Appropriately coming at a time when the UAE is hosting COP28, Dubai-based Sokovo Nature Farms has inaugurated its vertical farm at Dubai Industrial City to bolster the national food security agenda.
The indoor farm has a total built-up area spanning over 20,000 sq. ft. and is built on a plot size of more than 100,000 sq. ft. It has a production capacity of 360 tonnes – equivalent to almost 160 unloaded standard 20-foot shipping containers.
Sokovo’s farm joins a dedicated F&B economic zone at Dubai Industrial City, part of TECOM Group, and will grow fresh kale, spinach, lettuce, basil, and rosemary, among other leafy greens and microgreens. The farm will supply to hypermarkets, hotels, and restaurants across the UAE and help reduce reliance on food imports.
The hydroponic facility uses sustainable design and technologies to ensure high-quality yield and efficient resource consumption without pesticides. It features seven-metre towers with a double retractable sunroof to ensure all crops receive maximum and equal exposure to natural light.
Harsh Gurbani, owner of Sokovo, commented: “Dubai Industrial City has been a key supporter in the setting up of our farm, which focuses on sustainability by ensuring its water intake is recycled and reused. We also ensure the maximum use of natural sunlight in a temperature-controlled environment and remain committed to supplying the UAE with pesticide-free locally and freshly produced items.
“As long-term residents of the UAE, we are proud to contribute towards making the country more independent and self-sufficient to enhance its food security.”
The launch follows Dubai Industrial City’s strategic partnership with the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in May 2023 to boost food security in the UAE. The agreement will see both parties promoting advanced technology adoption and emphasising the importance of innovation, knowledge-sharing, and nutrition security.
Dubai Industrial City is among the region’s leading industrial manufacturing and logistics hubs, and home of more than 800 customers, including F&B industry leaders such as Nutridor, Al Barakah Dates, Patchi, and Barakat Quality Plus.
Sokovo’s vertical farm advances UAE’s goals
Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at TECOM Group, said on behalf of Dubai Industrial City: “The challenges of farming in the desert belong to the past. Vertical farming provides an outstanding solution to ensure the UAE’s residents have access to freshly grown produce, especially as demand grows in line with the population.
“The launch of Sokovo’s advanced hydroponic farm at Dubai Industrial City brings us closer to achieving the goals of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, Operation 300bn, and Make it in the Emirates visions to enhance the country’s local supply chains across various sectors.”
Dubai Industrial City features more than 300 operational factories and belongs to TECOM Group’s portfolio of 10 business districts – Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, and Dubai Design District (d3).
Follow us on
