Farming License in Dubai

Summary

A farming license in Dubai is a DET trade licence with a specific agricultural activity, such as growing vegetables, hydroponic farming, poultry, dairy or aquaculture, plus approvals from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and, for livestock, Dubai Municipality. This guide explains who can farm in Dubai, which activities to choose, how land works for expats, costs, documents and the step-by-step process.

People ask me two very different questions about farming in Dubai. Emirati families ask how to license and grow their existing farm. Expat investors ask whether they can start a vertical farm, a dairy or a poultry business at all. The answers are different, and most guides mix them up. Having helped agriculture, agritech and food supply companies with business setup in Dubai, I will keep the two paths separate so you know exactly where you stand.

Farming License in Dubai at a Glance

Who Can Get a Farming License in Dubai?

UAE nationals can receive allocated farmland. These farms are regulated by Decree No. 61 of 2023, overseen by the Office of His Highness the Ruler with Dubai Municipality, and owners can license commercial activity on them.

Expats and foreign investors usually cannot own allocated farmland, but they can:

• Set up a 100% foreign-owned mainland company with an agricultural activity
• Lease commercial or industrial land, warehouses or agritech facilities for controlled-environment farming
• Partner with an Emirati farm owner under a written, approved arrangement
• Run agriculture-related trading, consulting or technology businesses

The Decree also bans setting up farms or fences on land you do not own, so never start building on a plot before the paperwork is complete.

Agricultural Activities You Can License

“Agricultural” is an activity group, not a single licence. You choose activities that match exactly what you will do.

Crop and plant farming – Growing of vegetables – Advanced growing of vegetables (hydroponic, vertical and greenhouse farming) – Growing of fruit and palm trees, including date palms – Growing tree seedlings, ornamental plants and flowers (plant nurseries)

Animal production – Farming of poultry and egg production. See our poultry farm guide – Farming of cows (dairy) and farming of sheep and goats – Beehives and honey production

Aquaculture – Fish and crustacean farming – Land-based aquaculture and aquaponics (combined with a growing activity)

Agriculture services and business – Agronomy consulting and agricultural consultancy – Land preparation and post-harvest crop services – Investment in agricultural enterprises – Trading in seeds, fertilisers, greenhouses and farm equipment

Consultant tip: If you plan aquaponics, you need both an aquaculture activity and a growing activity. One activity alone will not cover it.

Government Authorities and Approvals

MOCCAE Licences and Fees

Based on MOCCAE’s published services:

• Agricultural activity practice licence: around AED 500 per activity a year (nurseries, consulting, pest control, seed and plant import)
• Nursery licence: around AED 1,500 a year, with a minimum area and a licensed agricultural engineer or technician
• Animal production farm licence: around AED 2,000, with at least one veterinarian
• Aquaculture farm approval: around AED 500 a year
• Import permits for seeds, plants and animals, per consignment

These approvals usually take a few working days once your file is complete.

Animal Production License in Dubai

An animal production licence covers dairy cows, sheep, goats, camels and poultry. You will need:

• A DET licence with the right animal farming activity
• MOCCAE animal production farm licence
• A veterinarian on staff or under contract
• Animal registration with Dubai Municipality
• Biosecurity, waste management and feed supply plans

Small Scale Cow and Dairy Farming Business in the UAE

A small dairy can work if you secure land with water and power, buy healthy, registered animals and sign supply deals early. Many small dairies start by selling fresh milk, laban and cheese to local groceries and cafés, then add a processing licence later. Milk processing needs food safety approval, often under an industrial licence.

Hydroponic, Vertical and Greenhouse Farming

Controlled-environment farming is the most practical route for expat investors. It needs less land, uses far less water and fits commercial or industrial plots.

• Hydroponics and vertical farms: warehouses or industrial units with climate control
• Greenhouses: cooled structures for leafy greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs
• Agritech hubs: Dubai’s Food Tech Valley is being developed as a dedicated hub for agritech and food innovation

Agritech businesses that build technology rather than farm can also use a free zone business setup. Most free zones do not list crop or livestock activities, so actual farming stays on the mainland.

Agriculture and Farming Laws in Dubai and the UAE

Farming in Dubai sits under both local and federal rules:

• Decree No. 61 of 2023: regulates citizen farms in Dubai, farm construction, livestock welfare and fines from AED 1,000 to AED 100,000
• Federal agriculture laws administered by MOCCAE: pesticides, fertilisers and soil conditioners, seeds and plant varieties, plant quarantine and veterinary quarantine
• Food safety rules: Dubai Municipality controls food produced and sold in Dubai
• Commercial Companies Law: allows 100% foreign ownership of most mainland companies, including agricultural ones, subject to DET approval

Knowing which rule applies to your model saves months of rework.

How to Get a Farming License in Dubai: Step-by-Step

1. Define your farming model: crops, livestock, aquaculture or agritech.
2. Secure land or premises: allocated farm, leased commercial land or an industrial unit.
3. Choose activities with DET, such as advanced growing of vegetables or farming of poultry.
4. Reserve a trade name and get initial approval.
5. Sign the lease and register the Ejari where applicable.
6. Get the DET trade licence through a mainland company formation.
7. Apply for MOCCAE approvals for your farm type.
8. Register animals and facilities with Dubai Municipality for livestock farms.
9. Arrange visas, bank account and insurance, then start operations.

Farming License Cost in Dubai

Typical total investment – Small hydroponic or greenhouse farm: around AED 150,000 to 400,000 – Medium greenhouse or small dairy: around AED 400,000 to 1.5 million – Large commercial farm: AED 1.5 million and above

Use our business setup cost calculator for the licence side.

Documents Required

• Passport copies and photos of shareholders and manager
• Emirates ID and visa copies for residents
• Business plan with crops or livestock, yields and sales channels
• Land ownership, allocation or lease documents
• NOC from the landowner if leasing
• Farm layout, irrigation and water source plans
• Veterinarian or agricultural engineer details
• Biosecurity and waste management plans for livestock

Investing in Agricultural Projects in Dubai

Food security is a national priority, which creates real openings:

• Supply contracts with hotels, restaurants and supermarkets wanting local produce
• Farmers’ markets run by Dubai Municipality for local growers
• AgriTech financing, including Emirates Development Bank loans for qualifying projects
• Export of dates and premium produce to GCC markets

Note that the MOCCAE input subsidy is limited to UAE citizen owners who manage their own farms.

Agriculture Trading and Supply Licence

Not every agriculture business needs a farm. Selling seeds, fertilisers, irrigation systems, greenhouses or farm equipment needs a trading activity instead. Many investors combine these under a general trading licence. Pesticide and seed imports also need MOCCAE registration and import permits.

Farming Business Management in the UAE

• Water and power: your biggest operating costs, so plan efficient irrigation and cooling early
• Summer work rules: outdoor work stops at midday from 15 June to 15 September
• Certifications: organic and GlobalGAP open premium and export markets
• Tax: register for VAT once supplies pass AED 375,000, and register for corporate tax. Our accounting services help farms keep records

Farming in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi farms are regulated by ADAFSA, which licenses farm activities and sets planting rules. If you are comparing emirates, see our Abu Dhabi mainland business setup guide.

Farming License Dubai FAQs

Start Your Farming Business With DIAC

DIAC selects the right agricultural activities, sets up your mainland company, coordinates MOCCAE and Dubai Municipality approvals, and handles visas through our PRO services and corporate bank account opening. Book a free consultation to plan your farm.

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