In a land defined by soaring temperatures, scarce rainfall, and vast desert landscapes, farming in the UAE might seem like an impossible dream. Yet, where challenges exist, so too does the resolve to overcome them. Decades ago, the UAE’s late founding father, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, brought in foreign agricultural experts in the 1970s to help establish a farming sector. Despite their skepticism about the harsh conditions, Sheikh Zayed pursued his vision with determination and foresight.
Today, the UAE’s agriculture market is valued at $3.31 billion, with projections indicating it will reach $4.09 billion by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligence. Overcoming environmental and logistical challenges, Emirati farmers have embraced innovative techniques to produce crops and livestock. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment reports that the UAE is now home to 38,000 farms, collectively producing over 156,000 tonnes of fresh produce annually—meeting more than 20% of the country’s demand. The government aims to increase this to 100% by 2030 through advancements in hydroponic, aeroponic, and aquaponic farming.
Diverse Specializations
Historically, most Emirati farms were concentrated in the cooler regions of Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Al Ain. The date palm, often called the “tree of life,” has long been a cornerstone of the UAE’s agricultural heritage. The UAE is now one of the world’s largest producers of dates, with 40 million palms across the seven emirates and 199 varieties of dates.
The nation’s agricultural prowess doesn’t stop there. Modern farming techniques have enabled the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, and cauliflowers. Sharjah has made significant strides by investing in wheat farming, with plans to cultivate over 1,200 hectares by 2025—a critical step toward enhancing food security.
Fish farming is also gaining traction. While salmon farming is typically associated with colder climates like Norway or Scotland, the UAE has been successfully producing salmon locally since 2019. In 2021, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office partnered with Pure Salmon to further boost salmon production within the emirate.
In late 2023, the UAE took another leap forward by launching the Food Innovation Hubs Global Initiative in partnership with the World Economic Forum and H.H. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives foundation. This initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of technology and innovation in agriculture, with the Emirates Development Bank (EDB) committing Dh100 million to fund the introduction of AgriTech into traditional farms.
Sustainable and Organic Farming
In line with its Net Zero 2050 vision, the UAE government has heavily invested in sustainable farming techniques. The UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action, supported by 159 countries, underscores the nation’s commitment to global agricultural sustainability.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is actively promoting hydroponic farming, a method that uses up to 70% less water than traditional farming and minimizes the need for harmful chemicals. Approximately 200 commercial farms have adopted this technology, and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority encourages the use of recycled or desalinated water and the cultivation of water-efficient crops. The UAE is also pioneering indoor vertical farming, with facilities like the Bustanica vertical farm in Dubai—the world’s largest hydroponic farm—and Pure Harvest Smart Farms in Abu Dhabi leading the way.
Challenges and Government Support
Despite the impressive advancements, Emirati farmers face significant challenges, including the high cost of desalinated water, steep electricity bills during summer, and various permit fees. Additionally, while locally grown produce is fresher and more nutritious, it is often more expensive than imported alternatives, which can deter consumers and impact farmers’ profits.
To address these challenges, the UAE government has launched several initiatives to support local farmers. The “Enhancing the Sustainability of National Farms” initiative has achieved remarkable success, increasing the purchase rate of locally produced food by government entities to 59.2% and boosting the number of beneficiary farms to 1,260. The initiative also raised the strategic food product reserve by 85% and increased the country’s total grain storage capacity by 34% in 2023.
The Dubai Farms initiative, introduced in March 2024, marked a turning point for Emirati farmers by providing consultation services, distributor contracts, and subsidized supplies. The initiative also saw the launch of the UAE’s first farming association, which organizes farmers’ markets and festivals throughout the year.
Rising Demand
Despite the challenges, farming in the UAE can be both profitable and fulfilling. The country boasts one of the world’s finest dining scenes and a health-conscious population, with the Global Organic Trade Guide ranking the UAE among the top 30 countries for forecast growth in organic products.
While farmers express gratitude for the government’s agricultural vision, they also highlight the need for improved logistics and infrastructure. Upgrading farm area roads from gravel to asphalt could be a crucial first step, paving the way for further consultations with farmers and ultimately advancing the UAE’s agricultural goals and food security aspirations.
