Growing From the Heart: A Conversation with Mehlam Murtaza, Executive Director of Uns Farms.

As one of the largest vertical farms in the Middle East, it tells a story that goes beyond the crops it grows;  it’s a model for sustainable, locally grown food that connects people to the roots of their meals. Mehlam Murtaza, the Executive Director of Uns Farms, shares the story of Uns Farms, revealing not only the farm’s mission but also the practical steps, innovations, and insights that make them leaders in reshaping the agricultural landscape in the UAE.

Uns Farms is a family legacy over 50 years in the making.  Founded by Mehlam’s grandfather, the name "Uns Farms" itself speaks volumes. “Uns”—meaning ‘from the heart’ in Arabic— a fitting name for a family that believes in growing high-quality produce while fostering transparency with customers. For Mehlam, this legacy is both a source of pride and a commitment he upholds in every aspect of the farm’s operations—whether it's experimenting with a new crop or ensuring every leaf, herb, and flower meets their quality standards. This ethos is at the heart of their mission: to provide nutrient-rich, fresh produce while fostering a transparent, direct connection between farmers and consumers.

One memorable part of our visit was when Mehlam introduced us to Uns Buzz Buttons—quirky little flowers that deliver a unique, tingling sensation - unbeknownst to us we found ourselves in for a suprise. Known as Szechuan buttons, renowned for imparting an extraordinary burst of flavor to various dishes, these bright yellow blooms offer an experience unlike any other, and tasting one left us literally momentarily stunned. Upon tasting, we experienced an unexpected sensation in our mouths. The buttons produced a tingling and numbing feeling, something we never had experienced before. Our astonished reactions made Mehlam burst into laughter, describing how Uns Farms is not just about growing produce but about sharing experiences. It’s details like these that make Uns Farms a memorable brand, and Mehlam ensures each new crop adds something special to the community.

Mehlam’s lifelong curiosity about food origins evolved into a mission at Uns Farms—a drive to challenge the reliance on imported produce and create a transparent, sustainable food system in the UAE that allows customers to connect with the farmers that grow their food.

With over 100 products, Uns Farms cultivates a diverse range of greens, microgreens, edible flowers, exotic herbs, and medicinal crops.  Each product serves a unique purpose, contributing to different markets and culinary experiences. Mehlam’s pride is clear when he talks about Uns Farms’ edible flowers, he shares his excitement about the edible flowers they cultivate, which are beloved by the region’s top chefs for adding elegance and flavor to high-end dishes. “Each flower has its own unique requirements,” Mehlam explains. “From soil blends to light exposure, every decision is carefully considered to ensure we’re providing the best quality.”

For Uns Farms, working with partners who share their values is essential. One such partner is Priva, another family-founded business with a shared belief in ethical, innovation-driven growth, aligned with Uns Farms’ belief that innovation and collaboration are essential for industry progress.

The collaboration has resulted in implementing advanced technologies for 24/7 control of the farm for both the irrigation process and the climate process within Uns Farms. With the Priva computer system Uns Farms is assured that the right climate for the growth of their plants is being created. One particular source of pride is the Priva fertilizer dosing system, which allows Uns Farms to fine-tune the exact nutrients and water each plant receives. Consistency and quality are key within Uns Farms, hence the choice for Priva.

 "Agriculture is essential to so many industries globally. I believe the infrastructure we provide, and the expertise we have, lends itself to so many of these industries. And my dream is to create a company which is not only based on food but which works with many other industries and provides its expertise for them as well," Mehlam envisions, describing Uns Farms reaching beyond agriculture to impact multiple industries.

From the unforgettable experience of tasting Buzz Buttons to supplying exquisite flowers for gourmet dishes and cultivating medicinal herbs, Uns Farms is more than just a farm—it’s a pioneer, redefining the possibilities of modern agriculture.