**Abu Dhabi**: The Al Ain region is a vital part of the UAE’s agricultural strategy, featuring over 12,000 farms, advancements in organic and hydroponic farming, and government support aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability, reinforcing its role in national food security efforts.
The Al Ain region in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has established itself as a crucial component of the United Arab Emirates’ agricultural sector and food security strategy, showcasing a diverse range of crops and employing modern agricultural techniques. As of the end of 2023, there are approximately 12,357 farms in the Al Ain region, among which 26 are designated as organic farms and 21 utilise hydroponic systems. The overall number of farms that have achieved international certification standards stands at 827, according to the “Agriculture and Food Security Data Platform” of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agricultural Club, emphasised the significance of these farms, describing them as symbols of sustainability and generosity within the UAE. He stated that Al Ain has seen dramatic advancements in agriculture, primarily due to strategic initiatives taken by the country’s leadership aimed at bolstering the agricultural sector and ensuring food security.
Sheikh Ahmed highlighted several factors contributing to Al Ain’s status as a pivotal agricultural centre in the region. These include adequate infrastructure, financial and technical support for farmers, and various initiatives designed to boost productivity, enhance crop quality, and foster agricultural innovation. He mentioned that modern technologies and a focus on organic farming play critical roles in this development.
The Abu Dhabi Agricultural Club has implemented programmes and initiatives that aim to assist farmers and amplify their contributions towards national food security. This includes organising training workshops and events that not only showcase farmers’ achievements but also encourage knowledge sharing among them. Sheikh Ahmed affirmed the club’s commitment to agriculture as a foundation for food security, framing their efforts as an investment in future generations.
Farm owners in the Al Ain region have echoed these sentiments, commending the government’s unwavering support for agriculture. Saeed Abdullah Al Shamsi, a local farm owner, praised the removal of obstacles hampering agricultural efforts. He noted that government initiatives provide vital agricultural guidance, facilitate marketing for farm produce, and support quality projects, all of which foster an environment of growth and innovation. Al Shamsi mentioned that Al Ain’s farms have evolved into hubs for aquaculture and livestock rearing, while also engaging in environmental and agricultural tourism.
Another farm owner, Ali Sultan Al Hudadi, underscored the vital role that Al Ain farms play in supplying the local market with produce, such as dates, various vegetables, and fruits. He highlighted the recent trend of cultivating wheat—a strategic crop essential for enhancing food security. Al Hudadi also pointed out the environmental benefits of these agricultural activities, noting that they help expand green spaces, improve air quality, reduce pollution, and create a conducive habitat for diverse living organisms.
The overall landscape of agriculture in the Al Ain region reflects both the traditional elements inherent in its practices and the forward-looking approaches that incorporate modern methodologies and sustainability considerations, reinforcing its significance in the broader context of the UAE’s agricultural goals.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://igrownews.com/pure-harvest-smart-farms-latest-news/ – This URL mentions advancements in agriculture in the UAE, particularly the opening of a smart farm facility in Al Ain, which highlights the region’s push for innovative agricultural practices.
- https://rocketreach.co/al-ain-farms-profile_b5fd313af661f4fa – This URL provides information about Al Ain Farms, a significant player in the UAE’s food industry, which aligns with the discussion on the region’s agricultural developments.
- https://ghitha.com/index.php/Website/news_read_more/36 – This URL discusses Al Ain Farms’ commitment to innovation and sustainability, which echoes the themes of modern agricultural techniques and environmental responsibility in the Al Ain region.
- https://www.vacourts.gov/courts/scv/rulesofcourt.pdf – This URL is unrelated to agriculture in Al Ain but is included as it was part of the search results. It discusses legal procedures and does not support the claims about Al Ain’s agriculture.
- https://immigrantjustice.org/sites/default/files/content-type/resource/documents/2018-10/NIJC%20Asylum%20Manual_final%2007%202018.pdf – This URL is also unrelated to agriculture in Al Ain but was part of the search results. It discusses asylum procedures and does not support the claims about Al Ain’s agriculture.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This is the source mentioned in the query but does not provide specific supporting URLs for the claims about Al Ain’s agricultural sector as per the query.
- https://www.aletihad.ae/news/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA/4566095/%D9%85%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%8A%D9%86—%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA – Please view link – unable to able to access data
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative references data from ‘the end of 2023’, which may not be fully up-to-date as of the current date. However, specific references to recent initiatives and local farming practices suggest a reasonable level of freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan is quoted, but without a reference to an earlier source. Given the context, these quotes could be original or recent, although they cannot be verified without further online records.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from a regional online news platform. While it provides specific details and statistics, it lacks the broader credibility typically associated with major international news organizations or government reports.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about agricultural development, government support, and modern farming techniques are plausible and align with common strategies for enhancing food security. There are specific numbers and examples that lend credibility to the narrative.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative seems plausible with supportive details about agricultural development in Al Ain. However, its freshness could be improved, and while quotes are provided, their originality cannot be confirmed without earlier references. The source’s reliability is moderate, but overall, the narrative presents a coherent and believable story.
