Agriculture

Like much of the Gulf region, Abu Dhabi is largely made up of desert, and as such, agriculture accounts for only a small proportion of the economic output of the emirate – less than 1% of GDP. Despite Abu Dhabi importing the majority of its food, the sector is set to witness important developments in areas such as aquaculture, organic food and water conservation. Date production continues to be a key pillar of agriculture; in 2008 the UAE produced 755,000 tonnes of dates and exported 280,000 tonnes – making it the fourth-largest producer and single largest exporter that year. Overall, population growth and rising affluence mean that the sector is likely to become increasingly important going forward. This chapter includes interviews with Rashed Mohamed Al Shariqi, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA); and Khadim Abdulla Al Darei, Managing Director, Al Dahra.