasized contemporary agriculture in COP28 by bringing all the agriculture and climate action enthusiasts to one place.
Now, let's begin by knowing about 3 Farms in UAE you must visit if you are living or visiting UAE!
1. EMIRATES BUSTANICA
Emirates Bustanica was established in 2022 in Dubai. It is the world's largest vertical farm and the leader in CEA farming. This UAE agriculture farm was formerly known as Emirates Crop One and is a joint venture between Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) and Crop One Holdings, Inc.
Emirates Bustanica is located near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central. The vertical farm in Dubai spreads across a 330,000 sqft facility started with an initiative to provide pesticide-free, fresh, and nutrient-rich leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens to the general population.
Their modern agriculture practices consume 90% less water than conventional farming. Visitors to this farm will be excited to see how cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence are being used effectively to boost crop productivity and nutrition.
The farm started mainly to serve farm-fresh produce to major retailers. Currently, this vertical farm in Dubai is now actively seeking ways to make the country's food production easy coupled with environmental responsibility.
Website Link - www.bustanica.ae
2- PURE HARVEST SMART FARMS
Another well-known farm with an interesting tagline stating "Tasty and fresh produce, grown just hours from your kitchen, Crunchy, flavorful, locally." As the name suggests, this farm is one of the best digital tech farms growing vertical farming crops that are pesticide-free, quality-enriched, and unaffected by external environments.
Moreover, this farm uses high-end smart technology to grow fresh produce. AI technologies, data analytics, and machine learning algorithms to understand and predict relevant patterns from various devices like sensors, machines, cameras, etc give them an edge. Dubai farms like Pure Harvest Smart Farms are making a positive impact on plant growth, health, and the type of nutrients it requires while keeping the environment safe.
Visit their website - www.pureharvestfarms.com
3- UNS FARMS
UNS Vertical Farms is dedicated to a sustainable move towards UAE's urban agriculture and is one of the top Emirates Hydroponics Farms located in Dubai. Founded by Mr Moiz Tayebali Lokhandwala, this innovative Dubai farm faces prime coverage for its admirable approach towards local food production, strengthening UAE's economy by promoting agriculture and supporting local communities by bringing fresh produce directly from farm to fork.
Website Link - www.unsfarms.com
As an initiative and promise to strengthen the vertical farming sector and agri tech industry in UAE, the country hosts the Middle East's largest and exclusive vertical farming event in Dubai organized by the TAB group which is a leading B2B Event Management Company that drives business growth through strategically designed business events, expos, trade shows, conferences, conclaves, and many more activities.
The GVF was concluded in September 2024, and was the 5th edition of the Global Vertical Farming Show held under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment UAE, the successor of the previous edition is the 6th Global Vertical Farming Show GVF 2025 is going to host 5000+ targeted attendees from 35+ countries.
What's even more exciting is that the three farms we have discussed in our blog have been our Innovation Partners in the previous edition. The 6th Global Vertical Farming Show in Dubai is a must-visit to explore these top 3 vertical farms in Dubai - you must register now!
The Vertical Farming Show highlights the future of sustainable agriculture, showcasing innovative solutions and technologies in vertical farming. Join industry leaders, explore cutting-edge advancements, and discover how vertical farming is revolutionizing food production for a more sustainable and efficient future. Stay informed, inspired, and connected.
Keep following our page for amazing updates on vertical farming!
FAQs
1) What is a Vertical Farming?
Vertical Farming comes under the contemporary agriculture practice where fresh fruits and vegetables are grown in a Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) setup.
2) Where is Vertical Farming more famous?
In regions such as the Middle East and Asia where temperatures are rising with very little availability of fertile land to grow crops, such vertical farming set-ups are vastly seen. Dubai farms have been winning the market for the matter but we see that countries apart from UAE, like KSA, Qatar, Oman, USA are also striving hard.
3) What are the top 3 Dubai Farms?
The top 3 Dubai Farms are Emirates Bustanica, Pure Harvest Smart Farms and Uns Farms.
4) What are Emirates Hydroponics Farm initiatives?
Emirates Hydroponic Farming initiative is an initiative that spreads in UAE to bring the wave of hydroponics in within the Emiratis so that they explore UAE agriculture farms practising the Vertical Farming Technique.
