169: The Evolution of Dubai’s Vertical Farming Show

Have you ever wondered how the vertical farming industry is evolving and what it takes to organize successful events in this space? I had the pleasure of speaking with Tahir Abdul Bari, founder and CEO of TAB Group, about his journey from traditional agriculture to organizing one of the largest vertical farming events in the Middle East.

Tahir's story is fascinating, starting from his childhood experiences in Kashmir's apple orchards to becoming a key player in the events industry. He shared how his grandfather's teachings on respecting and valuing people have shaped his leadership style and approach to team building. The conversation delved into the challenges of pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it led to the creation of the Global Vertical Farming Show.

We discussed the importance of adaptability in the events industry, especially when dealing with emerging technologies like vertical farming. Tahir provided insights into how the show has evolved over the years, growing from a virtual event to a large-scale physical exhibition. He emphasized the critical role of collaboration in the indoor farming industry, particularly at this early stage of development.

If you're interested in the intersection of agriculture, technology, and event management, or if you want to learn about the latest trends in vertical farming, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Tahir's valuable perspectives on team building, industry challenges, and the future of indoor agriculture.

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Key Takeaways

3:42 Impact of COVID-19 on events industry

9:15 Building long-term relationships in events

16:28 Decision-making process for event viability

21:34 Evolution of Global Vertical Farming Show

32:15 Unique aspects of upcoming Vertical Farming Show

36:38 Importance of team building and culture

42:37 Tough questions leaders ask themselves

Tweetable Quotes

"I am very close to the soil. I grew up in a family with farms and orchards. That's what we did on the ground level. So I had a natural inclination towards agriculture."

"For Middle East, especially UAE, vertical farming is not just an option for people to consider. It's something which is by default the best that they can do."

"A client is a client until we are closing a deal. Once the deal is closed and you come to the event, treat them as your guests. It's our responsibility to make their life comfortable."

Resources Mentioned

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahirabdulbari/

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Mentioned in this episode:

2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews

2025 Precision Ag Report

2025 Precision Ag Report by iGrowNews

2025 Precision Ag Report