News

Dubai’s Food Tech Valley & ReFarm Plan Hi-Tech Gigafarm

The “vertical farm” venture is expected to be operational by 2026 and will be capable of replacing 1% of UAE fresh produce imports.

Published

1 year ago

December 8, 2023

Nour Nasir

ReFarm

Food Tech Valley, a Dubai-based technology center designed to address food security, has entered a partnership with the ReFarm group to build a gigafarm capable of growing over three million kilograms of produce annually.

The project, which starts in mid-2024, aims to help decarbonize UAE food production, replacing 1% of the country’s fresh produce imports. Both parties signed an agreement at this year’s COP28, which should see the 83,612-square-meter farm becoming fully operational by 2026.

As well as producing vast quantities of food, the high-tech farm will be capable of recycling over 50,000 tons of food waste each year while growing two billion plants.

“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 forward for the development of a technologically advanced, low-carbon agricultural sector,” said Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

The gigafarm will be split into four zones: Agritech and engineering, food innovation, research and development, and smart food logistics. In addition, the site will become a closed-loop circular waste-to-value system, maximizing resources and preventing waste from entering landfills by creating organic compost.

Also Read: Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 To Help Climate Technology Startups

“This is one of many transformative projects which is set to be part of Food Tech Valley, which will have a significant impact on the UAE’s food security, maximizing the use of precious resources and decarbonizing the food supply chain,” explained Hesham Al Qassim, chief executive of Wasl Asset Management Group, which is developing the project alongside the Ministry of Food and Water Security.

Technologies used at the gigafarm are expected to recover 90% of the ammonia sulfate from wastewater, and no mains or groundwater connection will be required for the vertical farm to produce fresh produce. Developers claim the site will be 98% more efficient than traditional field-based farming.

News

Yabi Introduces AI Financial Coach For Smarter Money Moves

The app provides real-time, personalized financial guidance, helping UAE residents manage money smarter, reduce debt, and build wealth effortlessly.

Published

7 hours ago

February 22, 2025

Nour Nasir

Yabi

Imagine having 24/7 access to an expert financial advisor — someone who understands your spending habits, helps you save more effectively, and offers guidance for every financial decision. That’s the vision behind Yabi’s revamped platform, an AI-driven finance app designed to transform personal finance management in the UAE.

Unlike traditional budgeting tools, Yabi acts as an always-available AI advisor, analyzing your unique spending patterns and offering real-time, tailored financial advice. Whether you’re making everyday purchases, planning a big trip, or saving for a major milestone, Yabi keeps you on track and helps you make informed financial choices.

Rakhil Fernando, CEO of Yabi, explains the mission behind the platform: “Financial literacy is not optional — it’s essential. But most financial tools today feel outdated and overly complex. Yabi is here to change that by offering AI-powered financial coaching that’s smart, simple, and accessible to everyone in the UAE”.

Here are some of the updated app’s new features:

AI-Powered Financial Coach: A 24/7 digital advisor providing real-time financial guidance based on your spending habits and available in multiple languages.
Live Insights: Connect your bank accounts for a detailed breakdown of your expenses.
Tailored Budgeting: Yabi creates a budget that fits with your actual spending habits rather than generic financial advice.
Interactive Financial Education: Learn the essentials of saving, investing, and credit management through engaging content integrated into the AI experience.
Automated Expense Tracking: Receive instant alerts on overspending, identify hidden charges, and cut unnecessary subscriptions with ease.
Credit Score & Financial Health Monitoring: Get free credit score checks and AI-driven recommendations to enhance your financial standing.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Finally, Yabi is also gearing up to introduce its own debit card and a suite of financial products, making it easier to save, spend, and invest within a single platform.

Want to try Yabi for yourself? You can download the app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.