As part of an exciting agrotourism initiative, farms across the UAE are now opening their doors to visitors, inviting residents and tourists to explore the country’s diverse and innovative agricultural landscape. This new program, created by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE), aims to foster awareness about local food production, promote sustainable practices, and generate widespread support for the UAE’s farming community.

This agrotourism push is planned to reach all seven emirates, working in close coordination with local authorities and farm owners. In addition, it will play a central role in the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign this year, which has been rebranded under the theme “Green Tourism.” Visitors will have the opportunity to explore farms across the UAE, witnessing firsthand the sustainable and resilient methods used to cultivate crops such as strawberries, wheat, saffron, and more.

Despite the desert climate, the UAE’s farms have become thriving oases, using advanced techniques to grow a wide range of produce. For instance, Ahmed Alhafiti, an Emirati farmer, shared that his Wadi Difta Plantation in Fujairah — a compact 200 square meters — has become a popular destination. Known for growing cashews, pistachios, jackfruit, and an array of spices, his farm has seen significant interest from tourism companies who are eager to bring visitors to learn more about sustainable farming in the Emirates.

 

Khalfan Humaid Al Mutaiwai, a farmer in Hatta, Dubai, has also opened his strawberry farm to the public. His farm gained widespread attention when his first guest was Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Since then, it has welcomed numerous students, dignitaries, and public figures, eager to learn about sustainable strawberry cultivation in the heart of the desert.

With this growing interest in agrotourism, residents and visitors to the UAE now have the chance to experience a greener side of the country. From the tranquil farms of Hatta to the innovative plantations in Fujairah, the UAE’s agriculture sector is blossoming, offering a new way to enjoy and support the nation’s sustainable future.