Sheikh Mansour Approves New Activities To Transform Abu Dhabi Farms

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has announced an important update for Abu Dhabi’s farming sector. Acting as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), he approved Decision No. (5) of 2025, which changes and expands the way farms can be used across the emirate.

This decision amends Decision No. (3) of 2023 and gives farms more opportunities to grow, diversify, and play a bigger role in the economy. It also shows how Abu Dhabi is turning farms into spaces that support food security, sustainable growth, and agri-tourism.

74 New Farm Activities Approved

The update adds 74 new economic activities to the list of things farms are allowed to do. This brings the total number of approved activities to 145.

The new additions are spread across different areas:

• 41 plant production activities
• 9 plant production support services
• 8 food support services
• 12 industrial support activities
• 2 general support services
• 2 recreational activities

This means farms in Abu Dhabi can now do much more than grow crops or raise animals. They can offer food services, run small industries, or even provide recreational and tourism experiences.

Rules for Farm-Based Businesses

The new decision also updates some important rules.

• The space used for economic activities on farms cannot go beyond what the local authority in Abu Dhabi allows.
• Farm owners and licensed businesses can carry out new activities, but the farm must still be used mainly for its original purpose.

These rules make sure that farms grow into multi-use spaces while still protecting their agricultural role.

Committee Behind the Decision

The new update is the result of work done by the Committee for Economic Activities on Farms. The committee was formed under the direction of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office and includes representatives from:

• Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED)
• Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT)
• Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)

By working together, these departments ensure that the new farm activities help both the economy and society while staying aligned with Abu Dhabi’s future vision.

Turning Farms Into Investment Opportunities

According to Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA, the new decision is not just about farming. It is about turning farms into investment hubs.

He explained that farms can now:

• Support food security by producing more plants and animal products.
• Offer agri-tourism activities, attracting visitors and tourists.
• Provide educational and cultural experiences linked to Emirati heritage.

This approach transforms farms into destinations where agriculture, tourism, and investment all meet.

Boosting Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Sector

Tourism is one of Abu Dhabi’s fastest-growing sectors. By opening farms for recreational and tourism-related activities, the decision directly supports the emirate’s goal of becoming a global tourism destination.

Farms may now host activities like farm tours, family recreation, or cultural events. These experiences not only help farmers but also give visitors a chance to connect with local culture and nature.

This strategy matches worldwide trends where tourists look for eco-tourism and farm-to-table experiences.

Strengthening Food Security

The UAE places high importance on food security. The new activities approved for farms will help increase local food production and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

With more plant production services and food-related support, Abu Dhabi can grow more of its own food. This strengthens the local food chain and supports the UAE’s long-term sustainability goals.

Easier Licensing and Oversight

ADAFSA and other government departments are also working to make licensing simpler. Farm owners will have access to streamlined processes for approvals, classifications, and inspections.

This makes it easier to start and grow businesses on farms. It also ensures that activities remain within the rules and are carried out responsibly.

Supporting Economic Diversification

The UAE has been working on reducing its dependence on oil by diversifying its economy. Allowing more activities on farms directly supports this plan.

Farms will now generate new sources of income, from industrial services to tourism-based ventures. This adds to Abu Dhabi’s economic resilience and creates more opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.

The Role of Agri-Tourism

Agri-tourism is becoming popular worldwide. It combines farming with tourism by offering experiences such as fruit picking, farm stays, organic markets, or guided tours.

With this decision, Abu Dhabi is ready to grow its agri-tourism sector. Farms will not only produce food but also become places for families, students, and tourists to learn and enjoy.

This makes Abu Dhabi a leader in sustainable tourism experiences.

Highlighting Culture and Heritage

Farms in Abu Dhabi can also highlight traditional farming practices, Emirati food, and heritage experiences. By doing so, they add cultural value to the tourism sector and give visitors a more authentic experience.

This helps preserve local traditions while also creating new business opportunities for farm owners.

Multi-Department Collaboration

One of the strengths of this decision is the way government bodies are working together. With ADAFSA, ADDED, DMT, and DCT Abu Dhabi all involved, the initiative benefits from shared expertise and oversight.

This cooperation ensures that new farm activities remain:

• Sustainable
• Well-regulated
• Economically beneficial
• Culturally enriching

Sustainability at the Heart

The UAE’s development strategies always highlight sustainability. By expanding farm activities, Abu Dhabi is encouraging innovation while still protecting land and resources.

This decision promotes green practices, efficient resource use, and sustainable farming models that secure the future for both farmers and communities.

Long-Term Benefits for Abu Dhabi

The decision is expected to deliver long-term benefits, including:

• More local food production to support food security.
• New tourism attractions that bring revenue and visitors.
• Job creation in farming, tourism, and related industries.
• Cultural preservation through heritage-based farm experiences.
• Economic diversification that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s growth.

Together, these benefits reflect Abu Dhabi’s vision for a sustainable and diversified economy.