Something cool is going on in Dubai’s Food Tech Valley. It’s called the ‘Gigafarm,’ and it’s a new kind of vertical farm that should change how the UAE makes food. They’re planning to use really new tech from Scotland. The idea is to grow over 3 million kilograms of fresh food each year, which will mean the country won’t have to import as much.
A Cross-Continental Collaboration
The Gigafarm uses tech from Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS), a Scottish company that’s a leader in vertical farming. IGS is working with ReFarm Global in Dubai to put their Growth Towers at the Gigafarm. These towers control everything plants need to grow, letting them grow crops all the time, even with the dry weather in the UAE.
A Sustainable Ecosystem
The Gigafarm is not just about growing food; it’s about creating a sustainable, closed-loop ecosystem. The facility will integrate six complementary technologies, including waste-to-value and regenerative farming methods, to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste. By diverting over 50,000 tonnes of food waste from landfills annually, the Gigafarm will play a pivotal role in the UAE’s efforts to decarbonize food production.
Impact on Food Security
With the UAE currently importing more than 80% of its food, the Gigafarm represents a significant step toward enhancing local food security. By producing a substantial portion of the nation’s fresh produce domestically, the project aims to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and bolster the resilience of the food supply chain.
A Model for the Future
The Gigafarm is a shining example of what can happen when international teams put their heads together and think outside the box. As it takes shape, the Gigafarm has the potential to become a global model for growing food in dry climates while protecting the planet.
