The world’s first commercial indoor tomato farm to open in Abu Dhabi

The world’s first commercial-scale, multi-million-dirham, indoor tomato farm, will come to Abu Dhabi later this year.

Part of UAE-based Madar Farms’ investment, the new farming facility will produce fresh tomatoes using only LED lights, and will use 30 per cent less water per kilogramme of tomatoes compared to the most advanced greenhouses, a statement said.

The 5,000 square metre facility is currently being constructed at the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD).

The tomato farm, designed by the Dutch firm Certhon, will be installed with more than 5,000 Philips GreenPower LED fixtures from Netherland-based Signify. The growing technology is based on Certhon’s proprietary cooling and automation systems.

The facility, expected to be completely operational by the end of 2020, will triple the amount of microgreens it currently produces, as well as grow a variety of products.

All produce will be distributed locally across the UAE, and will be available for purchase, contributing towards the UAE’s journey of managing food and water security challenges, the statement said.

Abdulaziz AlMulla, CEO and co-founder of Madar Farms, said: “As the population in the UAE continues to grow and there’s more focus on sustainability, the new farm will help to meet this increasing demand, and give UAE consumers more options to enjoy the best quality fresh locally-grown produce.”

“Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) is the ideal location for the new farm. Situated half-way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we will be able to transport our daily harvests to each emirate in just hours rather than days.”

“By providing our indoor farm solutions to Madar Farms, Certhon is very proud to enable sustainable year-round local food-security and food-safety across the UAE,” said Certhon CEO, Hein van der Sande.

“Based on our customised horticultural solutions, Madar Farms can grow high quality fruits and vegetables using minimal water resources for local off-take markets.”