UAE’s new controlled-environment tomato greenhouse signals shift towards sophisticated, water-efficient farming

A fresh tomato greenhouse in Al Ain is adding yet another piece to the puzzle of the UAE’s efforts to boost local food production, as agritech companies keep investing in controlled-environment farming that’s well-suited for the Gulf’s climate.

UNS Vertical Farms, which is part of the Speedex Group, has recently opened a 10,000-square-metre facility aimed at producing roughly 150,000 kilograms of tomatoes each year. The company’s saying this project will help strengthen local supplies, cut down reliance on imports, and support the availability of fresh produce all year round, perfect for households, retailers, and the foodservice sector alike.

This launch also signals a broader shift in the UAE’s agriculture scene. Instead of depending solely on open-field farming, growers are increasingly turning to greenhouses, hydroponic setups, and digital monitoring systems to shield crops from extreme heat, water scarcity, and seasonal fluctuations. You see, in a country with limited arable land, these kinds of technologies are quickly becoming central to the nation’s food security planning.

According to UNS Farms, the Al Ain site uses a controlled-environment approach, think hydroponic systems supported by internet-connected sensors, AI, and automated climate controls. These systems constantly monitor temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, lighting, and nutrients, adjusting irrigation, airflow, and cooling all within a unified setup. The company claims this precise method aims to boost yields while minimizing waste.

Water efficiency really is a key advantage here. UNS Farms states the facility can cut water use by as much as 90 percent compared to traditional farming methods. That’s a pretty huge claim, especially in a country where freshwater resources are under serious strain, and agriculture has to compete with other sectors for limited water supplies.

The focus is on premium tomato varieties, think cherry and bunch tomatoes. UNS emphasizes that all produce is grown without pesticides or herbicides, aiming to deliver flavors and freshness that often surpass imported options, which are usually chosen more for durability during long transport rather than for taste.

They’re also adopting a direct-to-consumer approach. Customers can place orders through UNS Farms’ online platform, and for retail, hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses, produce is routed through a distribution chain designed to get harvests to shelves within 24 to 48 hours. This quick turnaround is intended to preserve quality and cut down on wastage.

Mehlam Murtaza, the director of UNS Vertical Farms, pointed out that the project isn’t just about producing as much as possible. During an official statement, he described food security as a matter of resilience, sustainability, and planning for the long haul, not just having enough food now. The Al Ain facility, he explained, was built to support the UAE’s national vision by providing consistent local produce with precision and care.

This new greenhouse also signals an expansion for UNS Farms, which was set up in 2018 as part of the Speedex Group. The company already runs an almost 8,000-square-metre controlled-environment farm in Dubai, where it produces up to 1,500 kilograms daily of herbs, microgreens, salads, and edible flowers. Moving into tomatoes suggests a strategic shift in their crop variety and customer base.

This diversification is pretty interesting for the UAE’s burgeoning agritech scene. Leafy greens and herbs have historically been the main products of vertical farms because they grow quickly and fit well into enclosed systems. Tomatoes are a bit trickier, they’re more complex, but they’re also among the most widely eaten vegetables in the region. So, building a local supply chain for them could potentially have a notable market impact.

The Al Ain project aligns closely with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to make the country’s food system more resilient. It also ties into the country’s broader Net Zero 2050 ambitions. While greenhouses do require a fair amount of energy, industry players argue that the environmental footprint can be offset by using less water, reducing transport emissions, and minimizing post-harvest waste.

Industry analysts have highlighted that the farm’s reliance on data and automation is just as significant as the horticulture itself. Reports from Tahawul Tech and FreshPlaza note that this operation showcases how controlled-environment agriculture could be scaled up beyond leafy greens to staple crops in harsh, arid regions.

For the UAE’s climate tech sector, what’s notable isn’t just the output but also the model itself. It blends food production with digital control systems and resource efficiency, designed to thrive even in tough conditions. If the Al Ain farm performs as expected, it might become a key example of how agriculture in the Gulf is evolving: less dependent on the weather, more dependent on smart software, and increasingly aligned with national resilience objectives.