Citizen-owned farms are turning into sustainable tourism destinations, supporting UAE’s food security and agritech innovation.
DUBAI: Citizen-owned farms across the UAE are emerging as important hubs of sustainable domestic tourism while boosting local food security through innovative agricultural models. From strawberries to cocoa, these farms highlight the resilience and forward-thinking of the UAE’s agri-sector.
Over 38,000 farms now operate across the country, many using modern techniques like hydroponic farming and vertical agriculture. These methods are more productive and land-efficient, helping reduce import reliance and supporting year-round produce supply. Hydroponic systems in particular deliver yields up to four times greater than traditional farming, making them economically attractive with cost recovery possible within 5 to 10 years.
With campaigns like “World’s Coolest Winter” promoting agritourism, these farms are not just food sources but also destinations. Families, eco-tourists, and investors visit to engage with local produce, enjoy nature, and learn about sustainable farming.
Popular sites include the Al Dhaid strawberry farm in Sharjah, one of the UAE’s earliest agricultural ventures, and the Hatta Model Strawberry Farm, which conserves water and energy while offering immersive visitor experiences. Meanwhile, in Fujairah, Ahmed Al Hafeeti’s cocoa farm uses simple shade-netting and fertile local soil to grow thousands of cocoa saplings—showcasing smart, climate-adapted farming without high-tech greenhouses.
These farms offer hands-on experiences, recreational activities, and farm-to-table produce at fair prices, encouraging public participation and offering farmers extra income. Supported by national initiatives like the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s ‘Natural Wonders’, citizen-owned farms continue to innovate and shape the UAE’s agricultural landscape.
