**Dubai**: A new vertical farming initiative led by ReFarm Global aims to optimise resource efficiency and tackle food waste at the GigaFarm site. With advanced technology from Intelligent Growth Solutions, food production is expected to start later this year, diverting over 50,000 tonnes of waste annually.
A substantial vertical farming project is underway at the GigaFarm site in Dubai, being developed by Dubai-based company ReFarm Global over a 900,000 square foot area. This initiative aims to create a self-contained closed-loop ecosystem that optimises resource efficiency and minimises waste, specifically targeting food waste to prevent it from ending up in landfills.
The project is notable for its collaboration with Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), which has announced an initial shipment of 800 growth trays, each measuring 6 square metres. These trays are designed to fit within the 12-metre-high vertical farming towers that are central to IGS’s innovative indoor cultivation system. These patented trays provide advanced climate control, ensuring ideal conditions for crop growth.
Gareth Thomas, the UK Minister for Exports, commented on the significance of this venture, saying, “Our ‘Plan for Change’ is backing British business to take advantage of opportunities to export abroad, while sharing innovation and growing the economy.” He highlighted the continuation of efforts to boost trade and investment in the region, which he believes will create jobs and opportunities in the UK. Following a visit by the Business and Trade Secretary to the GigaFarm site last year, he expressed enthusiasm that the next phase of IGS’s vertical farming technology is now underway.
Food production at the GigaFarm is set to commence later this year, with projections indicating that the facility will be capable of producing over three million kilos of produce annually, leveraging IGS’s advanced vertical farming technology.
The project also aims to address environmental concerns by diverting more than 50,000 tonnes of food waste from landfills each year. This will be achieved through integrated waste-to-value and regenerative farming technologies, aligning with efforts in the UAE to decarbonise food production.
Andrew Lloyd, CEO of IGS, described the shipment of technology as a “significant milestone.” He added, “Our state-of-the-art GTLs are a crucial component of our vertical farm systems, enhancing both productivity and resource efficiency for crop growth, which is particularly vital in the UAE’s arid climate.” Lloyd expressed gratitude to both the UAE and UK governments for their ongoing support of this transformative project.
In related findings, a recent study suggests that vertically farming lettuce could yield environmental benefits comparable to traditional field cultivation while saving approximately 8,000 hectares of land across the UK. This highlights the potential of vertical farming methods to contribute positively to sustainable agricultural practices.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://sustainabilityonline.net/news/intelligent-growth-solutions-ships-vertical-farming-technology-to-dubai/ – This article supports the claim about Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) shipping vertical farming technology to Dubai for the GigaFarm project, including details about the shipment and the significance of the project for food production and sustainability.
- https://www.intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/press-release/gigafarm-initiative-lays-foundations-dubai – This press release from IGS discusses the GigaFarm initiative in Dubai and highlights the collaboration between IGS and ReFarm Global, aiming to create a self-contained ecosystem for efficient food production.
- https://www.energylivenews.com/?p=351031 – This article provides additional details about the GigaFarm project, including the shipment of equipment from Dundee to Dubai and the project’s objectives to revolutionize food production in the UAE.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This is the purported source of the original article, but the specific details about vertical farming and the GigaFarm project are not explicitly available on this link.
- https://www.intelligentgrowthsolutions.com/ – This is the official website of Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), providing general information about their vertical farming technology but not specifically detailing the GigaFarm project.
- https://www.foodtechvalley.ae/ – While not explicitly mentioned, this link represents the initiative under which the GigaFarm project is taking place—Dubai’s Food Tech Valley—though specific project details may not be available.
- https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2025/04/11/igs-completed-shipment-to-gigafarm-in-dubai/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS – Please view link – unable to able to access data
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:
9
Notes:
The narrative mentions recent developments at the GigaFarm site in Dubai, including a visit by the Business and Trade Secretary last year and a shipment in April 2025. The information appears to be current, with no indications of being recycled or outdated.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
Quotes from Gareth Thomas and Andrew Lloyd are provided without references to earlier sources. While they appear to be original for this context, there is no confirmation if these are their first public statements on these topics.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Food Manufacture, a reputable publication in the food industry. However, additional verification with other established sources would strengthen the credibility of the information.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The project details, such as the collaboration with IGS and the focus on sustainable practices, align with broader trends in vertical farming and environmental initiatives. The claims seem plausible and are consistent with current developments in the UAE and the UK.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears fresh, relevant, and plausible, with quotes that seem original in context and information coming from a reputable publication. While minor uncertainties exist regarding the quotes, the overall reliability of the narrative is strong.
