Dubai tests climate-smart farming with high-tech vertical farms and aquaculture
Dubai moves fresh greens and seafood from desert-based farms to hotels and supermarkets
UAE – Dubai has taken a major step in food security with the launch of large-scale vertical farms and land-based fish tanks that now supply fresh produce and seafood directly to markets and hotels.
In April 2025, UK-based Intelligent Growth Solutions shipped 800 growth trays with lights to Dubai, forming the first stage of a 200-tower vertical farm at Food Tech Valley.
Once complete, the 900,000 square-foot facility will divert more than 50,000 tonnes of food waste every year and produce over three million kilos of greens annually.
Authorities have also strengthened policy support. In February, Dubai Municipality signed an agreement with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation to improve food systems and safety.
In June, officials launched the Food Safety Forum to connect regulators and producers, while the new Food Security Dashboard uses artificial intelligence to track supply, stock, production, consumption and prices in real time.
Farming and logistics integration
The city’s aquaculture sector continues to expand. Fish Farm LLC now operates 34 tanks in Jebel Ali producing thousands of tonnes of fish, including Atlantic salmon. Its location next to reefer terminals and cold storage reduces both costs and spoilage.
Logistics development further supports the sector. DP World has invested $2.5 billion in expanding Jebel Ali Port and launched Bharat Mart, a 2.7 million square-foot marketplace designed to help Indian MSMEs distribute goods across the Gulf, Africa and Europe.
Industry outlook
Stakeholders have welcomed the progress. Dr Ritu Verma of Ankur Capital pointed to deep-science ventures that strengthen agri-climate resilience, while Krishna Kumar of Cropin noted that AI decision-support tools fit Dubai’s push for controlled production.
“Food security is a national priority,” said Harsh Gurbani of Sokovo, which runs vertical farms in Dubai Industrial City.
Analysts believe the next phase will depend on long-term contracts with airlines, retailers and caterers, practical regulation that includes smaller growers, and the ability of Bharat Mart to place climate-smart produce on supermarket shelves.
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