UAE profile detail

Section 1: Country Overview & Geographic Profile

1.1 Basic Country Information

Country Name	United Arab Emirates
Capital City	Abu Dhabi
BRICS Status	Extended Member – Joined BRICS in January 2024
Total Population	9.28 million (2020 Census, FCSA); approximately 11.35 million (2025 estimate, IMF)
Population Growth Rate	0.78% per annum (2023, World Bank)
Rural Population (%)	12.2% of total population (2023, World Bank)
Urban Population (%)	87.8% of total population (2023, World Bank)
GDP (Nominal)	USD 569.1 billion (2025 estimate, IMF)
GDP per Capita	USD 51,348 (2025 estimate, IMF)
Agriculture’s Share of GDP	0.7% of GDP (2023, World Bank)
Agriculture’s Share of Employment	Approximately 1.3% of the total workforce (2023, EU Commission/World Bank)
HDI Rank	15th globally; HDI Score: 0.94 (2025 UNDP Human Development Report)
Official Language(s)	Arabic (official); English widely used in business and commerce
Currency	UAE Dirham (AED); pegged at 1 USD = 3.6725 AED

1.2 Geographic Coordinates & Physical Extent

Total Geographic Area	83,600 km² – ranked 114th in the world by area
Northernmost Latitude	26°25′ N (near Ras Musandam, Oman exclave border)
Southernmost Latitude	22°35′ N (edge of the Rub al Khali / Empty Quarter Desert)
Easternmost Longitude	56°23′ E (Ras Al Khaimah)
Westernmost Longitude	51°35′ E (Qatar border area)
Geographic Centre (Approx.)	24.0° N, 54.0° E (near the interior of Abu Dhabi Emirate)
Total Coastline Length	1,318 km (Arabian Gulf: ~700 km; Gulf of Oman: ~70 km; including island coastlines)
Land Border Length	867 km (Saudi Arabia: 457 km; Oman: 410 km)
Number of Bordering Countries	2 – Saudi Arabia (west and south) and Oman (east and northern Musandam region)
Highest Elevation Point	Jebel Jais, 1,934 m (Ras Al Khaimah) – highest point in the UAE
Lowest Elevation Point	Sea level (Arabian Gulf coast)
Major River Systems	No permanent rivers. Seasonal wadis include Wadi Al Bih (~18 km), Wadi Ham (~30 km), and Wadi Shi (~15 km)
Major Lakes	No natural freshwater lakes. Notable man-made water bodies include Al Qudra Lakes (Dubai) and the Hatta Dam Reservoir.

1.3 Administrative Divisions Relevant to Agriculture

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates, each enjoying substantial administrative autonomy. Agricultural governance is carried out at both the federal level through the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and at the emirate level through agencies such as ADAFSA (Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority) and Dubai Municipality.

Primary Division (Emirates)	7 Emirates – Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah
Secondary Division (Municipalities/Regions)	Abu Dhabi: 3 regions (Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra); Dubai: 1 municipality; other emirates are administered through individual municipalities
Tertiary Division	Sectors and localities within municipalities; no formal block or commune system
Lowest Agricultural Planning Unit	Individual farm level – registered with ADAFSA (Abu Dhabi) or the respective emirate agricultural authority
Special Agricultural Zones	Al Ain Region ("Garden City" and principal farming hub with approximately 25,563 farms); Liwa Oasis (date palm cultivation on the fringe of the Empty Quarter); Digdaga (Ras Al Khaimah's oldest farming area); Mleiha (Sharjah – experimental wheat farming project expanding to approximately 1,400 ha)
Agricultural Development Regions	Food Tech Valley (Dubai – agritech innovation hub); ADQ AgTech Park (KEZAD, Abu Dhabi – approximately 200 ha); ICBA Campus (Dubai – biosaline agriculture research centre); Agwa Cluster (Abu Dhabi – expected to contribute AED 90 billion to GDP)

Classification System Used	No formal national agro-climatic zone classification has been published. Zones are delineated by ICBA, ADAFSA, and academic institutions based on geography, rainfall patterns, and soil characteristics.
Total Number of Agro-Climatic Zones	4 – Coastal Plains, Desert Interior, Mountain/Eastern Region, and Oasis Regions
Basis of Classification	Combination of rainfall, temperature, altitude, soil type, and groundwater availability
Reference Authority	Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), and the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA)

Zone	Region	Climate	Major Crops	Key Challenges
1. Coastal Plains	All seven emirates along the low-lying coastal strip (~18% of total area)	Hyper-arid coastal climate; <120 mm annual rainfall; average temperature 27–28°C; summers 35–48°C with 80–95% humidity; ~180-day growing season (October–March)	Protected vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers), date palms, ornamentals	Extreme humidity and heat, soil salinity, sabkha intrusion, sea-level rise; agriculture relies entirely on irrigation using desalinated water
2. Desert Interior	Western Abu Dhabi (Al Dhafra) and southern interior areas of all emirates (~66% of total area)	Hyper-arid desert climate; <50 mm rainfall (near zero in some years); average temperature 28–30°C; summers 40–52°C; ~150-day growing season limited to winter months	Date palms (Liwa Oasis), experimental Salicornia, halophytes, quinoa trials	Extreme heat, groundwater depletion, sand encroachment, absence of surface water; less than 0.5% of land is under agriculture
3. Mountain/Eastern (Al Hajar)	Ras Al Khaimah (Jebel Jais), Fujairah, and eastern Sharjah (~5% of total area)	Semi-arid mountain climate; 150–350 mm rainfall (highest in UAE); average temperature 22–26°C; frost possible above 1,500 m; ~240-day growing season	Vegetables, citrus fruits, mangoes, pomegranates, herbs, date palms, honey	Rugged terrain, flash floods, limited arable land, slope erosion; traditional falaj irrigation supplemented by modern drip irrigation
4. Oasis Regions (Al Ain & Liwa)	Al Ain city and surrounding areas, including the Liwa Crescent in Al Dhafra (~11% of total area)	Arid oasis climate; 80–100 mm rainfall; average temperature 27°C; summers 35–47°C; ~200-day growing season (October–April)	Date palms (approximately 8.5 million trees in Al Ain), vegetables, citrus fruits, fodder crops (Rhodes grass, alfalfa)	Groundwater depletion (approximately 1.5 m annual decline), increasing salinity, sand encroachment; agriculture is fully dependent on irrigation

Köppen Climate Classification	BWh (Hot Desert Climate) – covers the entire country
Dominant Climate Type	Hyper-Arid / Hot Desert Climate with subtropical influence along parts of the eastern coast
Monsoon Season (if applicable)	Not applicable. The UAE does not experience a monsoon season; however, occasional Indian Ocean weather systems may influence the Fujairah coast between July and September.
Number of Distinct Seasons	Two main seasons: Hot Summer: May to September Mild Winter: November to March Transitional months occur during April and October.

National Average Annual Rainfall	Approximately 78 mm per year (FCSA/NCM)
Highest Rainfall Zone	Al Hajar Mountains (Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah) – approximately 150–350 mm annually
Lowest Rainfall Zone	Western Desert (Liwa and Al Dhafra) – less than 50 mm annually; some years receive virtually no rainfall
Rainfall Distribution Pattern	Highly erratic and seasonal; more than 80% of annual rainfall occurs between November and March, often during short but intense weather events
Monsoon Onset (Average)	Not applicable – the UAE does not experience a monsoon system
Monsoon Withdrawal (Average)	Not applicable
Drought-Prone Areas	Entire country is drought-prone, with the western desert region experiencing the most severe conditions. Multi-year drought periods are common.
Flood-Prone Areas	Wadi systems in the eastern mountain regions (Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah) are susceptible to flash floods. Urban areas, including Dubai, experienced unprecedented flooding during April 2024.
Average Rainy Days per Year	Approximately 10–25 days nationwide; fewer than 10 rainy days annually in the western desert
Rainfall Variability Index	Very high variability (Coefficient of Variation > 50%), indicating significant year-to-year fluctuations in rainfall
Groundwater Recharge Rate	Approximately 300 million cubic metres (MCM) per year, compared with annual extraction exceeding 2,000 MCM, resulting in a severe groundwater deficit

Mean Annual Temperature	Approximately 27–28°C
Hottest Month & Temperature	July–August; average temperatures range from 36–42°C, with absolute maximum temperatures exceeding 52°C in desert interior regions
Coldest Month & Temperature	January; average temperatures range from 14–18°C, while minimum temperatures may fall to approximately 3°C in mountainous areas
Frost Occurrence Zones	Very rare; occasional frost may occur in high-altitude areas such as Jebel Jais (>1,500 m) and in parts of the Al Ain desert fringe due to radiative cooling
Heat Stress Threshold for Crops	Most vegetable crops experience severe heat stress above 40°C; wheat is affected above 35°C; date palms can tolerate temperatures approaching 50°C
Chilling Requirement Crops	Temperate fruit crops such as apples and cherries cannot be commercially cultivated due to insufficient winter chill hours
Growing Degree Days (GDD)	Greater than 6,000 GDD annually (base temperature 10°C), among the highest levels recorded globally
Temperature Trend (Last 30 Years)	Increase of approximately 0.4°C–0.6°C per decade (MOCCAE/NCM), with warming accelerating since 2000

Observed Climate Anomalies	Increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events, including the record floods of April 2024; rising sea-surface temperatures in the Arabian Gulf; and a threefold increase in heatwave frequency since the 1980s
Projected Temperature Rise by 2050	Approximately +1.5°C to +2.5°C above the 1990 baseline (UAE NDC and IPCC AR6 projections)
Projected Rainfall Change	Uncertain projections; climate models indicate variability ranging from +10% to -20%, with a greater likelihood of intense short-duration rainfall events
National Climate Adaptation Policy	National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050 (MOCCAE); UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative; and the updated UAE Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) submitted in 2023
Climate-Smart Agriculture Programs	AIM for Climate initiative (UAE–US co-led, mobilizing approximately USD 29.2 billion globally); ICBA climate-resilient agriculture research programs; renewable-energy-supported agriculture initiatives in Masdar City; and the national cloud-seeding program conducting approximately 300 missions annually

Initiative / Technology	Implementing Institution	Description	Impact / Benefit
AIM (Agriculture Innovation Mission) for Climate	UAE–US Co-Led Initiative (launched at COP26)	Global innovation platform promoting climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and agricultural research collaboration.	More than 600 partners from over 275 countries and organizations participating in climate-smart agriculture initiatives worldwide.
ICBA Biosaline Research	International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), Dubai (established 1999)	Research on salt-tolerant crop varieties, quinoa adaptation, halophyte farming, and sustainable use of saline water resources.	Maintains over 15,000 genetic accessions in its genebank; developed 5 quinoa lines suited for extreme environments and adopted in more than 10 countries.
Cloud Seeding Program	National Centre of Meteorology (NCM)	Uses ground-based nano-material flares and drone-based cloud-seeding technologies to enhance precipitation in suitable weather conditions.	Approximately 300 missions conducted annually, contributing to measurable increases in rainfall in targeted areas.
Desert Control Liquid NanoClay (LNC)	Desert Control (Norway) in partnership with ICBA	Liquid NanoClay technology converts desert sand into water-retaining soil within hours, improving soil structure and moisture retention.	Demonstrated water savings of 47–62% and crop yield increases of 17–62% in verified field trials.
Masdar City AgTech	Masdar / Abu Dhabi	Renewable energy-powered controlled-environment agriculture, integrating solar energy, desalination, and advanced farming systems.	Development of solar-powered desalination units for agriculture and pilot net-zero farming prototypes.
Sharjah Mleiha Wheat Farm	Sharjah Government / MOCCAE	Large-scale experimental wheat cultivation project designed to test heat-tolerant wheat varieties under arid conditions.	Expansion planned to approximately 1,400 hectares by 2025, supporting research on climate-resilient cereal production.

Total Area Under Agricultural Technologies	Approximately 5,000–10,000 hectares under modern irrigation technologies, alongside rapidly expanding controlled-environment agriculture. This includes facilities such as the 330,000 sq. ft. Bustanica vertical farm and other emerging vertical farming projects.
Estimated Emission Reduction Potential	The UAE has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 31% by 2030 compared with the Business-as-Usual (BAU) scenario under its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 2023. Agriculture contributes a relatively small share of national emissions due to its approximately 0.7% contribution to GDP.
Major Implementing Institutions	Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), Emirates Development Bank, and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
Policy Framework	National Climate Change Plan 2017–2050; UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative; National Food Security Strategy 2051; and UAE Water Security Strategy 2036

Season Name	Local Name	Months	Regions Covered	Major Crops
Winter Season (Primary)	Al Shitaa	October – March	All Emirates	Vegetables, experimental wheat, barley, and date palm harvest (primarily September–December)
Summer Season (Limited)	Al Saif	April – September	Protected cultivation areas only	Heat-tolerant crop varieties grown in greenhouses, hydroponic systems, and fodder crops such as alfalfa and Rhodes grass
Perennial / Year-Round	—	January – December	All Emirates	Date palms, ornamental plants, irrigated fodder crops, and crops produced through vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture systems

Staple Cereals	Minimal production. Wheat cultivation is primarily experimental, notably at the Sharjah Mleiha Wheat Farm (targeting 1,400 ha). Barley is grown on trial plots. Total cereal production was approximately 23,100 MT (FAO 2023). The UAE imports around 1.7 million MT of wheat annually.
Pulses / Legumes	Negligible domestic production. Most pulse requirements are imported from countries such as India, Australia, and Canada.
Oilseeds	Not commercially cultivated. Edible oils and oilseed products are almost entirely imported.
Root & Tuber Crops	Produced on a limited scale under protected cultivation, particularly onions and potatoes in Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain.
Vegetables (Major)	Total production estimated at approximately 233,009 MT (FAO 2020). Major vegetables include tomatoes (22% of vegetable area), cucumbers, onions, eggplants, and cabbage. Production occurs in greenhouses and open fields during the winter season.
Fruits (Major)	Total production estimated at approximately 361,471 MT (FAO 2020). Date palms dominate fruit production (about 97% of total fruit output). Other fruits include citrus (lemons and limes), mangoes (mainly in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah), papayas, and limited quantities of figs.
Plantation Crops	Not applicable. Commercial production of tea, coffee, rubber, and coconut is not practiced in the UAE.
Spices & Condiments	Not commercially produced on a significant scale. Limited cultivation of herbs such as basil, mint, and coriander occurs in vertical farms and controlled-environment systems.
Flowers & Ornamentals	An emerging sector supported by commercial nurseries in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah. Landscaping and municipal greening programs constitute a major market, though they require substantial irrigation water.
Medicinal & Aromatic Plants	Limited research and development activities. ICBA conducts studies on indigenous species such as Sidr (Ziziphus) and Moringa. Traditional medicinal practices also utilize plants such as Henna and Myrrh.

Major Cash Crops	Dates are the principal cash crop, with annual production of approximately 405,146 MT (FAO 2023). Vegetables produced under protected cultivation also contribute significantly to the domestic market.
Industrial Crops	No industrial crops are cultivated on a commercial scale. Salicornia is being researched by ICBA for potential applications in biofuel production and animal feed.
Bioenergy Crops	Experimental cultivation of Salicornia for biodiesel production is being undertaken by ICBA and Masdar. Additional research on algae-based biofuels is being conducted by Khalifa University.
Fibre Crops	Fibre crops are not produced domestically.
Beverage Crops	Beverage crops are not cultivated domestically. However, the UAE serves as a major regional trading and re-export hub for coffee and tea.

Cropping Intensity (National Average)	Approximately 100–110%. Most agricultural land supports a single crop cycle annually, while some farms combine perennial date palm cultivation with winter vegetable production.
Average Crop Yield – Cereals	Limited data available. Experimental wheat cultivation at the Sharjah Mleiha Farm has reported yields of approximately 3–4 tonnes per hectare, though large-scale verification is still limited.
Average Crop Yield – Pulses	Not applicable, as there is no significant domestic pulse production.
Average Crop Yield – Oilseeds	Not applicable, as oilseed crops are not commercially cultivated in the UAE.
Total Food Grain Production	Approximately 0.023 million tonnes annually (FAO 2023), reflecting the country's limited cereal cultivation.
Total Horticulture Production	Approximately 0.5 million tonnes annually, including both vegetable and fruit production (FAO 2020).

Crop	Important Varieties (UAE)	Average Yield (t/ha)	Notes
Dates	Khalas, Barhi, Lulu, Fardh, Dabbas, Khenezi, Bou Ma’an, Nghal	6–10 (average)	More than 120 varieties cultivated; approximately 40 million trees; UAE ranks among the world's leading date-producing countries.
Tomatoes	Hybrid greenhouse varieties (e.g., Merlice, Piccadilly)	150–300 (greenhouse)	Occupies approximately 22% of vegetable-growing area; cultivated year-round under protected cultivation.
Cucumbers	Beit Alpha types, Lebanese varieties	150–350 (greenhouse)	Second-largest vegetable crop grown in the UAE.
Lettuce / Leafy Greens	Romaine, Butterhead, Arugula, Kale, Spinach	~330 t/ha/year (vertical farming)	Produced extensively in vertical farming systems such as Bustanica, which produces over 1 million kg annually.
Rhodes Grass	Local accessions, Katambora	15–20 (irrigated)	Covers approximately 91% of field crop area; harvested 6–8 times annually; highly water-intensive.
Alfalfa	CUF 101, Moapa	12–18 (irrigated)	Production reached approximately 124,290 MT; government policies increasingly discourage expansion due to high water consumption.
Onions	Red Creole, Texas Grano	25–35 (open field)	Cultivated mainly during the winter season in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah.
Citrus	Seedless Lime, Eureka Lemon, Valencia Orange	8–15	Produced on a limited scale in oasis and mountain regions.
Strawberries	Albion, San Andreas (hydroponic varieties)	25–35 (greenhouse)	Grown by advanced hydroponic farms such as Pure Harvest Smart Farms, targeting premium markets.
Wheat (Experimental)	Heat-tolerant varieties under trial	3–4 (estimated)	Cultivated at the Sharjah Mleiha Wheat Farm; commercial-scale production has not yet been established.

Total Geographic Area	83,600 km² (8.36 million hectares)
Total Agricultural Land	Approximately 397,000 hectares (4.7% of total area, World Bank 2021), including permanent meadows and pasture lands.
Net Sown Area	Approximately 50,384 hectares of arable land (World Bank 2023), declining from a peak of about 254,918 hectares recorded in 2003.
Gross Cropped Area	Estimated at 55,000–60,000 hectares, reflecting predominantly single-season cropping systems.
Area under Forests	Approximately 317,000 hectares (3.8% of total area), consisting mainly of planted Ghaf trees, Prosopis species, and mangrove forests.
Permanent Pastures & Grazing Lands	Approximately 347,000 hectares of sparse desert rangelands classified as permanent pasture by FAO.
Land under Miscellaneous Tree Crops & Groves	Approximately 68,800 hectares under date palms and fruit tree plantations (ADAFSA/FAO).
Culturable Waste Land	Limited due to extreme aridity. Potential exists in selected mountain wadis and reclaimed sabkha areas.
Fallow Land (Current)	Separate statistics are not publicly available; some agricultural lands have been abandoned due to groundwater depletion and water scarcity.
Barren & Unculturable Land	Approximately 7.2 million hectares (more than 86% of total area), comprising sand deserts, gravel plains, and sabkha salt flats.
Non-agricultural Use	Approximately 300,000 hectares occupied by settlements, transportation infrastructure, industrial zones, and port facilities, with continued expansion due to urban development.

Total Irrigation Potential Created	Approximately 70,000–80,000 hectares. Virtually all cultivated land in the UAE depends on irrigation.
Total Irrigated Area	Approximately 50,384 hectares, representing 100% of the net sown area, as rainfed agriculture is not practiced.
Canal Irrigation Coverage	Not applicable, as the UAE has no surface-water canal irrigation systems.
Groundwater Irrigation Coverage	Groundwater supplies approximately 44% of total water demand, supported by around 76,556 operational wells nationwide.
Tank / Reservoir Irrigation	Limited in scale. Key facilities include Hatta Dam (Dubai) and a number of small check dams and reservoirs located in wadis across Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Drip Irrigation Area	Drip and micro-irrigation systems are mandated for new agricultural developments. They are estimated to cover approximately 70–80% of irrigated farmland.
Sprinkler Irrigation Area	Accounts for roughly 10–15% of irrigated land, mainly for fodder crop production, and is gradually being phased out in favor of more water-efficient technologies.
Total Annual Freshwater Withdrawal (Agriculture)	Approximately 3.0–3.5 billion cubic metres (BCM) per year. Agriculture accounts for nearly 60% of national freshwater use, including productive agriculture, greening projects, and forestry activities.
Major Irrigation Projects	Traditional Falaj irrigation systems in Al Ain (UNESCO World Heritage), Abu Dhabi's treated wastewater reuse network, and government-supported solar desalination systems for agricultural use.
Water Use Efficiency (Crop per Drop)	Conventional farming systems achieve approximately 0.5–1.0 kg of produce per cubic metre of water, while vertical farming systems can achieve 8–10 kg/m³, resulting in up to 95% water savings compared to open-field cultivation.

Average Farm Size (National)	Generally less than 3 hectares. Most farms are small family-operated holdings located in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah, while corporate farms typically range from 10 to over 200 hectares.
% Smallholder Farms (<2 ha)	Approximately 60–70% of total registered farms, based on ADAFSA registration data.
% Medium Farms (2–10 ha)	Approximately 20–25% of total farms.
% Large Farms (>10 ha)	Approximately 5–10% of farms, although these larger commercial operations contribute a disproportionately high share of agricultural production.
Dominant Land Tenure System	Agricultural land is primarily allocated by the government to UAE nationals through land grant programs, often free of charge or with subsidies. Corporate agricultural enterprises generally operate through lease arrangements. A conventional private agricultural land market is limited.
Land Reform Status	Federal Law No. 5 of 1979 provides for the allocation of agricultural land to UAE nationals. Abu Dhabi offers agricultural input subsidies of up to 50%, and regulations generally restrict subdivision of agricultural holdings below prescribed minimum sizes.
Cadastral / Land Records System	Fully digitized at the emirate level. Examples include the ADAFSA Farm Registry in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Land Department (DLD) property registration system.
Women’s Land Ownership (%)	Separate national statistics are not publicly available. Women have legal rights to own property under UAE law, and government initiatives encourage greater participation of women in agriculture, including programs supported by ADAFSA.

Classification System Used	USDA Soil Taxonomy, widely used by ICBA and the Emirates Soil Museum for national soil surveys and classification studies.
Total Number of Soil Orders Present	Two primary soil orders are present: Aridisols and Entisols. These are further classified into approximately 10 great groups, 41 sub-groups, and 74 soil series.
Soil Survey & Mapping Authority	Emirates Soil Museum and the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) through the UAE Soil Information System (UAESIS), along with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA).
Coverage of Soil Survey	Abu Dhabi Emirate has nearly 100% soil mapping coverage and possesses the most detailed soil database. Other emirates have partial survey coverage. The UAESIS platform contains more than 20 digital soil and land-resource maps.

Soil Type	USDA Name	Area (Estimated)	Zones / Regions	Key Properties	Suitable Crops
Sandy Desert	Torripsamments	~83% of UAE	Desert interior (Abu Dhabi, Liwa, Al Dhafra) and coastal hinterlands	Deep quartz and carbonate sands; less than 1% organic matter; poor water-holding capacity; pH 7.5–8.5	Date palms and halophytes with suitable soil amendments
Calcareous Sand	Calcisols / Petrocalcids	~5–8% of territory	Northern Emirates and gravel plains	Presence of calcium carbonate-cemented layers; poor drainage; alkaline conditions	Date palms and drought-tolerant plant species
Sabkha (Salt Flats)	Salorthids / Aquisalids	~7% (localized)	Coastal Abu Dhabi and inland depressions	Extremely high salinity (>200 dS/m in coastal areas); gypsum and halite crusts; waterlogged conditions	Generally unsuitable for conventional agriculture; potential for Salicornia cultivation
Gypsiferous Desert	Petrogypsids	Localized (no reliable estimate)	Al Dhafra and Liwa fringe areas	Gypsum crusts at 30–50 cm depth; calcium sulfate-rich soils	Very limited agricultural use; suitable mainly for deep-rooted date palms
Wadi Alluvium	Torrifluvents	<2% of territory	Eastern mountain wadis of Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah	Loamy to sandy-loam texture; moderate organic matter content; among the most naturally fertile soils in the UAE	Vegetables, citrus, mangoes, herbs, and other horticultural crops
Mountain Rocky Soils	Lithic Torriorthents	~5% of territory	Al Hajar Mountain region	Shallow, rocky, and well-drained soils with moderate pH (7.0–7.5)	Terrace agriculture, fruit trees, and mountain horticulture
Oasis Soils (Improved)	Haplocambids	~10,000–15,000 ha (0.2%)	Al Ain Oasis and surrounding oasis regions	Loamy soils with the highest agricultural suitability in the UAE; enriched through centuries of organic amendments and traditional management	Vegetables, date palms, citrus fruits, and other high-value crops; considered the country's most productive agricultural soils

Soil Health Card Programme	No formal Soil Health Card system exists. Soil testing and advisory services are provided by ADAFSA, while ICBA manages the UAE Soil Information System (UAESIS) for digital soil mapping and assessment.
National Average Soil pH	Approximately 7.5–8.8, indicating predominantly alkaline soil conditions throughout the country.
Organic Carbon Status	More than 95% of soils contain low organic carbon levels (<0.5%). Oasis soils may reach 0.5–1.0% organic carbon due to long-term organic matter additions and traditional farming practices.
Nitrogen (N) Deficiency Zones	Nitrogen deficiency is prevalent across virtually all agricultural lands, necessitating regular application of nitrogen fertilizers.
Phosphorus (P) Deficiency Zones	Moderate to severe phosphorus deficiency is widespread. High calcium carbonate content in soils often fixes phosphorus into forms that are unavailable to plants.
Potassium (K) Deficiency Zones	Moderate potassium deficiencies occur in sandy soils, although they are generally less severe than nitrogen and phosphorus deficiencies.
Sulphur (S) Deficiency	Sulphur levels are generally adequate due to the presence of gypsum and sulphate-rich soil materials in many regions.
Zinc (Zn) Deficiency	Common in alkaline and calcareous soils, affecting an estimated 60–70% of cultivated agricultural land.
Iron (Fe) Deficiency	Widespread in alkaline soils, frequently causing chlorosis in citrus orchards, vegetables, and other sensitive crops.
Boron (B) Deficiency	Moderate deficiencies may occur in sandy soils, although comprehensive national assessments remain limited.
Manganese (Mn) Deficiency	Localized deficiencies occur in high-pH soil environments.
Copper (Cu) Deficiency	Not widely reported as a significant agricultural constraint under UAE conditions.

Area under Soil Erosion (Wind)	Approximately 90% of the country is susceptible to wind erosion. Active sand dune migration poses a significant threat to agricultural lands, particularly in Al Dhafra and Liwa regions.
Area under Soil Erosion (Water)	Primarily confined to mountain wadis in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, where flash floods during winter storms can cause localized soil erosion.
Waterlogging Affected Area	Coastal sabkha zones, covering approximately 7% of Abu Dhabi, along with some irrigated date palm farms experiencing inadequate drainage conditions.
Saline / Sodic / Alkali Soils	Approximately 77% of agricultural land is affected by moderate to high salinity. Around 96% of groundwater wells face severe irrigation restrictions due to salinity issues.
Soil Acidification Area	Not applicable, as soils throughout the UAE are predominantly alkaline in nature.
Area under Desertification	Not separately quantified. Since the entire country lies within a desert environment, the primary concern is agricultural land degradation and abandonment resulting from groundwater depletion and salinity.
Major Soil Conservation Programs	Key initiatives include the Abu Dhabi Soil Protection Policy (2024), ICBA soil remediation and rehabilitation research, Desert Control LNC soil improvement trials, and environmental monitoring programs led by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
Annual Soil Loss Rate (Average)	No official national estimate is available. Wind erosion is the dominant process, with exposed areas estimated to lose approximately 10–30 tonnes of soil per hectare annually.
Organic Matter Improvement Initiatives	Programs include composting initiatives promoted by ADAFSA, biochar research undertaken by UAE University (UAEU), and recycling of municipal green waste for agricultural use.
Integrated Soil Fertility Management	Led primarily by ICBA and supported through ADAFSA extension services, focusing on organic amendments, fertigation technologies, efficient nutrient management, and adoption of soilless cultivation systems.

Practice	Description	Benefit
Fertigation	Application of water-soluble fertilizers through drip irrigation systems, allowing nutrients to be delivered directly to the crop root zone.	Reduces fertilizer use by approximately 30–50%, improves nutrient uptake efficiency, minimizes nutrient losses, and reduces leaching.
Hydroponics / Soil-less Culture	Cultivation using nutrient film technique (NFT), deep-water culture, and other controlled-environment production systems commonly used in vertical farms and greenhouses.	Achieves near 100% nutrient use efficiency, eliminates soil-borne diseases, and can reduce water consumption by up to 95% compared to conventional farming.
Compost / Organic Amendment	Utilization of municipal green waste compost and recycling of date palm fronds into mulch and organic soil amendments.	Improves soil structure and increases the water-holding capacity of sandy soils by approximately 40–60%, while enhancing soil fertility.
Liquid NanoClay (LNC)	Innovative Desert Control technology that incorporates clay nanoparticles into sandy soils to improve moisture retention and soil quality.	Creates a water-retaining soil layer, reduces irrigation requirements by approximately 47–62%, and has demonstrated positive results in ICBA-supported trials.
Biochar Application	Application of pyrolyzed organic materials to sandy soils, currently being evaluated through research programs led by UAE University (UAEU).	Enhances cation exchange capacity (CEC), improves water retention and microbial activity, and contributes to long-term carbon sequestration.

Crop	Typical Fertilizer Use (kg nutrients/ha)	NUE (Nutrient Use Efficiency)	PUE (Phosphorus Use Efficiency)	Special Practice	Key Remarks
Date Palms	150–250 kg NPK per tree per year	Low to Moderate	Low (due to phosphorus fixation)	Application of organic manure combined with fertigation systems	Highly alkaline soils reduce the availability of phosphorus and micronutrients such as zinc, necessitating careful nutrient management.
Greenhouse Tomatoes	800–1,200 kg NPK/ha through fertigation	High	High	Recirculating nutrient solution systems	Precise nutrient dosing improves fertilizer efficiency and significantly reduces nutrient losses.
Vertical Farm Leafy Greens	Custom nutrient solution formulations (NPK-based)	Very High (>90%)	Very High	Hydroponic systems such as Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and Deep Water Culture (DWC)	Nutrient recycling allows near-zero nutrient wastage and maximizes resource-use efficiency.
Rhodes Grass / Alfalfa	200–400 kg NPK/ha/year	Moderate	Low to Moderate	Conventional flood and sprinkler irrigation systems	Production systems are being gradually phased out because of excessive water consumption and relatively low nutrient-use efficiency.

Total Cattle Population	Approximately 112,000 head, including around 75,000 dairy cattle. Production is concentrated in large-scale commercial dairy and livestock farms.
Buffalo Population	Negligible. Buffaloes are not traditionally raised in the UAE.
Sheep Population	Approximately 2–3 million head. Major breeds include Awassi, Najdi, and Barbari, primarily reared for meat production.
Goat Population	Approximately 2–4 million head, making goats one of the most important livestock species in the country. Common breeds include local Emirati goats and Shami (Damascus) goats for milk production.
Pig Population	Not applicable. Pigs are generally not raised due to cultural and religious considerations.
Poultry Population (Chicken)	Approximately 40 million broiler chickens and 2 million layer birds, forming the backbone of domestic poultry production.
Duck / Other Poultry	Limited production, including small-scale quail and ostrich farming operations catering to niche markets.
Equine Population	Approximately 25,000–30,000 horses, predominantly Arabian horses. The equine sector is culturally significant and supports racing, breeding, and equestrian tourism industries.
Camel Population	Approximately 490,000–500,000 head. Camels are raised for racing, dairy production, meat, and cultural heritage activities. The UAE has one of the world's highest camel populations on a per-capita basis.
Yak / Reindeer / Llama	Not applicable. These species are not commercially raised in the UAE.
Rabbit Population	Small-scale production with fewer than 5,000 animals, mainly in niche and specialty farming operations.
Honey Bee Colonies (Apiculture)	Approximately 10,000–15,000 colonies, concentrated mainly in Hatta (Dubai), Ras Al Khaimah, and the Fujairah mountain region. Premium-quality Sidr honey is a major specialty product.

9.3 Soil & Water Conservation Practices

Total Milk Production	Approximately 283,000 metric tonnes of cattle milk annually. Camel milk production is estimated at around 3 million litres per year, led by commercial producers such as Camelicious. Despite domestic production, the UAE imports more than 80% of its dairy requirements.
Average Milk Yield (Cattle)	Approximately 25–30 litres per animal per day for commercial Holstein dairy cattle, significantly higher than the regional average due to advanced farm management and climate-controlled housing systems.
Total Meat Production	Estimated at approximately 80,000–90,000 metric tonnes annually, with poultry accounting for the largest share. Broiler meat production alone contributes around 55,000 metric tonnes per year.
Total Egg Production	Approximately 350–400 million eggs are produced annually. Major producers such as Al Ain Farms contribute significantly, with production exceeding 160 million eggs per year.
Wool Production	Negligible, as sheep rearing in the UAE is primarily focused on meat production rather than wool production.
Leather / Hides Production	Limited in scale and largely derived as a by-product of livestock slaughter and meat processing operations.
Honey Production	Estimated at approximately 1,000 tonnes annually. Premium Sidr honey is highly valued and can command market prices ranging from USD 50 to USD 200 per kilogram.
Livestock Sector's GDP Contribution	Included within the broader agricultural sector, which contributes approximately 0.7% of national GDP. Separate livestock GDP estimates are not officially published. The poultry sector alone has attracted investments exceeding AED 2 billion.
Livestock Export Value	Relatively limited. Key export products include camel milk and value-added dairy products exported to more than 20 countries, along with live animal re-export activities.

Number of Veterinary Hospitals	Multiple government and private veterinary hospitals operate across the UAE. ADAFSA maintains specialized veterinary laboratories and animal health facilities in Abu Dhabi.
Number of Veterinary Dispensaries	Mobile veterinary clinics serve remote livestock farming areas, while municipal veterinary services are available in each emirate to support animal health and disease management.
Veterinarians per 1000 Livestock Units	Specific national statistics are not separately published; however, veterinary services are considered well-resourced relative to the country's livestock population.
Major Livestock Diseases (Endemic)	Key diseases include Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Brucellosis, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in camels. Continuous monitoring and surveillance programs are in place.
Vaccination Coverage (Major Diseases)	Vaccination coverage is close to 100% for major diseases such as FMD and PPR in commercial livestock herds. Vaccination programs are largely supported and provided free of charge by the government.
National Livestock Disease Control Policy	Governed under the Federal Animal Health Law and ADAFSA Animal Health Regulations, with surveillance, reporting, and disease control systems aligned with international animal health standards.
Artificial Insemination Coverage	Widely practiced in the commercial dairy sector using imported Holstein-Friesian genetics. Advanced artificial insemination programs are also implemented for camels through the Camel Reproduction Centre.
Exotic Breed Programme	Includes Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle improvement programs, Arabian horse breeding initiatives, and advanced camel breeding technologies. The UAE achieved a global milestone with the world's first cloned camel in 2009 in Dubai.

Area under Fodder Crops	Approximately 45,000–55,000 hectares, primarily under Rhodes grass and alfalfa cultivation, accounting for nearly 91% of the UAE’s field crop area.
Fodder Production (Green)	Estimated at approximately 1.5–2.0 million tonnes annually, mainly from irrigated Rhodes grass fields capable of producing 6–8 harvests per year.
Dry Fodder Availability	Supplemented through the recycling of date palm fronds and other agricultural residues. Availability of conventional crop residues remains limited due to low cereal cultivation.
Feed Grain Availability for Livestock	Highly dependent on imports. Approximately 3 million metric tonnes of grain and forage are imported annually to support the livestock sector.
Fodder Deficit	Chronic and significant. Domestic fodder production satisfies less than 30% of national demand, resulting in substantial dependence on imports from countries such as Pakistan, India, Australia, and Sudan.
National Fodder Development Programme	Government policy promotes reduced cultivation of water-intensive fodder crops. ADAFSA encourages adoption of salt-tolerant forage species, while companies such as Al Dahra secure feed supplies through overseas agricultural investments in countries including Australia, Sudan, and the United States.

Sector	Species / Product	Average Productivity per Animal	National Production
Dairy (Cow Milk)	Holstein-Friesian, Jersey	25–30 litres/day	~350,000 MT/year
Dairy (Camel Milk)	Camelus dromedarius (racing and dairy lines)	5–8 litres/day	~4 million litres/year
Egg Production	Hy-Line, Lohmann (commercial layers)	~280 eggs/bird/year	~3–4 billion eggs/year
Broiler Meat	Cobb 500, Ross 308	~2.2 kg live weight in 35–42 days	~60,000–70,000 MT/year
Goat / Sheep Meat	Awassi, Najdi, Barbari, Emirati local breeds	~15–25 kg carcass weight	~40,000–50,000 MT/year
Camel Meat	Local dromedary breeds	~200–350 kg carcass weight	~10,000 MT/year (estimated)

Total Coastline (Exclusive Economic Zone)	The UAE has a coastline of approximately 1,318 km and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covering about 58,000–60,000 km² across the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Continental Shelf Area	Approximately 53,000 km². The Arabian Gulf is characterized by a shallow continental shelf with an average depth of about 36 metres, while the Gulf of Oman is considerably deeper.
Major Fishing Zones	Key fishing areas include the offshore waters of Abu Dhabi, which account for more than 65% of the UAE’s marine area, as well as the coastal waters of Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. The Gulf of Oman supports different fish species due to its greater depth and oceanographic conditions.

Total Fish Production	Approximately 71,500 metric tonnes annually from marine capture fisheries and aquaculture combined (2022–2023 estimates).
Marine Capture Fisheries Production	Approximately 68,000 metric tonnes per year (2022), accounting for about 95% of total fish production. Production has declined from approximately 78,000 metric tonnes recorded in 2017.
Aquaculture Production	Approximately 3,526.5 metric tonnes in 2022 from 17 registered aquaculture farms. Although representing only about 5% of total fish production, the sector is expanding rapidly.
Major Marine Species Harvested	Kingfish (Scomberomorus commerson), Hammour/Grouper (Epinephelus coioides), Shaari/Spangled Emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus), Farsh/Painted Sweetlips, and Shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus). Conservation measures have reduced Hammour catch quotas by approximately 40%.
Major Aquaculture Species	Sea Bream (Sparus aurata), Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), Atlantic Salmon produced through Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Yellowtail Kingfish, Shrimp, and Tilapia.
Fisheries Sector GDP Contribution	Included within the broader agriculture sector, which contributes approximately 0.7% of national GDP. Fisheries are estimated to contribute around 0.1–0.2% of total GDP.
Fish Processing Output	Domestic seafood processing remains limited. The UAE continues to import significant quantities of processed seafood, although companies such as Fish Farm LLC are expanding local value-added processing activities.

Cold Storage Capacity (Fish)	Integrated within Dubai’s advanced logistics and food distribution network. The Dubai Waterfront Market alone handles more than 40,000 metric tonnes of seafood annually, supported by modern cold-chain infrastructure.
Fish Processing Units	Approximately 10–15 registered fish processing units operate across the UAE. Most seafood is marketed fresh through traditional fish markets and modern retail chains, with limited large-scale processing.
Seafood Export Value	Estimated at approximately USD 150–200 million annually. The UAE also serves as a major regional seafood trading hub, re-exporting nearly 70% of imported seafood to neighboring markets.
Major Export Species for Fisheries	Key exports include shrimp destined for Japan and European markets, dried fish exported to South Asia and East Africa, and fresh fish supplied to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Fish Consumption per Capita	Approximately 26.4 kg per person per year, making the UAE one of the highest seafood-consuming countries in the GCC. This exceeds the global average consumption of approximately 19.8 kg per person per year.

Total Aquaculture Area	Data is not separately published; however, the total aquaculture area is estimated at approximately 100–200 hectares, including both marine cage culture and land-based production systems.
Brackish Water Aquaculture Area	Approximately 50–80 hectares, primarily consisting of floating cage farms located along the Fujairah and Dibba coastlines.
Freshwater Aquaculture Area	Very limited, covering less than 10 hectares due to the scarcity of freshwater resources in the country.
Marine Aquaculture (Mariculture) Area	Floating cage aquaculture in Fujairah accounts for approximately 74% of the UAE’s total aquaculture production, making it the country’s principal mariculture region.
Seaweed Cultivation Area	Currently at the research and pilot-project stage. ICBA and ADAFSA are conducting experimental programs, but commercial-scale seaweed cultivation has not yet been established.
Pearl Oyster Cultivation	Maintains cultural and historical significance. Traditional pearl diving has largely ceased, although pearl farming initiatives have been revived in Ras Al Khaimah, primarily for tourism and heritage promotion.
Cage Culture Extent	Approximately 50–70 floating cages are in operation. Fish Farm LLC manages one of the largest offshore cage-culture facilities in the waters off Fujairah.
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)	The Fish Farm LLC facility in Jebel Ali has an annual production capacity of approximately 3,000 metric tonnes, producing species such as Atlantic salmon, sea bass, and other high-value fish under controlled conditions.
Major Aquaculture Development Schemes	Key initiatives include the MOCCAE Aquaculture Licensing Framework, the National Framework for Sustainable Fisheries (2019–2030), and the Abu Dhabi Aquaculture Zoning Plan. These programs aim to significantly increase aquaculture's contribution to national fish production while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Species / Product	Major Breeds / Varieties	Average Productivity per Unit	National Production
Marine Capture Fish	Hammour (Grouper), Kingfish (Scomberomorus spp.), Emperor Fish	~2–4 tonnes per fishing vessel/year	~65,000–70,000 tonnes/year
Shrimp	Penaeus indicus, Litopenaeus vannamei	~3–6 tonnes/ha/year (aquaculture farms)	~2,000 tonnes/year
Seabream (Aquaculture)	Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)	~25–35 kg/m³ in cage culture	~2,000–2,500 tonnes/year
Seabass (Aquaculture)	European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)	~20–30 kg/m³ in marine cages	~1,000 tonnes/year
Tilapia (Aquaculture)	Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)	~5–8 tonnes/ha/year in pond systems	~1,000–1,500 tonnes/year
Crabs	Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus)	~200–300 kg per fishing vessel/year	~500–800 tonnes/year
Molluscs	Oysters, Clams	~5–10 tonnes/ha/year	~500–700 tonnes/year

Parameter	Details
National GAP Standard	EgyptGAP (MALR) – aligned with GlobalG.A.P. requirements; mandatory for export-grade produce.
International GAP Certifications	GlobalG.A.P. (widely adopted by exporters); ISO 22000; HACCP; BRC (British Retail Consortium); Rainforest Alliance (some citrus).
Organic Farming Certification Body	MALR Centre for Organic Agriculture in Egypt (COAE); international certifiers: IMO, SGS, Control Union, Ecocert operate in Egypt.
Organic Farming Area	~116,000 ha (2024, FiBL/IFOAM) – 3rd largest in Africa; significant growth from 82,000 ha in 2010.
Organic Export Value	~USD 200 million/year (estimated); mainly herbs, spices, citrus, and cotton exported to EU markets.