In Dubai, the most populous city of the UAE, you’ll find a unique blend of technological advancements, rich traditions, a thriving economy, and a strategic position. The city offers a variety of benefits to investors, business owners, or entrepreneurs who want to set up a business setup in the UAE. An organic farm in Dubai, In this metropolitan environment seems like a paradox. In the past, the UAE has faced challenges in agriculture history like water scarcity and lack of arable soil. However, the agricultural industry in the United Arab Emirates has changed as a result of technological advancements like hydroponics, automated farming equipment, etc.

Many individuals these days are concerned about the sources and methods of production of the food they eat. They are choosing organic food over food cultivated with chemicals and pesticides, both for health and taste preferences. This has increased the demand for organically cultivated food across the world, including Dubai. In this blog, we’ll provide you with a complete guide to the various processes involved in starting an organic farm in Dubai and how it is emerging as a potential business option.

Starting an Organic Farm in Dubai: A Complete Guide

What is organic farming?

The practice of organic farming refrains from the use of synthetic materials such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Organic farming includes practices like;

Building healthy and fertile soil by use of compost, animal manures, green manures, and crop rotations.
Minimizing pest damage through the use of biological, cultural, and natural pest management techniques.
Healthy crops are the result of organic farming, which also preserves the environment and increases biodiversity.

Why is the organic farming industry evolving globally?

The demand for food cultivated organically has been rising for many years, and as more people become aware of the benefits of consuming produce that has been grown without the use of additional chemicals and pesticides, this trend is probably only going to continue. According to a recent report by the Food and Agriculture Administration of the USA, organic farming is practiced in 187 countries on around 72.3 hectares of land globally. Influenced by these, the UAE is also adopting organic farming as a healthier and better choice. More than 40 organic farms have been established in the Emirates till now.

Advantages of organic farming in Dubai:

Organically cultivated food is free of artificial preservatives. The soil of the city is sandy and rich in minerals, which makes it ideal for the cultivation of a variety of fruits, vegetables, crops, etc.
The environment-friendly practices of organic farming help in reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and restoring the carbon levels in the soil.
Also, with a large influx of expatriates and increasing awareness about organic farming among consumers, the demand for organic produce has increased. Ultimately, this has led to an opportunity to set up a profitable business venture for entrepreneurs and investors in Dubai.

Agricultural practices and their business license in Dubai:

Before starting organic farming in Dubai, it is advisable to know about the types of farming activities carried out in the UAE. Also, just like a license is required for a mainland company formation in the UAE, a different license is required to practice different agricultural practices in the country.

Aquaculture license: An aquaculture license is a permit that allows a company to operate an aquaculture farm for farming fish and other related animals.
Livestock production farming permit: You’ll need this permit to start livestock farming in Dubai as it allows you to raise livestock.
Agriculture activity practice license: It allows the practice of a wide range of agricultural activities like agricultural consultation, import-export of seeds, bees, seedlings, and trade of pesticides and fertilizers, etc. for one year in the UAE.
Agriculture license: It allows for activities such as cultivation and harvesting of crops, installation of greenhouses, etc.

Steps to open an organic farm in Dubai:

Select a plot: While choosing the plot, consider things like whether it should have suitable soil, climatic conditions, and adequate water availability for organic farming. It must be located near surrounding markets to reduce transport costs. Also, ensure that the plot is free from contamination by getting the soil assessed by the local municipality.

Get approval: After purchasing the land, obtain approval from the DED (Department of Economic Development) or equivalent authorities for other regions in the UAE.

Secure a farming license: You’ll have to acquire an agricultural license from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. There are different types of agricultural licenses, and you need to apply for the farm or agricultural activity you want to start.

Get organic certification: Undergo a conformity assessment from the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA). If the assessment is successful, you’ll receive a certificate that will allow you to label your products as organic.

Choose a business name: Select a name for your farming business that must comply with the UAE’s naming regulations. If you want to use your name for your business setup in the UAE, then you must use your complete name instead of your initials, first name, or last name. It must be original and must not show any resemblance to an already-existing business. The name must be devoid of any disrespectful words.

Documents mandatory for organic farming company formation in the UAE:

To obtain a business license for organic farming, the following documents are required:

Land documents
Insurance papers for your organic farm
Soil testing report and proof of water source
Outline of business and infrastructure plan
Copies of passports of owners of the organic farm
Copies of UAE residency visas of the owners
Proof of financial sources for your organic farm

You need to apply by submitting an application form along with these documents to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to get organic certification and a license for your farm.

Conclusion:

Starting an organic farm in Dubai is becoming a more common choice for business owners and entrepreneurs hoping to make a profit from an expanding market. You can handle this entire process, but it is advisable to get assistance from a business consultant specialist to ensure the process is fast and hassle-free. It’s a wise move to enter the organic farming sector, as younger people are growing more environmentally aware.

Also, read: How To Start a Stationery Business In Dubai

How to Start an Organic Farm in Dubai?