AI Reshapes Gulf Vertical Farming

AI-led climate systems cut costs and support food security ambitions across the region

18 Feb 2026

Artificial intelligence is moving vertical farming in the Gulf from small-scale trials to a more central role in national food security strategies, as governments seek to expand domestic production in a harsh climate.

Operators in cities including Dubai and Riyadh are deploying automated platforms that regulate temperature, humidity, lighting and carbon dioxide in real time. Energy, particularly for cooling and artificial light, accounts for a large share of costs in controlled-environment agriculture. By analysing constant streams of sensor data, AI systems aim to optimise energy and water use while stabilising crop yields.

Pure Harvest Smart Farms is among the companies investing in predictive software embedded within its growing systems. The company says the technology has improved water management and helped maintain steady output despite extreme desert temperatures. Analysts view such investments as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on food imports and strengthen local supply chains through technology.

Advisers say AI is becoming integral to controlled-environment farming in the region. Instead of relying on fixed climate settings, advanced facilities can adjust conditions in response to plant needs, improving consistency and reducing manual intervention.

Public policy has accelerated adoption. Smart agriculture programmes are linked to sustainability targets and economic diversification plans across Gulf states. Investors have also shown interest, regarding technology-led farms as infrastructure assets with long-term strategic value.

Adoption remains uneven. While some large operators run advanced automated systems, others are still testing pilot projects or integrating tools gradually. AI-driven farming depends on accurate sensor data, stable connectivity and strong cybersecurity. Disruptions can affect crop performance, prompting greater regulatory scrutiny over data governance and system resilience.

Industry observers expect closer integration between climate control platforms, energy management systems and predictive maintenance tools as the sector develops. These capabilities are still emerging but are seen as key to improving efficiency and cost control as vertical farming expands in the Gulf.