Innovative agricultural techniques are transforming the UAE’s desert landscape into fertile farmland, enabling the cultivation of crops once thought impossible to grow in arid conditions. As the country embraces agritourism, several farms have opened their doors to visitors, offering unique and sustainable tourism experiences.
According to Fatima Abdulrahman, Director of Government Communications at the Ministry of Economy, various farms across the UAE welcome guests to explore their diverse agricultural produce, ranging from strawberries and blueberries to cocoa, wheat, honey, flowers, and even fish. Some farms offer free entry, while others charge a small fee. Among the most popular are:
- Swing Fish Farm, Al Ain
- Cocoa Farm, Fujairah
- Strawberry Farm, Hatta
- Blueberry Farm, Al Ain
- Hatta Honey Bee Garden
- UAE Flower Farm, Fujairah
- Wheat Farm, Mleiha
Farming in the Desert
Farmers in the UAE are overcoming extreme climatic conditions to cultivate fruits, vegetables, and flowers using advanced agricultural technology.
For instance, Sharjah’s Mleiha Wheat Farm, located in a rugged, rocky landscape, produces 15,200 tonnes of organic wheat annually, meeting 100% of Sharjah’s retail wheat demand. The farm employs automated irrigation systems that leverage satellite data, soil sensors connected to weather stations, and real-time monitoring to optimize water usage.
In Hatta, a scenic mountain region, a strawberry farm thrives using innovative techniques such as hydroponics and greenhouse farming. It features two cultivation areas—an open field with 6,000 strawberry plants and a greenhouse with 1,870 plants—ensuring year-round production.
Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, Below Farm Company has established four climate-controlled chambers in the desert for mushroom farming. Using advanced technologies to regulate light, temperature, and humidity, the farm produces up to one tonne of mushrooms per month.
Green Tourism and Agritourism Growth
The UAE is promoting eco-friendly tourism through its World’s Coolest Winter campaign, which encourages visitors to explore nature reserves, mountains, and other outdoor attractions. Agritourism, a growing global trend, aligns with this vision, offering visitors sustainable and immersive experiences while supporting local agriculture.
With a projected increase in tourism-related jobs expected to reach 833,000, agritourism presents significant economic opportunities. The UAE’s national tourism strategy aims to boost the sector’s GDP contribution to Dh450 billion and attract 40 million hotel guests by 2031. Integrating agritourism into these plans can help achieve these ambitious goals while enhancing the country’s reputation as a hub for sustainable tourism.
