In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable agriculture, Food Tech Valley has inked a historic deal with ReFarmTM during COP28, paving the way for the construction of a revolutionary "GigaFarm" in Dubai. This state-of-the-art vertical farm, spanning an impressive 900,000 sq. ft., is set to reshape the landscape of food production by recycling over 50,000 tonnes of food waste annually while cultivating an astounding two billion plants.
ReFarmTM, a collaborative venture between SSK Enterprise and Christof Global Impact (CGI), has strategically chosen Intelligent Growth Solutions (IGS) as its technology partner for vertical farming. Scheduled to commence construction in mid-2024 at Dubai's Food Tech Valley—an ambitious project led by Wasl and launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum—the GigaFarm is anticipated to be fully operational by 2026.
What sets this project apart is its integration of six complementary technologies within a closed-loop circular waste-to-value system. This innovative approach aims to create a self-contained ecosystem that maximizes resource efficiency, leaving no room for waste to end up in landfills.
Capable of producing over three million kilos of fresh produce annually, the GigaFarm aligns with the UAE's commitment to decarbonize food production. This cutting-edge facility is poised to replace 1% of the country's fresh produce imports, marking a significant stride towards achieving food security and sustainability goals.
HE Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Rethinking our food production systems is a clear priority, and the decision of ReFarm to launch a facility in Dubai's Food Tech Valley is a significant step forwards for the development of a technologically advanced, low-carbon agricultural sector."
Oliver Christof, CEO at CGI, emphasized the success of the venture, crediting the open mindset of UAE leadership and their focus on circularity. He remarked, "What has been achieved over the past 36 months in the UAE is a game-changer for the sustainable food industry."
With construction set to commence in 2024, the GigaFarm project is poised to redefine the future of agriculture, serving as a global model for sustainable, circular, and low-carbon food production.