How vertical farms went from niche to necessity
Future generations can enjoy food that is fresh, safe and sustainable by embracing vertical farms, writes UNS Farms founder Mehlam Murtaza
Vertical Farms: Nicher or Necessity | Melham Murtza |
IMAGE: UNS Vertical Farms
When you walk into a supermarket in Dubai, the crisp lettuce or delicate microgreens on the shelf might have travelled thousands of miles before reaching your basket. Each mile adds to a supply chain that consumes energy, emits carbon and erodes freshness.
For decades, this has been the accepted norm. However, today we stand at a crossroads: we can either continue to rely on a fragile global food system or adopt a new approach that is resilient, local and sustainable. That is the promise of vertical farming.
Vertical farming is about fundamentally rethinking agriculture to fit the challenges of the 21st century. At UNS Farms, our facility in Al Quoz 3 grows leafy greens, herbs, edible flowers and microgreens in climate-controlled chambers across eight levels. We use hydroponic, soil-free methods that cut water usage by up to 90% compared to conventional farming.
It is a practical solution to food security in a country where less than 1% of land is arable. By growing indoors year-round, we eliminate our dependence on seasonal fluctuations, soil fertility and unpredictable weather patterns. The result is produce that is consistently fresh, safe and locally harvested.
In addition to vertical farming, we deliver end-to-end solutions for vertical farms and greenhouse projects, designed to maximise efficiency, sustainability and crop yields. Our offerings include naturally ventilated, Gothic and customised polyhouses, glass houses, modern farming systems, hydroponic design, greenhouse consulting, feasibility studies and full farm development, both urban and open-field.
This dual role – cultivating ourselves while empowering others – creates a holistic, locally grown food ecosystem. Together, we supply households, restaurants, retailers and emerging farmers with fresh produce harvested right here in the UAE.
The UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 sets ambitious targets to become a global leader in sustainable food production. Vertical farms play a pivotal role in this vision. By producing locally, we reduce our reliance on imports, which currently account for over 80% of the UAE’s food supply.
The stakes are high. Global supply chains are vulnerable to shocks, from pandemics to geopolitical disruptions. Climate change is another pressing threat, with droughts, floods and rising temperatures straining conventional agriculture worldwide. When we reduce our dependence on these fragile systems, we build resilience not only for our food supply but also for the future of our climate.
Technology alone cannot change the way we eat. People need to understand why sustainable farming is important and how they can contribute to the solution. That is why UNS Farms has opened its doors to the public through our educational farm tours.
Visitors, whether families, students or chefs, step into our vertical chambers and see first-hand how plants grow without the use of soil. They learn how hydroponics works, why water efficiency is crucial and how local farming helps reduce the carbon footprint of every meal. Each guest leaves with more than knowledge, taking home a grow kit as a powerful reminder that sustainable food systems begin with individual choices.
Tastings during tours mean visitors can sample the difference that hyper-local freshness makes, an eye-opening experience for many that connects the dots between sustainability and flavour. Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of where their food comes from, how it is grown and who is behind it. That transparency is vital in a world where food safety concerns and misinformation abound.
I believe the next generation of consumers will demand this kind of connection. Children who visit UNS Farms today will grow up with a different relationship to their food, one that values freshness, minimises waste and respects the resources that go into every microgreen.
Vertical farming is not the whole answer to the world’s food challenges. We still need conventional agriculture for staples like grains and fruits that are not yet viable indoors. However, vertical farming can alleviate pressure on fragile ecosystems, supplement traditional methods and deliver high-quality produce where it is needed most.
In the UAE, the journey has only just begun. When we founded UNS Farms in 2018, our goal was to demonstrate that farming in the desert was not only possible but also scalable. Today, we are proud to be part of a growing movement that is reshaping the future of food in the region.
As consumers, chefs, policymakers and educators, we all play a role in advancing food security. Choosing locally grown produce, supporting sustainable initiatives and encouraging innovation are steps that compound into real impact.
Our message is simple: vertical farming is not a niche experiment, it is a necessity. It is how we ensure that future generations in Dubai and beyond can enjoy food that is fresh, safe and sustainable.
By embracing this model today, we prepare ourselves for a more resilient tomorrow.
Original Article: https://www.caterermiddleeast.com/people/opinion/vertical-farms-necessity
