Key Takeaways:
- UNS Farms operates one of Dubai’s largest commercial vertical farming facilities, producing up to 1,500 kilograms of fresh produce daily.
- The company integrates hydroponic farming methods that reduce water use by up to 90% compared to conventional agriculture.
- Its business model includes four verticals: crop production, farm consulting and offtake services, and agri-trading.
- UNS Farms supplies a range of produce, including edible flowers, microgreens, leafy greens, and herbs.
- The company reports ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency and manage operating costs in an evolving sector.
Overview of UNS Farms’ Operations and Objectives
Founded in 2018 as a division of Speedex Group, UNS Farms is a UAE-based vertical farming company with operations in Dubai. The farm spans 30,000 square feet and is equipped with an eight-level hydroponic growing system. According to the company, it produces up to 1,500 kilograms of fresh vegetables per day, supplying local retailers, restaurants, and households. The company states its objective is to support the UAE’s broader food security goals by offering a consistent, local supply of pesticide-free produce. This includes salad greens, microgreens, edible flowers, herbs, and other specialty crops.
“Our goal is to revolutionise food production by making sustainable, locally grown produce the norm,” said Mehlam Murtaza, Executive Director of UNS Vertical Farms. “By combining technology with agricultural expertise, we are not just growing food – we are shaping the future of farming in the UAE and beyond.”
Water and Energy Efficiency
UNS Farms uses a hydroponic approach designed to minimize environmental impact. By circulating water in closed-loop systems, the farm claims to reduce water consumption by approximately 90% compared to traditional soil-based methods. The controlled indoor environment also enables higher productivity per square meter. With electricity and water accounting for around 40% of total operating expenses, the company has implemented an energy management system to reduce waste and optimize usage. Seed treatment technologies and environmental controls are reportedly used to improve consistency in crop performance and return on investment.
UNS Farms’ Vertical Integration and Market Participation
UNS Farms operates across four business verticals: primary production, consultancy and off-take services, and import / export trading. The company also provides advisory services to other growers in the region, including greenhouse design and crop planning, with the stated goal of improving regional capacity for controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). Its trading division is involved in both the import and export of produce, providing an additional revenue stream and allowing it to balance supply-demand dynamics across local and regional markets.
Crop Strategy and Market Dynamics
Crop selection is determined by a combination of market demand, technical feasibility, and environmental constraints. The company prioritizes crops that can be produced at scale and delivered consistently, with a focus on quality and shelf life. Product development is ongoing, though the company notes that introducing new crops can be resource-intensive. In a market where fresh produce is increasingly in demand, the company aims to maintain competitiveness through volume production and logistical flexibility. It reports that domestically grown produce often reaches consumers faster and at lower cost compared to imports, particularly when factoring in logistics and perishability.
Sector Growth and Institutional Engagement
The UAE’s Food Security Strategy outlines objectives such as reducing food waste, improving safety standards, and enhancing local production capacity. In this context, vertical farming operations such as UNS Farms are among several private sector participants contributing to these goals. The company has observed an increase in policy support for local agricultural initiatives and expects further collaboration opportunities as public-private engagement in the sector develops. While specific details of future partnerships remain undisclosed, UNS Farms has indicated plans for regional expansion, with a focus on maintaining its presence within the UAE.
