Today's Edition
ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
As the UAE is welcoming cooler temperatures, farmers, livestock owners and home gardeners are looking ahead to the possibility of rainfall, hoping it will revive natural vegetation, support agricultural practices and bring new life to gardens across the country.
The performance of Salat Al Istisqa, the Islamic prayer for rain, across mosques in the UAE on October 9, in accordance with directives from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan encouraged a more positive outlook.
The prayer reflects the significance of rain in a country where dry conditions have historically shaped agricultural practices, livelihoods and the relationship between communities and the land.
For farmers and livestock owners, rainfall is important in supporting the growth of natural vegetation and improving grazing conditions.
In Liwa, in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, rainfall can help restore vegetation in dry grazing areas, providing natural food sources for livestock.
Saleh Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Yaroof Al Mansouri, a farmer from Liwa, described rainfall as a blessing for farmers and livestock owners.
“Rain is a blessing for us, and it brings great joy to farmers and livestock owners. When it rains, the land absorbs the water, grazing areas turn green, and grasses grow for livestock to feed on. This helps reduce some of the costs of animal feed. Rain brings life to the land and benefits crops and livestock, and its goodness reaches everyone,” he said.
During dry periods, livestock owners must pay closer attention to feed supplies and the availability of natural grazing areas.
“A lack of rainfall weakens grazing areas and reduces natural grasses, increasing our dependence on purchased animal feed and raising costs for livestock owners. In agriculture, water is essential, which is why we focus on conserving it and using modern technologies that help us maintain production while protecting water resources,” he explained.
Looking ahead to the coming rainy season, Al Mansouri expressed hope for beneficial rainfall across the country.
“We pray to Allah for a season of goodness, with beneficial and continuous rainfall that nourishes the land and revives grazing areas across the UAE, including Al Dhafra. We hope to see the desert turn green and livestock benefit from natural pastures, with rainfall that brings mercy and blessings without causing harm to anyone,” he said.
The prayer for rain also carries cultural and spiritual significance for farming communities.
“Salat Al Istisqa represents turning to Allah, seeking His mercy and coming together in prayer with hope for rainfall. The call by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan holds a special place in our hearts. We pray that Allah answers our prayers and blesses the country and its people with rainfall that benefits people, crops and livestock,” Al Mansouri said.
Beyond its practical benefits, rainfall also holds cultural and emotional significance for many families, particularly those whose experience of caring for livestock has been passed down through generations.
For Emirati mother Fatima, who enjoys growing flowers, herbs and vegetables in her home garden, says the arrival of cooler weather brings excitement for gardening.
“Every year, I look forward to the winter season because it is the time when I spend the most time in my garden. Rain makes the experience even more special, especially when you see the plants looking fresh and the garden coming to life.”
She explained that gardening is also an activity she enjoys sharing with her children.
“I love involving my children in planting and caring for the garden. When it rains, they become so excited, and it gives us an opportunity to teach them about nature and gardening”
For families, gardening can also provide an opportunity to encourage environmental awareness and teach younger generations about the importance of water conservation and caring for nature.
For her, the recent prayer for rain also carries a personal and spiritual meaning.
“Salat Al Istisqa reminds us that rain is a blessing from Allah and something we should never take for granted. It brings people together in prayer, and we hope Allah blesses our country with rainfall that benefits the land, our families and everyone who depends on it.”
