How to explore eco-friendly farms around UAE?

Have you ever considered that beyond the gleaming skyscrapers and sprawling deserts of the UAE, there’s a quiet revolution happening in sustainable agriculture, offering a chance to reconnect with nature and understand where our food truly comes from? The United Arab Emirates, despite its arid climate, has made remarkable strides in promoting eco-friendly farming practices and agritourism, transforming parts of its landscape into verdant oases of organic produce and sustainable living. We’re delighted to guide you through these hidden gems where you can explore green initiatives and experience farming firsthand.

The UAE’s Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

The UAE has recognized the critical importance of food security and environmental sustainability, especially in a region with limited natural water resources. This has led to significant investments in innovative farming technologies, such as hydroponics and vertical farming, as well as a growing movement towards organic and permaculture practices. The government, through initiatives by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, actively supports local farms in adopting sustainable methods and encourages agritourism to educate the public about responsible consumption and local produce. This commitment highlights a future-focused approach, ensuring a greener tomorrow for the nation.

Leading Eco-Friendly Farms in Dubai and Beyond

Several farms across the UAE offer unique opportunities for visitors to learn about and engage with sustainable agriculture.

Emirates Bio Farm (Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Emirate): This is arguably the most well-known and largest certified organic farm in the UAE, located in Al Shuwaib, near Al Ain. Emirates Bio Farm has created a comprehensive visitor experience, making it a popular destination for families and educational groups.

• Farm Tours: They offer self-guided walking tours and guided tractor tours around their expansive fields and greenhouses. These tours provide fascinating insights into organic farming practices, crop rotation, and pest control using natural methods.
• Visitor Center & Farm Shop: The farm boasts a well-equipped visitor center, where you can learn more about organic certification and sustainable agriculture. Their farm shop sells freshly harvested organic vegetables, fruits, and eggs directly from their fields, often within 24 hours of harvest.
• The Farmer’s Table Restaurant: This is a highlight, offering a field-to-plate dining experience with a menu crafted using their own organic produce. It’s a fantastic way to taste the freshness firsthand.
• Events: Emirates Bio Farm also hosts seasonal events and organic festivals throughout the year, featuring live entertainment, educational talks, and opportunities to engage with local farmers. They are generally open from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s advisable to check their website or call ahead for the latest visiting hours and any pre-booking requirements, especially for tours or dining during peak season.

UNS Farms (Dubai): This is a prime example of vertical farming and hydroponics in action, located in Al Quoz 3, Dubai. UNS Farms is at the forefront of sustainable indoor farming in the UAE, producing a variety of leafy greens, herbs, and microgreens using significantly less water and land than traditional farming.

• Farm Tours: They offer guided tours of their innovative vertical farm, showcasing eight levels of farming, the hydroponic technology, and the plant life cycle. You even get a hands-on experience with a grow kit to start your own mini garden.
• Technology Focus: A visit here provides a deep dive into how technology is transforming agriculture in arid environments, highlighting the efficiency and sustainability of indoor farming.
• Booking: Tours require advance booking and typically have a fee per individual. They accommodate both individual and group tours, including corporate visits. Always check their website for the latest tour timings and booking availability.

Integrated Green Resources (IGR) / Mazaraa Farm (Abu Dhabi & Al Ain): IGR is a network of organic certified farms that have been operating in the UAE for over a decade. Their Mazaraa Farm in Abu Dhabi is specifically open to visitors.

• Farm-to-Table Experience: Mazaraa Farm is an Emirati-owned concept encompassing an organic farm, shop, restaurant, and cafe, promoting a true field-to-table philosophy.
• Activities: Visitors can enjoy guided farm tours, learn about sustainable agriculture, participate in animal feeding and petting (goats, rabbits, horses), and even engage in planting and harvesting activities. They also offer horse riding.
• Certification: IGR farms are accredited for organic production according to both UAE and EU regulations, certified by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA), EU standards, and Global G.A.P.
• Location: While they have farms in Al Ain, Al Rahba, and Al Khanwaneej, Mazaraa Farm in Abu Dhabi is the primary one open for visitors.

LOCOFOOD Organic Farm (Al Hayer, UAE): This farm offers a unique and authentic UAE date farm visit, allowing visitors to connect with traditional and organic farming practices.

• Date Palm Forest: Explore their date palm forest and learn about the cultivation of this iconic fruit, which is central to Emirati heritage and cuisine.
• Hands-on Experience: In winter, visitors can even harvest fresh organic vegetables directly from the farm.
• Farm-to-Table Meal: The visit often includes a farm-to-table meal, highlighting the freshness of their produce.
• Booking: Advance booking is required, and they provide detailed directions to a meeting point to guide visitors safely to the farm, as GPS might lead to sandy roads.

Agritourism and Sustainable Initiatives in Other Emirates

The push for eco-friendly farming extends beyond Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with emerging opportunities in other emirates.

Sharjah Sustainable City (Sharjah): While not a traditional farm for public visits, Sharjah Sustainable City is a pioneering sustainable master-planned community that integrates urban farming.

• Urban Farms: Residents have access to Agri Pods where they can grow their own plants and vegetables, promoting local food production and reducing carbon footprint.
• Workshops: They frequently host community engagement programs and workshops on urban farming, composting, and sustainable living, demonstrating how eco-friendly practices can be integrated into urban environments. Keeping an eye on their events calendar can reveal public access workshops.

Green Land Farm Stay (Ras Al Khaimah): This farm offers a unique farm stay experience focused on sustainability and safe agricultural practices.

• Integrated Farming: They employ an integrated farming approach, utilizing hydroponics systems to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste in producing crops.
• Activities: Guests can enjoy farm tours, hiking on lime mountains, cycling through rustic areas, and even interacting with animals. It provides an immersive experience in nature away from city life.
• Accommodation: Green Land Farm Stay also offers simple back-to-nature wooden huts for overnight stays, allowing for a deeper connection with the farm environment.

RAK Nature’s Treasures (Ras Al Khaimah): This unique destination includes a private natural history museum, but also features vegetable farming, greenhouses, and a petting zoo with friendly animals.

• Diverse Attractions: While not solely an eco-farm, it highlights sustainable practices in its veggie farming section and offers a broader nature-based experience.
• Homestay: They also offer homestay options in simple wooden huts, providing an opportunity for rural living amidst nature.

Planning Your Eco-Farm Visit

To make the most of your eco-friendly farm exploration in the UAE, keep these practical tips in mind.

Best Time to Visit: The cooler months, typically from October to April, are ideal for farm visits. During this period, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities like walking tours, and many farms are in their peak harvest season for vegetables. During the hotter summer months (May to September), outdoor activities might be limited, and some farms may reduce their public access or shift to indoor-focused tours.

Booking in Advance: Many farms, especially those offering guided tours or specific experiences, require pre-booking. Always check their official websites or call ahead to confirm availability, timings, and any associated fees. This also helps the farms manage visitor flow and provide a better experience.

Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, as you’ll likely be doing some walking around the fields. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is also advisable, even in cooler months.

Support Local: When visiting, consider purchasing fresh produce directly from the farm shops. This directly supports local farmers and sustainable agricultural practices within the UAE. Many farms also offer online delivery services for their organic produce.

Educational Aspect: These farms are not just tourist attractions; they are educational hubs. Engage with the farmers and guides, ask questions about their methods, and learn about the challenges and successes of farming in the desert environment. Many farms also provide insights into UAE food security initiatives.

The www.few.ae team encourages you to step off the beaten path and explore the flourishing world of eco-friendly farms in the UAE. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, support local sustainable practices, and gain a fresh perspective on the nation’s innovative approach to agriculture.