Intelligent Growth Solutions and ReFarm Global Investments are completing the first phase of their vertical farming facility in Dubai’s Food Tech Valley
Construction of the world’s first circular GigaFarm, a vertical farming operation designed to optimise resource efficiency and localise production, is now well underway with the first crops set to be harvested later this year.
UK-based business Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) and ReFarm Global Investments have said that they will complete the first phase of construction at the GigaFarm site in Dubai’s Food Tech Valley over the coming weeks.
The GigaFarm project will include 200 vertical farming Growth Towers designed to maximise resource efficiency and prevent waste going to landfill by establishing a closed-loop ecosystem.
The 900,000 square-foot site will co-locate multiple complementary and proprietary technologies, the groups noted.
“IGS’ technology is a key enabler in proving that sustainable crop production is possible, even in some of the most climate-challenged regions in the world,” said Andrew Lloyd, chief executive officer of IGS.
”Through British engineering and cutting-edge controlled-environment technology, we’re delivering a system that is scalable, supports resource efficiency and strengthens long-term food security for the UAE.”
The first phase of the project will bring 20 towers online during the summer, with the first crops available to Dubai residents later this year.
“As installation of the towers progresses, we’re proud of this step forward, and our partnership with ReFarm which reflects our shared commitment to a truly circular food system,” Lloyd commented.
Oliver Christof, CEO of ReFarm described the GigaFarm as the world’s first fully integrated regenerative food ecosystem.
”By bringing together food production, resource recovery, water sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and circularity in one location, we are demonstrating how future cities can produce food locally while reducing waste, conserving resources, and regenerating the environment,” he said.
“Our ambition is not simply to grow food. It is to create a new category of infrastructure that strengthens food security, reduces reliance on imports, and transforms environmental challenges into economic opportunities.
”What begins in Dubai will serve as a blueprint for the future of food production worldwide,” Christof added.
The site will be capable of growing more than 3mn kg of produce annually.
The companies also highlighted that by diverting more than 50,000 tonnes of food waste from landfill each year through integrated waste-to-value and regenerative farming technologies, the GigaFarm will ”significantly advance” the UAE’s efforts to create the world’s first affordable carbon positive food production, replacing 1 per cent of the country’s fresh produce imports.
