For 12-year-old Silvia, farming is not just a hobby but a way of life, influenced by her parents' deep-rooted passion for agriculture. Keen to broaden her understanding of contemporary farming techniques, Silvia accompanied her parents to the ‘Farm to Haseer’ event on Saturday, held at the Organic Farm Resort in Suwaihan, Abu Dhabi. Silvia, who has been cultivating vegetables on a small plot at home using conventional methods, was captivated by the expansive farm and the cutting-edge practices employed there. “The sheer scale of the farm and the advanced methods used were incredibly inspiring,” Silvia remarked. During the event, she was introduced to sophisticated practices such as water-efficient drip irrigation, soil conservation, and advanced greenhouse technology. “While we use traditional methods at home, here I discovered techniques like drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the plant roots, reducing evaporation and waste. I also learned about subsurface irrigation and the use of recycled water,” the young German expatriate added.
The workshop, a collaborative effort with The Knot, is part of the ‘Year of Sustainability’ initiative. It dispelled the myth that growing fruits and vegetables in the UAE’s arid climate is impossible and demonstrated how local farms are thriving through resource-efficient methods. “Seeing the farm thrive in such challenging conditions was a real eye-opener. I had always thought growing vegetables and fruits in the UAE was difficult, but this farm proved otherwise. Everything, from herbs to chilies, is cultivated sustainably,” said Amal Al Shehi, a farming enthusiast who attended the event with her sisters. Amal was particularly intrigued by the use of drip irrigation. “I learned how this technique conserves water, and I’m now motivated to start a small herb garden on my balcony using the same method. It’s amazing to think that with the right approach, the UAE can grow almost anything,” Amal added.
For Tariq Ahmed, a Dubai resident, the event shattered his belief that agriculture wasn’t feasible in the UAE. After repeated failures in growing vegetables in his home garden, Tariq attended the event to understand his mistakes. “The farm’s ability to grow a variety of crops with minimal water and locally sourced organic materials was remarkable. I particularly enjoyed the butter-making session and planting herbs, which taught me how closely we can connect with the food we consume,” Tariq said. He now plans to cultivate vegetables in his backyard and prioritize local sourcing to reduce his carbon footprint. “This event showed that the UAE has the potential to become a hub for sustainable agriculture,” Tariq concluded.
Such events are integral to the ongoing efforts under the Year of Sustainability initiative, aimed at engaging individuals and organizations in meaningful actions for a greener future. “Collective action is at the core of any successful sustainability initiative,” said Rauda Al Falasi, deputy project lead at the Year of Sustainability. “Our focus is on driving lasting, impactful change by encouraging actionable steps. Both individuals and organizations play vital roles in shaping a more sustainable future. We aim to address sustainability challenges by promoting small, daily actions alongside larger organizational commitments, creating a ripple effect of positive change,” Al Falasi added.
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