A British vertical farming technology company has reached a key construction milestone at its Dubai GigaFarm facility, advancing one of the largest controlled-environment agriculture projects in the Middle East. The project, which broke ground in late 2024, is now progressing through its second phase of buildout with operational capacity expected by early 2027.
The GigaFarm is designed to produce leafy greens, herbs, and other high-value crops using vertically stacked growing trays, LED lighting, and recirculating water systems. Once fully operational, the facility is expected to yield several tonnes of produce daily while using a fraction of the water and land required by conventional agriculture — a critical advantage in the arid Gulf climate.
Dubai’s food-security strategy has prioritised domestic agricultural production as a way to reduce reliance on imports, which currently account for roughly 85 percent of food consumed in the UAE. The GigaFarm model aligns with the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which targets significant increases in locally grown produce through technology-driven farming.
The British firm behind the project has attracted backing from both UAE and international investors, reflecting growing confidence in the commercial viability of large-scale vertical farming. Construction progress at the Dubai site is being closely watched by the global agri-tech sector, as several high-profile vertical farming ventures in Europe and North America have struggled with energy costs and profitability.
Industry experts say the Gulf’s combination of high food-import costs, abundant solar energy, and government incentives creates a uniquely favourable environment for vertical farming. The Dubai GigaFarm could serve as a proof-of-concept for similar facilities across the region if it meets its production and cost targets.
