The UAE’s desert landscape is transforming into a hub for innovative farming, as agricultural practices evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly growing agrotourism sector.
From exotic fruits to crops traditionally thought impossible to grow in the region, farms across the country are defying the odds with cutting-edge technology and sustainable farming methods.
Many of these farms are now opening their doors to the public, offering a fresh and immersive experience for locals and tourists alike.
According to Fatima Abdulrahman, the Director of Government Communications at the Ministry of Economy, the farms are cultivating an impressive array of produce, from strawberries and blueberries to cocoa, mushrooms, and even wheat.
“Several farms across the UAE welcome visitors,” she told Khaleej Times, highlighting popular destinations such as the Swing Fish Farm in Al Ain, Cocoa Farm in Fujairah, and the Strawberry Farm in Hatta.
These farms are adding a new dimension to the UAE’s growing agrotourism scene, attracting visitors keen to experience local agriculture firsthand.
Some of the farms offer free entry, while others charge a nominal fee, providing diverse options for visitors.
The farm visits align with a broader global trend towards sustainable and experiential travel, with agritourism becoming an increasingly popular way for people to connect with the environment.
Fatima also pointed out that the UAE is offering a wide range of green tourism experiences, including trips to oases, public parks, and nature reserves.
With the country’s rich natural landscapes, farms add a unique element to this sector, offering opportunities for educational programmes and culinary tourism focused on locally grown produce.
Farmers in the UAE are not just cultivating crops but are also revolutionizing agriculture with advanced technologies designed to overcome the harsh desert conditions.
One example is Sharjah’s Mleiha Wheat Farm, which spans a massive area in a rugged rocky region. The farm produces 15,200 tonnes of organic wheat annually, meeting all of Sharjah’s retail demand.
By using automated irrigation systems that are powered by satellite data, soil sensors linked to weather stations, and control rooms to optimize water use, the farm significantly reduces water consumption, making it a model of sustainable farming in an arid region.
In the picturesque Hatta mountains, a strawberry farm has adopted smart farming techniques, including hydroponics and greenhouse farming, to produce strawberries year-round. The farm consists of two distinct fields: one open and the other in a greenhouse.
With 6,000 plants in the open field and 1,870 in the greenhouse, it is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to innovation in agriculture.
Abu Dhabi’s Below Farm Company has taken a different approach by cultivating mushrooms in large, climate-controlled chambers situated in the desert.
Using technology to control light, temperature, and humidity levels, the farm produces up to one tonne of mushrooms per month, adding another successful chapter to the UAE’s growing list of agricultural achievements.
The UAE’s promotion of agrotourism is part of its broader tourism campaign, World’s Coolest Winter, which encourages residents and tourists to explore outdoor activities and natural attractions.
Fatima sees agrotourism as a crucial opportunity to diversify the UAE’s tourism offerings and attract eco-conscious travellers.
With the national tourism strategy aiming to increase tourism-related jobs to 833,000 and raise the sector’s GDP contribution to Dh450 billion by 2031, agritourism is poised to play a significant role in achieving these goals.