Located in an arid zone, where the desert accounts for more than three quarters of its total area, the UAE’s environment is characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, poor soil and lack of natural waterways. The UAE has been making extensive efforts to build a sustainable agricultural and animal wealth industry that is better able to contribute to its food security and national economy. Read about the UAE’s efforts to conserve its local resources through policies and innovative technologies.
Agriculture is an old activity in the United Arab Emirates practised in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain and in some oases, such as the Liwa oasis.The sector developed rapidly since 1971, despite problems due to the scarcity of water resources and arable land, soil salinity, difficult environmental conditions, high production costs, agricultural pests and post-harvest losses.
Agriculture has become an economic activity that relies on the use of the latest technologies. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan played a significant role in the evolution and development of the agriculture sector in the country.
Huge efforts were made to preserve water resources, with emphasis on promoting the adoption and installation of modern irrigation systems to replace flood irrigation method, which wastes large amounts of water.
Read more on agriculture development and health on the website of Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCaE).
Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority is the local authority in charge of agriculture, food safety, food security and biosecurity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is responsible for preparing plans, programs and activities in the field of agriculture, food safety and food security.
Read more about agriculture sector in Abu Dhabi.
The wheat farm in Mleiha, Sharjah, was launched in 2022 to provide food needs and raise production rates to cover the needs of Sharjah’s cities and regions. The first phase of wheat cultivation covered an area of 400 hectares.
The project will be completed in three phases; the first phase will be on an area of 400 hectares, the second phase will be on an area of 880 hectares in 2024, and the third phase will reach its completion on an area of 1,400 hectares in 2025.
The quantities of the UAE’s wheat imports in 2022 amounted to 1.7 million metric tonnes, and the share of the emirate of Sharjah is 330,000 metric tonnes.
The wheat farm in Mleiha will contribute, after completing its stages and developing its crops, to reduce the percentage of wheat imports from abroad.
To accelerate adoption of technology in agriculture, the UAE launched 10 initiatives. Read about these initiatives.
The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has put a priority on increasing the use of hydroponic technology among farmers, which relies on nutrient-rich water to grow plants with the use of little or no soil. The method saves up to 70 per cent of water, while allowing for a longer growing season and avoiding harmful chemicals. To date, there are 87 commercial farms using this technology.
Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), now Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology introduced an organic food certification scheme. Food that is certified to be organic will bear a logo letting consumers easily distinguish them.
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