The world’s first commercial-scale tomato indoor farm using only LED lights to grow fresh tomatoes will begin operation in Abu Dhabi later this year.
The project is part of Dubai-based Madar Farms’ investment in a new multi-million dirham farming facility in the UAE capital.
Announced during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, Madar Farms said it 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 and available for purchase, a statement said.
The tomato farm, designed by the Dutch firm Certhon will be installed with more than 5,000 ultra efficient Philips GreenPower LED fixtures from Signify, also from the Netherlands.
As part of its commitment to sustainable farming methods, the tomatoes will be grown using the most water-efficient system in the world. Madar Farms said it will use 30 percent 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 to meet this increasing demand and give UAE consumers more options to enjoy the best quality fresh locally-grown produce… 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.”
Using Inno-3B technology, already in use in Canada, Madar Farms will use an automated, vertical farming system to grow its microgreens indoors in ideal conditions year-round which are consistent.
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