Transformation in UAE’s Agricultural Industry Will Drive Tourism

New Development In Agriculture Industry In UAE Will Help Farmers

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking a pioneering step towards transforming the agricultural industry. The country has unveiled new regulations that will enable farms to engage in holiday home rentals and tourist activities on their land. These measures will allow farmers to diversify their income streams and promote sustainable agricultural development.

The UAE’s Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), has approved 71 economic activities that can be carried out on agricultural lands. These activities include 21 that support the plant sector, 24 related to the animal sector, 18 focused on the food sector, and eight recreation-based activities, particularly holiday homes, aimed at supporting tourism and fostering cultural development in Abu Dhabi’s agricultural sector.

To ensure that the reforms are balanced and do not overtake the primary purpose of agriculture, the ADAFSA has set out regulations that dictate economic activities on agricultural lands. They cannot exceed 30% of the farm’s total area, provided that the farm owner holds a licenced plant or animal main activity. Furthermore, economic activities are limited to the farm owner alone, and trade licences must be issued in their name. Government agencies will oversee the regulation, licencing, classification, control, and inspection of economic activities on agricultural lands.

New Measures To Enhance Food Security, Tourism, Culture

These new measures are a significant step towards sustainable agricultural development, which could promote job creation and economic growth in the UAE. It will also provide farmers with more opportunities for new technologies and practices that improve crop yields, reduce water consumption and waste, and enhance food security. Additionally, the promotion of tourism and cultural development could attract more visitors to the UAE and showcase the country's rich heritage.

Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, highlighted that this move will boost agri-tourism and promote sustainable development.

"The Committee worked to maximise the use of agricultural land and diversify the options of projects that can be established on farms, in addition to regulating and facilitating the practice of recreational and tourism activities on farms, making the farm a successful investment project and an educational, recreational, and heritage experience in Abu Dhabi," Al Ameri explained.

This initiative marks a step towards the UAE’s food security system by focusing efforts on local plant and animal production as well as providing opportunities for strengthening economic activities