Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
Eleven-year-old Emirati farmer Musleh Al Aryani has been growing crops since the age of three. Starting from a small plot of land at home, he has helped create a self-sustaining household.
His interest in agriculture was shaped early by the teachings of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Raised in a family of farmers, he is now looking beyond the fences of their home with a goal to contribute to the UAE’s long-term food security.
Today, he grows more than 25 types of crops, including watermelon, tamarind, lemons, oranges, mango, basil, and Khalas dates.
Balancing school and farming, Musleh starts his day at 7 am, tending to his crops before returning to his studies and spending time with his family
“Being a farmer has taught me a lot of things, especially patience, but I love everything about it,” he told Aletihad in a recent interview.
Alongside crops, Musleh is producing value-added items from his harvest. These include cow ghee infused with ashwagandha, herbal teas made with hibiscus and orange leaves, as well as skincare creams and shampoo.
His efforts are already making an impact at home. Musleh said his family now relies on his farm for their food needs, achieving a level of household self-sufficiency.
But his ambitions stretch far beyond the home backyard. “I know that farming is important for the future of our country and its food security,” he said.
“My goal is to expand this into large farms that serve the whole UAE and ensure its self-sufficiency.”
The UAE’s local production currently meets more than 20% of domestic demand, rising to as much as 80% for certain crops, according to Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri.
National efforts continue to focus on strengthening food security through innovation, sustainable agriculture, and reducing import dependency with increasing emphasis on engaging younger generations.
This was evident at the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain, where young Emirati farmers were given space to showcase their produce.
Speaking with Aletihad, seven-year-old Meera Al Aryani shared how she tends to a home garden growing jasmine, apple trees, corn, eggplant, zucchini and mint.
Her interest in farming comes from her father and her late grandfather. “I decided to become a farmer because I love trees, how they look, and the benefits they give us,” she said.
“The most beautiful thing is when I plant a seed and see it slowly grow. It shows me the effort I put in is working. If I plant something and it doesn’t grow, I try again. I wait, take care of it, and keep trying until it grows,” Meera added.
The Young Farmer Seal initiative, launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment on Saturday, aims to support youth engagement in agriculture and food production.
It focuses on showcasing youth-led agricultural models, promoting sustainable farming technologies, building trust in youth-produced local products, and providing technological support for young farmers.
The initiative is open to Emiratis under 35, including small and medium farm owners, livestock breeders, beekeepers, and agri-food processing entrepreneurs.
