United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia to the south and west and Oman to the east, with coastlines along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It covers an area of about 83,600 square kilometers. The country’s geography is dominated by arid desert landscapes, including vast sand dunes of the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) in the south and west, gravel plains, limestone plateaus, and coastal lowlands. The Hajar Mountains in the east form the most elevated region and create localized variations in climate and water availability. The UAE has a hot desert climate characterized by extremely high summer temperatures, mild winters, and very low annual rainfall, making natural freshwater resources scarce.
Agriculture in the UAE is limited by harsh climatic conditions, poor soils, and water scarcity, but it has developed significantly through modern technology and investment. Farming is mainly concentrated in oases such as Al Ain and in irrigated desert farms. The main crops include dates, which are culturally and economically important, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and peppers. Fruits like citrus, mangoes, and bananas are also grown in suitable microclimates. Modern agricultural methods such as drip irrigation, hydroponics, vertical farming, and greenhouse systems are widely used to conserve water and improve productivity. Livestock farming, including camels, goats, sheep, and poultry, contributes to food supply, with much of the feed imported. Despite these advances, the UAE remains highly dependent on food imports due to limited arable land and water resources.
Forestry resources in the UAE are naturally very limited because of the desert environment. Vegetation consists mainly of drought-tolerant shrubs, grasses, and hardy desert trees such as acacia and ghaf (Prosopis cineraria), which is the national tree and highly valued for its ecological and cultural importance. Mangrove forests are found along parts of the coastline, especially in Abu Dhabi and other emirates, where they provide critical habitats for marine life, protect shorelines from erosion, and help store carbon. Large-scale afforestation and landscaping projects have been undertaken in urban areas, including tree planting along roads, parks, and desert greening initiatives aimed at reducing desertification and improving environmental quality. These efforts are heavily dependent on irrigation and long-term water management strategies.
The fishery sector has long been an important part of coastal life in the UAE, although it is now smaller compared to the oil and service sectors. The Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman support a variety of marine species, including hamour (grouper), kingfish, sardines, tuna, shrimp, and cuttlefish. Fishing is mostly artisanal, with small-scale fishers operating from coastal communities, while some commercial fishing and aquaculture activities have developed in recent years. The UAE has also invested in fish farming to enhance food security and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks. Historically, pearl diving was a major economic activity and remains an important part of cultural heritage, although it has been replaced by modern industries. Today, fisheries face challenges such as overfishing, coastal development, pollution, and rising sea temperatures affecting marine ecosystems.
Overall, the UAE’s geography is defined by arid deserts, coastal environments, and limited freshwater resources, which strongly restrict natural agriculture and forestry. However, advanced technology, investment, and innovation have enabled significant development in controlled agriculture and aquaculture. Fisheries remain an important cultural and economic activity, supported by rich marine ecosystems. Sustainable water use and environmental conservation are essential for maintaining long-term ecological balance and food security in the country.
Gerold was first time 2004 in the United Arab Emirates. He had been invited by the Minister of Agriculture as a specialist for organic agriculture. The meeting took place in Abu Dhabi. Coming years Gerold has used the Dubai airport several times in 2005, 2006, 2007 (2x), 2009, 2011, 2012 (2x), 2013, 2022, 2023, 2024 to visit other countries, mostly with an overnight, once with Michael, coming from South Africa. In 2012 he has spent time to visit the organic market downtown, together with Klaudia.
