Page 65 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2024 (International)

Successful model
The UAE's sustainable cacao farming model, which thrives despite harsh desert
conditions, is being highlighted in the fifth season of the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’
initiative under the theme ‘Green Tourism.’

This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, the National
Agricultural Center, and local tourism authorities, aims to promote community
participation in sustainable agricultural practices and encourage tourism to eco-
friendly farms and projects.

The campaign aligns with the UAE’s domestic tourism strategy, introduced by His
Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime
Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to create an integrated tourism ecosystem
across the nation.

The significance of the UAE's sustainable cacao farming initiative lies in its cost-
effective approach.

Unlike traditional setups that require expensive greenhouses or cooling systems, the
cacao plants are grown under shaded agricultural nets, eliminating the need for high-
maintenance infrastructure.

Fujairah’s clay-rich soil and humid climate provide an ideal environment for
cultivating cocoa.

Remarkably, cacao seedlings grow rapidly, becoming ready for sale within just two
to three months, highlighting the efficiency and sustainability of this innovative
agricultural project.

Through accumulated expertise, the caretakers of Fujairah's cacao farm have
identified seed planting as the most effective cultivation method.

This approach allows cacao trees to gradually adapt to their environment, take three
years to grow mature and start producing cacao pods.

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