His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), has issued Decision No. (5) of 2025, amending certain provisions of Decision No. (3) of 2023 on Conducting Economic Activities on Farms.

The decision adds a further 74 economic activities to the list of permitted activities on farms, bringing the total to 145 approved economic activities, provided that the built-up area used for practising economic activities does not exceed the area determined by the competent authority in the emirate, and that the farm is used in accordance with its designated purpose.

Article (1) of the decision states that Clause 2 of Article (5) of Decision No. (3) of 2023 shall be replaced with the following text: "The built-up area used for practising economic activities must not exceed the area determined by the competent authority in the emirate."

Clause 3 of Article (5) of the aforementioned decision is also replaced with the following text: "Farm owners or licensed establishments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi may practise economic activities on farms, provided that the farm is used in accordance with its designated purpose."

Article (2) of the decision stipulates the addition of 74 economic activities to the list of permitted activities on farms, bringing the total to 145 approved economic activities that can be practised on farms.

The newly added activities are categorised into six groups: 41 activities for plant production; 9 activities supporting plant production; 8 activities added to the food support services list; the introduction of 12 new industrial support activities; 2 new activities under the general support services list; and 2 new activities under the recreational activities list.

His Excellency Dr Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA, affirmed that the decision is part of the efforts of the Committee for Economic Activities on Farms. This committee was formed under the direction of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office and includes members from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

His Excellency noted that the committee has worked to enhance the utilisation of farms, expand the scope of viable economic activities, and regulate and facilitate the practice of recreational and tourism activities, transforming farms into successful investment ventures and educational, recreational, and heritage experiences that support the emirate’s tourism sector.

His Excellency added that the decision reflects the support of the wise leadership and forms part of ADAFSA’s strategy to broaden the range of economic activities permitted on farms. This contributes to strengthening the food security system, increasing local plant and animal production, and promoting agri-tourism by allowing certain recreational activities.

His Excellency noted that ADAFSA is working in coordination with relevant government entities responsible for regulation, licensing, and oversight to ensure the decision’s objectives are achieved in line with Abu Dhabi’s vision for sustainable development and its position as a leading hub for agricultural and economic innovation.

His Excellency also highlighted the impact of Decision No. (3) of 2023, which enabled 482 farms to benefit: 333 farms obtained new licences to engage in diverse economic activities, 120 farms amended their existing licences, and 29 farms were granted permits to operate holiday homes, reflecting tangible success in activating agricultural and recreational investment.

His Excellency further emphasised that government entities are making significant efforts to simplify and streamline procedures for regulation, licensing, classification, and inspection, in accordance with applicable legislation in the emirate, to ensure the sustainability of these achievements and support comprehensive development.