The demand for fresh, locally grown flowers in the UAE is on the rise, driven by the booming events, wedding, and hospitality industries. However, the country’s harsh climate— high temperatures, water scarcity, and sandstorms—makes traditional flower farming challenging. Greenhouse technology, powered by renewable energy, presents a sustainable solution for year-round flower cultivation. By leveraging Armenia’s expertise in energy-efficient greenhouses and utilizing solar and geothermal energy, the UAE can establish a thriving floral industry while reducing costs and environmental impact. Hamlet Sandoyan, CEO of Rose Art LLC, a new brand in the world of floristry that aims to bring a fresh perspective to the art of flowers in Dubai, explores how renewable-powered greenhouses can revolutionize flower farming in the region.
Why does the UAE need greenhouses for flower cultivation?
In recent years, the demand for locally grown flowers in the United Arab Emirates has significantly increased. This trend is driven by the growing popularity of events, weddings, and the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as the rise in luxury weddings and corporate gatherings. To meet this demand, flowers must be imported, leading to high costs and environmental concerns. However, traditional flower farming faces severe challenges in the UAE due to extreme climate conditions: high temperatures, water scarcity, and sandstorms. These factors make stable and eco-friendly flower production difficult. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) provides a solution that allows flowers to be cultivated at stable temperatures and humidity, independent of external weather conditions. Greenhouses enable year-round flower production, which is crucial for meeting the growing demand in the country.
Armenia’s Expertise in Greenhouse Flower Cultivation
With its colder climate, Armenia has successfully implemented greenhouse technologies to extend the flower-growing season. The country has experience building and operating energy-efficient greenhouse complexes that withstand significant temperature fluctuations. Greenhouses protect plants from frost in Armenia’s cold climate, allowing for longer blooming periods and higher yields.
Armenia has extensive expertise in various energy-efficient greenhouse models, which can be adapted to the UAE’s warmer climate. The knowledge and techniques developed in Armenia could serve as the foundation for creating sustainable and efficient greenhouse complexes in the UAE, capable of operating in high temperatures with minimal energy and water consumption.
The Role of Renewable Energy in UAE Greenhouses
The UAE actively promotes sustainability initiatives and the use of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power. This is a crucial step toward reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy supply in a region with limited natural resources.
Solar panels to heat and power greenhouses could significantly lower operational costs and reduce the carbon footprint of flower production. Solar greenhouses can function year-round, decreasing dependence on external energy sources and mitigating climate change effects.
Additionally, geothermal energy and desalinated water for irrigation could play a key role in flower farming in the UAE. Geothermal energy can heat water and air inside greenhouses, while desalinated water can help address water scarcity issues—one of the most pressing challenges in the region.
Overcoming Climate Challenges in the UAE
Strategies for controlling temperature and humidity within greenhouses must be developed to ensure successful flower farming in the UAE. This can be achieved using solar panels to generate energy for cooling and heating systems, depending on the season.
One of the most effective solutions is using smart irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation and hydroponics. These methods help conserve water while supplying plants with all necessary nutrients. It is also important to select heat-resistant flower varieties that can withstand high temperatures and require less water.
Market Potential and Business Opportunities
The UAE’s market for sustainably grown flowers has significant growth potential, particularly in sectors like weddings, hospitality, and retail. The country is also actively promoting food and floral security initiatives, offering subsidies and tax incentives for investors interested in greenhouse projects. For Armenia, this opens up new opportunities for collaboration with the UAE in technology transfer and expertise sharing. Investments in greenhouses powered by renewable energy can become a profitable business for both countries. Developing such projects will meet domestic demand and enhance the region’s environmental sustainability.
The Future of Sustainable Flower Farming in the UAE
With the growing interest in sustainable production and eco-conscious technologies, the UAE has the potential to become a leader in sustainable flower farming. Implementing greenhouses powered by renewable energy can significantly improve flower supply while positively impacting the environment.
To achieve these goals, it is essential to support innovation, research, and policies that drive eco-friendly agricultural technologies. Strengthening cooperation between Armenia and the UAE will create new opportunities for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions in the floral industry.
Using greenhouses with renewable energy sources could play a key role in ensuring stable and eco-friendly flower production in the UAE, contributing to developing a sustainable and profitable agricultural sector in the region.
By: Hamlet Sandoyan, CEO of Rose Art LLC