UNS Farms Launches Educational Farm Tours to Promote Sustainable Food Practices Under Mehlam Murtaza’s Leadership

Dubai, UAE - 13 November 2024 – UNS Farms, a pioneering division of Speedex Group, is reshaping the future of food production in Dubai through innovative and sustainable farming practices. Established in 2018, UNS Farms stands as the largest urban farm in Dubai, utilizing 30,000 square feet of cutting-edge vertical farming techniques. With its advanced setup, the farm maximizes space by incorporating eight vertical levels, enabling it to grow a wide variety of pesticide-free, nutrient-rich vegetables all year round. UNS Farms consistently produces between 1,000 to 1,500 kilograms of fresh produce daily, which is delivered to gourmet chefs, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and hypermarkets across the UAE.

A Diverse and Sustainable Approach to Food Production

UNS Farms is known for cultivating a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, microgreens, baby leaf mixes, and exotic herbs. The farm-to-fork model ensures that the UAE’s residents enjoy fresh, locally sourced produce every day of the year. This approach not only provides high-quality, organic vegetables but also supports the nation’s food security goals by promoting sustainable farming practices.

As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, UNS Farms employs hydroponic farming methods, which use 90% less water than traditional agriculture while producing twice the yield per square meter. This innovative practice plays a critical role in the conservation of resources and reduces the farm's environmental impact. By adopting efficient and resource-efficient technologies, UNS Farms helps shape a future where sustainable farming practices are integral to the global food system.

Innovating for the Future: Education and Sustainability

One of the cornerstones of UNS Farms' mission is to promote sustainability and educate the community on the importance of local agriculture. As part of this initiative, the farm has launched educational Farm Tours aimed at raising awareness about the environmental benefits of vertical farming and locally grown produce. These 1-hour tours are designed for students, children, college groups, and community members, providing an up-close look at sustainable farming practices in action.

Through the farm tours, visitors gain valuable insights into how local food production reduces carbon emissions, conserves water, and contributes to the UAE's National Food Security Strategy. By fostering a connection between consumers and the source of their food, UNS Farms hopes to inspire participants to make healthier, more environmentally conscious food choices. Mehlam Murtaza, Executive Director of UNS Vertical Farms, emphasized, "Our goal is to connect people with the source of their food and demonstrate the importance of sustainable practices in everyday life. We believe that by educating the community on how their food is grown and the benefits of local agriculture, we can inspire a shift toward healthier and more environmentally responsible choices."

The tour experience includes a visit to the farm’s growing chambers, where visitors can explore various crop sections such as microgreens, edible flowers, and salad greens. They will witness the hydroponic systems at work and learn how plants thrive in a soil-free, controlled environment. The tour also includes demonstrations on plant life cycles, soil mixes, and sustainable harvesting techniques, offering a holistic view of modern farming methods. To further engage participants, each tour concludes with a special take-home grow kit, allowing them to start their own small garden at home and connect with sustainable food practices.

Leadership in Sustainable Agriculture

Under the visionary leadership of Mehlam Murtaza, UNS Farms has emerged as a key player in the UAE’s vertical farming industry. Mehlam’s focus on integrating high-tech solutions with eco-friendly practices has helped UNS Farms establish itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture. His commitment to using innovative farming techniques ensures that the farm can continue to meet the growing demand for fresh, locally grown produce, while also minimizing its environmental impact.

Mehlam’s leadership is rooted in a mission to address global food security challenges and provide a sustainable solution for the future of agriculture. "Our farm’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just growing food; it’s about creating a positive impact on the environment and fostering a community that values healthy, local, and responsible food choices,” he says. Through UNS Farms’ continued efforts, the farm is advancing agricultural practices and supporting Dubai's goal of creating a more resilient and sustainable food ecosystem.

Supporting the UAE’s Vision for a Sustainable Future

The growing global population, projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, presents a significant challenge to food production systems. UNS Farms is committed to addressing this challenge by promoting resource-efficient farming techniques that deliver fresh, nutritious food while conserving valuable resources. By aligning with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy, UNS Farms supports the broader vision of achieving food security, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering a sustainable, healthy future for all.

Since its establishment, UNS Farms has served the Dubai community by supplying high-quality, locally grown produce to chefs, families, and restaurants. The farm’s eco-friendly farming methods, which focus on minimal land use and resource conservation, contribute to the UAE’s sustainable agricultural goals, while also ensuring that fresh produce is available to residents 365 days a year.

Looking Toward the Future

As UNS Farms continues to push the boundaries of sustainable farming, it remains dedicated to its mission of providing fresh, high-quality produce grown in the heart of urban Dubai. Through innovation, education, and community engagement, UNS Farms is leading the way in redefining the future of food production, ensuring that the next generation has access to healthy, sustainable food choices.

With its pioneering vertical farming techniques and a commitment to environmental stewardship, UNS Farms is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture in the UAE and beyond, while fostering a healthier, more sustainable world for all.