More farms throughout the UAE are set to welcome visitors as part of an agrotourism initiative. A senior official informed Khaleej Times that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) will collaborate with various farms for this initiative, which is part of the Plant the Emirates program launched last month. Mohammed Saeed Sultan Al Nuaimi, the undersecretary of MoCCAE, stated: "The initiative aims to educate the public and students about how the UAE is expanding its food supply, showcase some of the remarkable local agricultural products, and garner support for the farming community." The agrotourism initiative will extend to "every emirate and involve partnerships with local authorities and farms." Al Nuaimi added: "We are currently working with these partners to assess the potential for tourism programs, with a particular focus on this season's World's Coolest Winter campaign." This year, the UAE's domestic tourism campaign—'World's Coolest Winter'—will be themed 'Green Tourism'. Residents and tourists will be invited to visit top local farms and learn about agricultural products and their cultivation.
Green oases Despite the challenges of growing plants in the desert, farms have been proliferating across the country. Utilizing unique production methods, farmers grow a variety of crops, from strawberries to wheat and saffron. Some of these farms are open to visitors. Ahmed Alhafiti, an Emirati farmer, shared that the first farm he opened to the public became so popular that he rented another one. Although it is only about 200sqm, his Wadi Difta Plantation in Fujairah has become a significant attraction, cultivating cashews, pistachios, jackfruit, and spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom. "With free entry, tourism companies frequently call to bring their customers over," he said.
Alhafiti noted the growing demand for educational and cultural experiences. "I rented a larger farm... to grow various plants from around the world. These include tropical trees from Asia, Africa, and Europe. The farm will feature roses, aromatic plants, fruits, ornamental trees, aquatic plants, and wild native plants. It is expected to open in about two years. Many people request to visit even though it isn't ready yet." He emphasized that agrotourism has a high demand, and people seek peaceful time in nature with their families. "I encourage anyone with a farm to make it attractive for tourism." Khalfan Humaid Al Mutaiwai, who manages a strawberry farm in Dubai's Hatta, is among those who have opened their green haven to the public. His first visitor was none other than Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
"Starting last year, the first and biggest visit was from Sheikh Mohammed, which made my farm famous," he said. "Students and notable figures, including Sheikhs and prominent personalities, also visited." According to the Emirati farmer, agrotourism benefits both the economy and culture. "It achieves two goals with one action, as it contributes to the country's economy and promotes the culture of agriculture and its development. At the same time, tourists enjoy a unique experience and develop a positive impression of the Emirates."
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