It’s no secret that around 90 per cent of the UAE’s food is imported. That’s a staggering figure when you consider the environmental toll of shipping, air-freighting, and packaging produce from across the globe. But with the country’s population and appetite growing fast, this model isn’t sustainable for our health, or the planet.
That’s why the UAE has set a bold goal to dramatically increase local food production by 2030 through smarter, more sustainable farming practices. Think vertical farms, hydroponics, and organic desert-grown veggies.
From boutique bio-farms in Al Ain to hydroponic greens harvested in Dubai warehouses, there’s never been a better time to shop local. Whether you’re aiming to reduce your food miles, support regional producers, or just eat cleaner, fresher, and greener these are some of the best places across the UAE to source food that’s grown much closer to home.
Emirates Bio Farm
If you haven’t made the trip out to Emirates Bio Farm yet, now’s the time, while the weather is (just about) still cool enough. Nestled in the desert just outside Al Ain, this is the UAE’s largest organic farm and a true haven for anyone looking for clean, chemical-free produce and a connection to where their food comes from.
Spanning over 250,000 square metres of certified organic farmland, Emirates Bio Farm grows everything from tomatoes and kale to heirloom carrots all without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. But it’s more than just a farm: it’s an experience. Visitors can hop on tractor tours through the fields, explore the greenhouses, take part in workshops, and stock up on seasonal veg straight from the source. It’s also a brilliant day out with the kids, with plenty of space to roam, feed the goats, and a farm-to-table café for a bite after exploring.
Ripe Market
If there’s one spot that captures the spirit of Dubai’s slow-living, shop-local movement, it’s Ripe Market. Held in outdoor locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi (Academy Park is a regular favourite), this weekend fixture brings together a brilliant mix of local farmers, small-batch food producers, artisans, and sustainable brands. You’ll find everything from organic fruit and veg to gluten-free bakes all in one sunny, community-driven setting. It’s also a fun day out with the kids, with pony rides, craft stations, and petting zoos often popping up alongside the produce.
The Farmers’ Market at Alserkal Avenue
Every Saturday, Alserkal Avenue swaps contemporary art for crates of carrots as it transforms into a buzzing hub of local farmers, growers, and food lovers. The Farmers’ Market here may be small in size, but it’s packed with authenticity, offering everything from just-picked organic produce and free-range eggs to fresh herbs, homemade jams, and warm, crusty sourdough.
You’ll often find farmers selling their own harvests, ready to chat about growing conditions, seasonality, and tips for what to cook that week. It’s a refreshing reminder of where our food comes from and how good it can taste when grown close to home. Tucked among galleries and independent cafés, it’s the perfect Saturday morning outing.
Greenheart Organic Farms
A true pioneer in the UAE’s organic movement, Greenheart Organic Farms has been growing clean, chemical-free produce in Dubai since 2012. Set up by Elena Kinane, everything is harvested and delivered fresh via their own team with no cold storage, no long waits.
Shoppers can order online from their seasonal selection or visit the Greenheart shop in Al Barsha, which also stocks organic pantry staples, dairy, and eggs from ethical suppliers. Sustainability is at the core of everything they do from composting and soil health to seed integrity and minimal packaging.
greenheartuae.com
UNS Farm
For those craving leafy greens and herbs all year round, UNS Farm is a modern vertical farming operation using cutting-edge hydroponics and sustainable growing systems. Located in Dubai, the farm produces clean, pesticide-free microgreens, baby leaves, and edible flowers that are widely used by restaurants and available for home delivery.
What makes UNS Farm stand out is its zero-soil, zero-pesticide, and low-water growing method, ideal for the UAE’s arid climate. They deliver weekly via their online store, and customers can subscribe to farm boxes with seasonal greens.
unsfarm.com
Pure Harvest Smart Farms
Farming in the desert isn’t easy but Pure Harvest Smart Farms is proving it’s not only possible, it can be seriously impressive. Using high-tech hydroponic systems and climate-controlled greenhouses, this UAE-based agri-tech pioneer grows crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, berries, and more year-round no matter how scorching it gets outside.
By using 80–90 per cent less water than traditional farming, Pure Harvest is helping redefine what sustainable agriculture can look like in the region. You’ll spot their produce in Spinneys, Carrefour, and Waitrose, or you can order it directly online for next-day delivery. Everything is harvested at peak freshness and travels just a short distance from farm to fridge which means better flavour, better nutrients, and fewer food miles.
BiOrganic
Tucked away in Dubai’s Al Manara neighbourhood, BiOrganic is the kind of grocery store you walk into for oat milk and leave with half a cart of wholesome, hard-to-find finds. Focused on clean, eco-conscious living, it offers a curated selection of organic produce, dairy alternatives, gluten-free essentials, and natural pantry staples with a strong focus on local and regional suppliers wherever possible.
It’s one of the few places where sustainable shopping feels easy and well-edited, whether you’re stocking up on weekly veg or discovering a new vegan spread. If you don’t have time to pop in, their home delivery service makes healthy eating feel almost effortless.
