UNS Vertical Farms has launched a 10,000 square metre controlled-environment tomato facility in Al Ain, utilising AI, hydroponics, and water-efficient technology to strengthen the UAE’s local food supply amid climate and geopolitical challenges.
UNS Vertical Farms has recently opened a new tomato-growing facility in Al Ain, which adds another layer to the UAE’s overall efforts to develop a more resilient local food system, you know? The site spans around 10,000 square meters and aims to produce roughly 150,000 kilograms of fresh tomatoes annually. So, it’s not a giant operation, but it definitely reflects a growing trend in the Gulf region , moving towards climate-smart farming methods, tighter supply chains, and reducing reliance on imports.
This farm is part of UNS Vertical Farms, which, by the way, is owned by the UAE-based Speedex Group. The company explains that their goal with this project is to boost local production and meet the demand from households, retailers, and the hospitality sector, often called HORECA, where consistent quality and quick restocking are pretty essential.
What makes this project stand out is its use of controlled-environment agriculture. According to the company’s official statements and some related reports, the facility combines hydroponic techniques with connected sensors, artificial intelligence, and data-driven controls. Basically, it’s always monitoring temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, lighting, and nutrient delivery. Plus, it automates irrigation, airflow, climate control, and evaporative cooling through a unified platform.
For growers in the UAE, this really matters because the climate here can be brutal. High temperatures and limited water make traditional farming tough at scale, that’s no secret. But indoor, controlled systems can operate all year round, making production less vulnerable to weather disruptions and more predictable. And, interestingly enough, UNS Vertical Farms claims their technology can cut water use by up to 90%. Now, that number is pretty striking when every drop counts in this region. If they can sustain such efficiency in practice, it could encourage more private investment and policy support for local farming to bolster food security.
The company sees the farm as a way to address the fragility of global supply chains , which, honestly, have been under pressure lately. We’ve seen transport bottlenecks, climate shocks, and geopolitical issues all highlight how risky it is to depend heavily on imports from afar. In the UAE, where most food in supermarkets and restaurants is still imported, boosting local food production has shifted from being just an experiment to a real strategic priority.
And about the products, this new farm grows cherry tomatoes and larger bunch tomatoes. The company emphasizes that these are non-GMO and pesticide- and herbicide-free. The focus here is on flavor and freshness, rather than just how long they last on the shelf. That’s pretty important when imported produce often gets chosen more for durability than taste, especially since it has to travel long distances to arrive at consumers.
UNS Farms also built this project around a direct-to-consumer approach. Customers can order from their online platform, and supply to retail outlets and the HORECA sector is managed through a supply chain designed to deliver produce within 24 to 48 hours after harvest. The goal? To keep the produce fresh and cut down on waste.
And honestly, that quick turnaround isn’t just good environmentally, it could be smart business, too. When it comes to fresh produce, time can be the enemy. The fresher the harvest when it reaches the consumer, the better the flavor, and the more profit there might be margin-wise. Plus, reducing storage time in warehouses, trucks, and stores helps avoid spoilage.
This launch definitely ties into the bigger picture of private enterprise playing a bigger role in the UAE’s food security plans. The country’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 encourages investment in local agriculture, innovation, and resilient supply systems. At the same time, the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 goals are pushing for more resource-efficient methods that minimize water use and land consumption.
Speedex Group, which has been around in the UAE for over 30 years, seems pretty optimistic about how their farm fits into this landscape. Instead of viewing agriculture as a traditional sector, they’re positioning it as a tech-driven industry involving precision engineering, automation, and data analysis, kind of a modern twist.
The bigger takeaway here might be what this project symbolizes for future UAE food production. Sure, vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture aren’t the complete solution for the country’s reliance on food imports. They probably won’t replace extensive conventional supply chains right away. But they do so much to fill important gaps, especially for high-value crops, premium retail markets, and fresh produce that benefits from being close to the point of sale.
So, in a way, this farm isn’t just a symbolic move; it’s a real-world test. It demonstrates how local companies are trying to develop farming systems that match the region’s climate, align with the country’s sustainability goals, and cater to the demand for fresher, higher-quality food. If everything goes as planned, it might even inspire more similar projects elsewhere in the UAE.
- https://gulfagriculture.com/news/new-tomato-farm-in-al-ain-to-produce-150000-kgs-of-fresh-tomatoes-annually-strengthening-uaes-local-food-production/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.unsfarms.com/blogs/news-channel/a-new-tomato-farm-has-been-opened-in-al-ain-to-produce-150-000-kilograms-annually – UNS Farms, part of the UAE-based Speedex Group, has launched a 10,000-square-metre tomato farm in Al Ain, designed to produce approximately 150,000 kilograms of fresh tomatoes annually. This facility employs advanced controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technologies, combining hydroponics with IoT, AI, and data-driven systems to create a highly efficient, sustainable, and precision-controlled farming environment. The farm cultivates premium tomato varieties, including cherry and bunch tomatoes, all of which are non-GMO and free from pesticides and herbicides. Customers can order fresh produce via their online platform, with efficient supply chains ensuring delivery within 24–48 hours of harvest, preserving freshness and minimizing waste.
- https://www.fresh-market.info/fruitsandvegetables/vegetables/tomatoes/new-tomato-facility-in-al-ain-designed-to-grow-150000-kg-tomatoes-annually-499510521 – A new tomato facility in Al Ain, developed by UNS Vertical Farms, part of the Speedex Group, demonstrates the UAE’s ongoing adoption of controlled-environment agriculture. The 10,000-square-metre installation is designed to grow approximately 150,000 kilograms of tomatoes annually. The project is expected to contribute to local supply, particularly in a region characterized by arid growing conditions. The farm operates on a fully integrated CEA model, combining hydroponic systems with IoT-enabled monitoring and AI-supported analytics. Sensors track temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, lighting, and nutrient delivery in real time. These parameters are managed through a centralized control system that coordinates irrigation cycles, fertigation, airflow, and evaporative cooling.
- https://www.tahawultech.com/news/new-farm-in-al-ain-to-produce-150000-kgs-of-fresh-tomatoes-using-latest-tech-tools/ – UNS Vertical Farms, part of the UAE-based Speedex Group, has launched a new high-tech tomato farm in Al Ain, further reinforcing the country’s push towards sustainable, homegrown agriculture. The 10,000-square-metre facility is designed to produce approximately 150,000 kilograms of fresh tomatoes annually, contributing to a more consistent supply of locally grown produce. The initiative reflects a broader shift towards resilient, high-quality agricultural solutions that ensure freshness, flavour, and year-round availability, while catering to evolving demand across both households and the HORECA sector. The farm employs controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technology, combining hydroponics with IoT, AI, and data-driven systems to create an efficient, sustainable farming model. Sensors monitor temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, lighting, and nutrient delivery, while integrated control systems manage climate, irrigation, airflow, and cooling in a single automated platform.
- https://igrownews.com/uns-farms-expands-urban-agriculture-capabilities-in-the-uae/ – UNS Farms, part of the UAE-based Speedex Group, has opened a new high-tech tomato farm in Al Ain. The 10,000-square-metre facility is designed to produce approximately 150,000 kilograms of fresh tomatoes annually, supplying both households and the HORECA sector with locally grown produce. The farm employs controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) technology, combining hydroponics with IoT, AI, and data-driven systems. Advanced sensors continuously monitor temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, lighting, and nutrient delivery. A centralized control system integrates climate control, irrigation cycles, airflow, and evaporative cooling into a single automated platform.
- https://www.verticalfarmdaily.com/article/9828341/food-security-today-is-about-building-a-resilient-sustainable-and-future-ready-uae-food-ecosystem/ – UNS Vertical Farms, a commercial vertical farming operation founded in 2018 as a division of the Speedex Group, is scaling its operations into tomato production with a new greenhouse in Al Ain. The 10,000-square-metre facility marks a strategic diversification from the company’s focus on microgreens and leafy greens. The new farm will produce approximately 150,000 kilograms of fresh tomatoes annually, targeting domestic retail and HoReCa channels, adding to its existing Dubai facility’s commercial production of up to 1,500 kilograms of microgreens and leafy greens per day across nearly 8,000 square metres. ‘While this volume represents a focused contribution within a broader import-reliant market, it allows us to consistently deliver fresh, premium products with shorter lead times and greater supply reliability,’ says Mehlam Murtaza, Director of UNS Vertical Farms.
- https://www.freshplaza.com/asia/article/9827151/new-tomato-facility-in-al-ain-designed-to-grow-150-000-kg-tomatoes-annually/ – A newly commissioned tomato facility in Al Ain shows the UAE’s ongoing adoption of controlled-environment agriculture. Developed by UNS Vertical Farms, part of the Speedex Group, the 10,000 m² installation is designed to grow approximately 150,000 kg of tomatoes annually. The project is expected to contribute to local supply, particularly in a region characterized by arid growing conditions. The farm operates on a fully integrated CEA model, combining hydroponic systems with IoT-enabled monitoring and AI-supported analytics. Sensors track temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, lighting, and nutrient delivery in real time. These parameters are managed through a centralized control system that coordinates irrigation cycles, fertigation, airflow, and evaporative cooling.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article reports on a recent development, with the earliest known publication date being April 14, 2026. ([unsfarms.com](https://www.unsfarms.com/blogs/news-channel/a-new-tomato-farm-has-been-opened-in-al-ain-to-produce-150-000-kilograms-annually?utm_source=openai)) The content appears original, with no evidence of recycling from low-quality sites or clickbait networks. However, the narrative closely mirrors the press release from UNS Vertical Farms, which typically warrants a high freshness score. ([unsfarms.com](https://www.unsfarms.com/blogs/news-channel/a-new-tomato-farm-has-been-opened-in-al-ain-to-produce-150-000-kilograms-annually?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from Mehlam Murtaza, Director of UNS Vertical Farms. ([unsfarms.com](https://www.unsfarms.com/blogs/news-channel/a-new-tomato-farm-has-been-opened-in-al-ain-to-produce-150-000-kilograms-annually?utm_source=openai)) A search for the earliest known usage of these quotes indicates they originate from the company’s official press release. ([unsfarms.com](https://www.unsfarms.com/blogs/news-channel/a-new-tomato-farm-has-been-opened-in-al-ain-to-produce-150-000-kilograms-annually?utm_source=openai)) While the quotes are consistent across sources, their origin from a press release raises concerns about their originality and potential reuse.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The primary source of the article is UNS Vertical Farms’ official website, which is a direct source but may present information with inherent bias. ([unsfarms.com](https://www.unsfarms.com/blogs/news-channel/a-new-tomato-farm-has-been-opened-in-al-ain-to-produce-150-000-kilograms-annually?utm_source=openai)) The article also references other reputable sources, such as iGrow News and VerticalFarmDaily.com, which are known for their coverage of agricultural technology. ([igrownews.com](https://igrownews.com/uns-farms-expands-urban-agriculture-capabilities-in-the-uae/?utm_source=openai)) However, the heavy reliance on the company’s own website and press releases suggests a lack of independent verification, which diminishes the overall reliability of the information presented.
Plausibility check
Score:
7
Notes:
The claims made in the article align with known industry trends towards sustainable agriculture and local food production in the UAE. ([tahawultech.com](https://www.tahawultech.com/news/new-farm-in-al-ain-to-produce-150000-kgs-of-fresh-tomatoes-using-latest-tech-tools/?utm_source=openai)) The use of controlled-environment agriculture and the focus on reducing water usage are plausible and consistent with current agricultural practices. However, the absence of independent verification and the reliance on the company’s own statements raise questions about the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article presents information primarily sourced from UNS Vertical Farms’ official press release and website, with limited independent verification. ([unsfarms.com](https://www.unsfarms.com/blogs/news-channel/a-new-tomato-farm-has-been-opened-in-al-ain-to-produce-150-000-kilograms-annually?utm_source=openai)) The reliance on the company’s own statements and the absence of independent corroboration raise concerns about the accuracy and objectivity of the content. ([igrownews.com](https://igrownews.com/uns-farms-expands-urban-agriculture-capabilities-in-the-uae/?utm_source=openai)) Given these factors, the overall assessment is a FAIL with MEDIUM confidence.
