Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the State and Deputy Prime Minister, has issued Decision No. (5) of 2025. This decision amends certain provisions of Decision No. (3) of 2023 regarding the conduct of economic activities on farms.
The decision states in Article (2) that 74 new economic activities will be added to the list of authorized activities, increasing the total to 145 approved economic activities that can be carried out on farms.
The newly permitted economic activities are categorized into six groups, including 41 activities related to plant production, 9 supporting activities for plant production, 8 activities related to food support, 12 supporting industrial activities, 2 activities in the supporting category, and 2 recreational activities.
According to Article (1) of the decision, item 2 of Article (5) in Decision No. (3) of 2023 regarding economic activities on farms has been replaced with the following text: “The area of the building used for economic activities must not exceed the area determined by the relevant authority in the emirate.”
Item 3 of Article (5) of the aforementioned decision has been updated to: “Farm owners or licensed establishments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi may engage in economic activities on farms, provided that the farm is utilized according to its designated purposes.”
Dr. Tariq Ahmad Al Amri, Acting General Director of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, stated that this decision is part of the efforts of the Economic Activities on Farms Committee, which was formed under the directive of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, and includes members from the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
He further explained that the committee has worked to enhance the utilization of farms, expand the range of economic activities that can be implemented on them, as well as organize and facilitate recreational and tourism activities, thereby transforming farms into successful investment projects and educational, recreational, and heritage experiences that support the tourism sector in the emirate.
He added that this decision reflects the support of the wise leadership and is aligned with the authority’s strategy to enlarge the economic activities permitted on farms. This approach aims to enhance food security and elevate levels of local plant and animal production, in addition to promoting agricultural tourism by allowing certain recreational activities.
The authority is collaborating with relevant government entities to ensure the goals of the decision are achieved, in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision for sustainable development, thus reinforcing its position as a leading center for agricultural and economic innovation.
He revealed that Decision No. (3) of 2023 regarding economic activities on farms has benefited 482 farms, including 333 that received new licenses for a variety of economic activities, 120 that adjusted their existing licenses, and permits granted to 29 farms for holiday home activities, reflecting a tangible success in activating agricultural and recreational investment.
He emphasized that relevant government authorities are making significant efforts to streamline the processes for regulation, licensing, classification, supervision, and inspection, in accordance with the regulations in force within the emirate, to ensure the sustainability of these successes and promote comprehensive development.