Key Takeaways:
- Tahir Abdul Bari, Founder and CEO of TAB Group, highlights vertical farming’s relevance in the Middle East and outlines the event’s evolution since 2020.
- The Global Vertical Farming Show has grown from a virtual event to a large in-person gathering, now hosted in Dubai with expanding regional participation.
- TAB Group organizes events focused on agriculture, cold chain, logistics, and industrial technologies across the Middle East and Africa.
- The 2025 edition of the Vertical Farming Show will introduce a Growers Pavilion and expand outreach to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.
- Collaboration and industry feedback are emphasized as central to the ongoing development of the sector.
Tahir Abdul Bari Traces Development of Vertical Farming Show
In a recent episode of the Vertical Farming Podcast, Tahir Abdul Bari, Founder and CEO of TAB Group, outlined the company’s journey in launching and growing the Global Vertical Farming Show, an annual event held in the United Arab Emirates. Originating as a virtual exhibition during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has evolved into a dedicated platform for stakeholders in the controlled environment agriculture sector.
“We initially explored virtual exhibitions out of necessity during 2020,” Abdul Bari explained. “That format helped us maintain business continuity and led to the launch of the Global Vertical Farming Show.”
Sector-Focused Events Across Regions
TAB Group, founded in 2010, organizes industry events primarily across Africa and the Middle East. The organization’s portfolio includes the Africa Agri Expo, Glass Tech Expo, and Cold Chain Expo. According to Abdul Bari, the selection of sectors and geographies is informed by internal research, stakeholder consultations, and regional demand.
“Our team evaluates both sector potential and local interest before launching a new show,” he noted. “Agriculture has always been of personal and professional interest, and vertical farming became a natural extension of that focus.”
Regional Engagement and Industry Growth
The Vertical Farming Show has expanded its scope and attendance over the years. From 150 virtual participants in its first edition, the show now hosts hundreds of attendees and is supported by local authorities, including the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA).
The 2025 edition will be held at Festival Arena in Dubai and will feature a Growers Pavilion—designed to showcase operational farms and their technology partners. Abdul Bari confirmed growing engagement from GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Adapting to Sector Dynamics
Tahir Abdul Bari acknowledged that fluctuations in vertical farming business models are common. Some sponsors have exited the market, while new companies continue to enter. The show’s format and content have evolved accordingly, with additions such as investor panels and regional technology showcases based on participant feedback.
“We’ve seen both market exits and new entrants. It reflects how dynamic the vertical farming sector still is,” he said.
Emphasis on Collaboration
Abdul Bari emphasized the importance of collaboration within the indoor farming sector, especially as the technology continues to evolve. He noted that vertical farming in arid regions is less an alternative and more a necessity.
“Knowledge sharing and collaboration remain essential, particularly in regions where vertical farming addresses structural constraints like water scarcity or land availability,” he added.
