About Smart Acres
Smart Acres is an Abu Dhabi-based agritech company that operates a vertical farm, growing leafy greens and herbs indoors in a controlled environment. Its aim is to produce fresh, pesticide-free produce locally in the UAE, reducing the need to import greens that would otherwise travel long distances.
Vertical farms grow crops in stacked layers inside buildings, using LED lighting to replace sunlight and hydroponic systems to deliver water and nutrients directly to plant roots. Temperature, humidity and airflow are carefully controlled, allowing crops to grow year-round regardless of the extreme heat outside.
Smart Acres focuses on crops such as lettuce, kale, basil and other leafy greens, which grow quickly and are well suited to indoor farming. These products are sold to supermarkets, restaurants and other customers in the UAE, where they can reach shelves soon after harvest.
Water efficiency is a major benefit. Hydroponic systems recirculate water and use a small fraction of the water needed for traditional farming. In the UAE, where freshwater is scarce and much of it comes from desalination, this is particularly important.
Growing indoors also means crops can be produced without pesticides, since the controlled environment limits pests. Consistent conditions help produce uniform, high-quality crops.
Automation and data play important roles. Sensors monitor growing conditions, and systems adjust lighting, nutrients and climate to optimise growth. This helps the farm operate efficiently and maintain consistent quality.
Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in agricultural technology as part of its food security strategy, supporting companies that increase local food production. Government programmes have encouraged indoor and controlled-environment farming.
The UAE imports most of its food, and local production can improve resilience against supply chain disruptions and reduce emissions from transport.
Smart Acres is one of the indoor farming companies helping Abu Dhabi grow more of its own fresh food, and Startups UAE lists it among the capital's agritech startups.
Vertical farms grow crops in stacked layers inside buildings, using LED lighting to replace sunlight and hydroponic systems to deliver water and nutrients directly to plant roots. Temperature, humidity and airflow are carefully controlled, allowing crops to grow year-round regardless of the extreme heat outside.
Smart Acres focuses on crops such as lettuce, kale, basil and other leafy greens, which grow quickly and are well suited to indoor farming. These products are sold to supermarkets, restaurants and other customers in the UAE, where they can reach shelves soon after harvest.
Water efficiency is a major benefit. Hydroponic systems recirculate water and use a small fraction of the water needed for traditional farming. In the UAE, where freshwater is scarce and much of it comes from desalination, this is particularly important.
Growing indoors also means crops can be produced without pesticides, since the controlled environment limits pests. Consistent conditions help produce uniform, high-quality crops.
Automation and data play important roles. Sensors monitor growing conditions, and systems adjust lighting, nutrients and climate to optimise growth. This helps the farm operate efficiently and maintain consistent quality.
Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in agricultural technology as part of its food security strategy, supporting companies that increase local food production. Government programmes have encouraged indoor and controlled-environment farming.
The UAE imports most of its food, and local production can improve resilience against supply chain disruptions and reduce emissions from transport.
Smart Acres is one of the indoor farming companies helping Abu Dhabi grow more of its own fresh food, and Startups UAE lists it among the capital's agritech startups.