People today are becoming increasingly concerned about the origins and methods of food production. Nowadays, many people try to steer clear of products that are grown using pesticides or chemicals, not only because it's better for the environment but also because it tastes better.
This explains why organic food demand is rising globally, particularly in Dubai. This implies that those who want to start an organic farm in Dubai have commercial chances.
An Overview of Organic Farming in the UAE
As more people are becoming knowledgeable of the advantages of eating produce that has been grown without the use of extra pesticides, the demand for organically farmed produce has been rising globally for many years and is likely to continue in the future.
According to data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, organic farming is practiced in 187 countries worldwide, covering 72.3 million hectares of land by more than three million farmers in 2019. Over 106 billion euros worth of organic food and drink were sold in the meantime.
With more than 40 active organic farms in the Emirates generating more than 60 products, organic farming is also expanding there.
Advantages of Starting Organic Farming in Dubai, UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, creating an organic farming business setup in Dubai has many benefits. Supply is outpacing demand in this market, which means there are several potentials for business owners to capture a substantial market share before the industry gets saturated.
And given that organic food is expected to remain popular for the foreseeable future, there are possibly more chances in this market. Environmental advantages also come from organic farming.
In addition to avoiding the use of herbicides and pesticides that can damage the land and ecology, growing produce locally also has a lower carbon footprint than importing it. As it employs natural methods and produces healthy soil, it also contributes to maintaining a robust local ecology.
Types of Activities for Farming in Dubai, UAE
In Dubai, farming is primarily done in three different ways. These include raising livestock, raising fish and other related animals, growing crops, and other general agricultural activities.
You must have the necessary licenses, such as an aquaculture license, a livestock production farming permit, or an agricultural activity practice license, depending on the type of farming you intend to engage in. Always keep in mind that you can only perform tasks for which you have a license.
For example, if you have an aquaculture license, you cannot produce cattle; you would need a separate license for that. Depending on the kind of farm you're starting, additional licenses and permits can be needed.
For instance, you will need an environmental permit if you are raising fish, and if you are raising cattle, you must have a veterinary license or, at the very least, hire someone who does.
How to Open an Organic Farm in Dubai?
There are specific measures you must take to set up the farm business setup in UAE, once you have selected whatever activities you intend to do there.
- Decide on the Plot for Farming
You must first choose the piece of land on which to build your farm. Once you've located a plot, it must be evaluated by the neighborhood municipality, which will determine whether it may be utilized for farming.
Once the plot has been granted, you can purchase the farm's essential tools and get the land ready for cultivation. Before starting to trade, an official from the Municipality will inspect your farm to ensure it complies with the Environmental Department's regulations.
- Obtain the Organic Certification
The next step is to achieve organic certification. The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology conducts a Conformity Assessment for the certification.
If your farm passes the evaluation, you'll get a certificate of conformity, allowing you to tag your products as organic.
- Decide on Your Business Name
Choosing a name for your agricultural company is another crucial step, but every entrepreneur should be aware that Dubai does have naming regulations that enterprises must follow. For instance, the company cannot use a name that is already used by a company in Dubai, and no blasphemous or derogatory language is allowed.
Last but not least, if you wish to use your name as a part of the business name, it must be your entire name—forename and last name—and abbreviations are not permitted.
- Submit the Documents to Start Organic Agriculture in Dubai, UAE
- Then you submit an application for an organic farming license. You can submit the application to the Dubai Department of Economic Development on your own, but it is advised to enlist the assistance of a business formation professional to ensure a quick and easy process.
- The application form must be completed and accompanied by a number of papers. This comprises the articles of incorporation and summaries of the expected commercial operations.
- You require copies of everyone who owns stock in the farm's passports as well as verification of their credentials and licenses, if applicable. A UAE resident visa is also required if you want to own and operate an organic farm in Dubai.
- You can sponsor visas for any workers you are bringing in at the same time as your own application. The size of the firm and, if you're bringing the family in, your income will determine how many visas you can apply for.
What is the Cost of Starting Organic Farming in Dubai?
When starting an organic farm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, there are a number of expenses to take into account. The licenses mentioned above range in price from 10,000 to 30,000 AED, while the cost of organic accreditation is 3,500 AED, which includes 1,000 AED for the application fee and 2,500 AED for the evaluation charge*.
In addition, there are expenses like the price of the land your farm is on, the cost of equipment, the cost of seeds and livestock, and the cost of recruiting people. Veterinarian services and animal care costs must be considered if you raise cattle. Another expense that will need to be covered is insurance.
*Prices mentioned above may vary and are subject to change without notice. Kindly connect with us for confirmation.
A growing number of entrepreneurs are choosing to launch an organic farming operation in Dubai as they try to take advantage of a market that is expanding. However, incorporating a business in Dubai is not always easy, particularly for those moving to the Emirate.
Therefore, it is advisable to connect with us, and we’ll assist you in your dream business setup.
How is the organic farming industry in the UAE?
With more than 40 active organic farms in the Emirates generating more than 60 products, organic farming is also expanding there.
How does organic farming contribute to environmental advantages?
In addition to avoiding the use of herbicides and pesticides that can damage the land and ecology, growing produce locally also has a lower carbon footprint than importing it. As it employs natural methods and produces healthy soil, it also contributes to maintaining a robust local ecology.
What are the primary farming activities in Dubai, UAE?
These include raising livestock, raising fish and other related animals, growing crops, and other general agricultural activities.
Which authority issues the organic certification for your product in the UAE?
The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology conducts a Conformity Assessment for the certification. If your farm passes the evaluation, you'll get a certificate of conformity, allowing you to tag your products as organic.
Which authority issues the organic farming license in Dubai?
Department of Economic Development.