The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has approved 71 economic activities that can be carried out on agricultural lands. The country’s ministers said these activities will encourage the development of sustainable farming and diversify the sources of income for farm owners.
Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan gave his approval to the activities. In order to assist the tourist industry and highlight the UAE’s rich history, it also includes recreational and tourism ventures such as vacation homes.
Sheikh Mansour serves as both the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and Minister of the Presidential Court.
“ADAFSA is working to diversify the economic activities that can be carried out on farms to consolidate the food security system and increase local plant and animal production, in addition to promoting agri-tourism to benefit from the recreational activities available at many of the crop and livestock farms in the emirate of Abu Dhabi,” Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director-General of ADAFSA, said.
If there is a primary licenced plant or animal activity on the farm, the ADAFSA has defined the standards and building limit for economic operations on agricultural lands to not exceed 30% of the entire farm area.
The economic activities practised are limited only to the farm owner, and the trade licence must be issued in the name of the farm owner, ADAFSA stated.
Meanwhile, during the landmark 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) will showcase the diversity of Dubai’s destination offering, shine a light on the city’s sustainability platforms and highlight new initiatives designed to further strengthen the tourism industry.
More than 122 partners and representatives from government organisations, hotels, destination management companies, and tour operators will join DET. The event will be from 1 to 4 May 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.