Today's Edition
FUJAIRAH (ALETIHAD)
The idea of growing cacao in the UAE, once deemed impossible due to its hot and dry desert climate, has now become a reality.
Emirati entrepreneur Ahmad Al-Hafiti from Fujairah has defied the odds by successfully cultivating cacao, a crop typically found in tropical, humid regions.
This achievement highlights the potential for agricultural innovation in the UAE, transforming what was once a fantasy into a thriving reality.
The idea of the cacao farm has rapidly evolved into a green tourism hotspot at the Wadi Dafta Plantation in Fujairah.
Visitors flock to witness this challenging yet successful venture, which cultivated 1,000 cacao seedlings last year, all of which were sold.
Additionally, three premium varieties of cacao from Uganda have been imported, with plans to plant around 5,000 seedlings in the upcoming season, further expanding this innovative agricultural project.
As part of the UAE’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurial talent across various fields, Ahmad Al Hafti’s achievements in cultivating cacao and other tropical plants have been celebrated nationally.
In March 2024, he received the Best Local Influencer in Agriculture Award from the prestigious Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, recognising his contributions to sustainable farming in the country.
Successful model
The UAE's sustainable cacao farming model, which thrives despite harsh desert conditions, is being highlighted in the fifth season of the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ initiative under the theme ‘Green Tourism.’
This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, the National Agricultural Center, and local tourism authorities, aims to promote community participation in sustainable agricultural practices and encourage tourism to eco-friendly farms and projects.
The campaign aligns with the UAE’s domestic tourism strategy, introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to create an integrated tourism ecosystem across the nation.
The significance of the UAE's sustainable cacao farming initiative lies in its cost-effective approach.
Unlike traditional setups that require expensive greenhouses or cooling systems, the cacao plants are grown under shaded agricultural nets, eliminating the need for high-maintenance infrastructure.
Fujairah’s clay-rich soil and humid climate provide an ideal environment for cultivating cocoa.
Remarkably, cacao seedlings grow rapidly, becoming ready for sale within just two to three months, highlighting the efficiency and sustainability of this innovative agricultural project.
Through accumulated expertise, the caretakers of Fujairah's cacao farm have identified seed planting as the most effective cultivation method.
This approach allows cacao trees to gradually adapt to their environment, take three years to grow mature and start producing cacao pods.
These pioneering Emirati efforts demonstrate exceptional skill in utilising the nation’s resources and climate to create a lush green space rich in biodiversity.
The farm serves as a global model for preserving plant species while offering visitors a unique blend of educational and recreational experiences.
