Commercial-scale indoor tomato farm to open in UAE

The world's first commercial-scale indoor tomato farm using only LED lights to grow fresh tomatoes will begin operation in Abu Dhabi later this year, as part of Madar Farms' investment in a new multi-million-dirham farming facility.
Announced on Tuesday during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, UAE-based Madar Farms has partnered with Certhon, Inno-3B and Signify to operate the 5,000 square metre facility currently under construction at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD).
The facility, which will also grow microgreens, is expected to be fully operational by the end of this year and will triple the amount of microgreens grown by Madar Farms currently. All grown produce will be distributed locally across the UAE.
Having led an agriculture revolution in the UAE by using advanced methods to grow a variety of fresh produce with cutting-edge farming techniques, the farm will increase the firm's operations in developing local food for local consumption. It will also contribute towards the UAE's goals of tackling food and water security challenges common to the region.
The tomato farm, designed by the Dutch firm Certhon, will be installed with more than 5,000 ultra efficient LED fixtures. The growing technology is based on Certhon's proprietary cooling and automation systems.
As part of its commitment to sustainable farming methods, the tomatoes will be grown using the most water-efficient system in the world. It will use 30 per cent less water per kilogramme of tomatoes compared to even the highest tech greenhouses.
Abdulaziz AlMulla, CEO and co-founder of Madar Farms, said: "Our new state-of-the-art farming facility is a milestone moment for Madar Farms. As the population in the UAE continues to grow and there's more focus on sustainability, the new farm will help meet this increasing demand and give UAE consumers more options to enjoy the best quality fresh locally-grown produce."
Using Inno-3B technology already in use in Canada, Madar Farms uses an automated, vertical farming system to grow its microgreens indoors in ideal conditions year-round.