As global supply chains continue to face disruption, the UAE is doubling down on homegrown food production. The latest signal of that commitment comes from Al Ain, where UNS Vertical Farms — part of the UAE-based Speedex Group — has launched a new high-tech tomato farm designed to produce approximately 150,000 kilograms of fresh tomatoes annually.
A 10,000-Square-Metre Facility Built for Precision Agriculture
The newly opened greenhouse spans 10,000 square metres and is engineered from the ground up around controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technology. The facility combines hydroponics with IoT, AI, and data-driven systems to create a precision-controlled farming environment in which temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, lighting, and nutrient delivery are continuously monitored by advanced sensors. Climate control, irrigation, airflow, and evaporative cooling are all integrated into a single automated platform.
The result is a farm that operates independently of seasons and extreme weather — a critical advantage in the UAE’s arid climate — while reducing water consumption by up to 90 per cent compared to conventional farming.
Premium, Pesticide-Free Produce for UAE Consumers
The farm cultivates a curated selection of premium tomato varieties, including cherry and bunch tomatoes, all non-GMO and free from pesticides and herbicides. Rather than optimising for long-distance transit like imported produce, UNS Farms prioritises taste, quality, and freshness tailored specifically to UAE consumers.
A direct-to-consumer (D2C) model allows households to order fresh produce via the UNS Farms online platform, while retail and HORECA customers receive deliveries within 24 to 48 hours of harvest — preserving quality and minimising waste across the supply chain.
Aligned with the UAE’s National Food Vision
“Food security today goes beyond availability — it is about building a resilient, sustainable, and future-ready UAE food ecosystem,” said Mehlam Murtaza, Director of UNS Vertical Farms. “This facility reflects our commitment to supporting the UAE’s national vision by delivering consistent, high-quality produce grown locally with precision and care.”
The Al Ain expansion builds on UNS Farms’ existing nearly 8,000-square-metre vertical farming facility in Dubai, which produces up to 1,500 kilograms of fresh herbs, microgreens, salads, and edible flowers daily. Together, the two facilities underscore the private sector’s growing role in advancing the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the country’s Net Zero 2050 goals.
With more than three decades of presence in the UAE through the Speedex Group, UNS Vertical Farms represents a model of how innovation and local investment can converge to build a self-sufficient, future-ready food ecosystem for the nation.
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