United Arab Emirates (UAE) Agritourism Market Overview, 2029

Agritourism in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a growing industry that blends agriculture and tourism to provide visitors with unique and authentic experiences. This niche sector is relatively new, but it has gained traction in recent years, owing to an increased interest in sustainable tourism, food security, and cultural heritage. Despite being a desert country, the UAE has made considerable advances in modern agriculture, making it an appealing location for Agritourism. In recent years, the UAE government has invested in modern agriculture, using cutting-edge technology such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics to boost food production. This emphasis on innovation has paved the way for Agritourism, allowing visitors to observe new techniques alongside traditional farming practices. Agritourism operators must follow the guidelines established by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA). Visitor safety is top priority, with protocols in place to ensure safe farm tours, activities, and accommodations. This covers animal welfare measures, as well as safety guidelines for agricultural equipment and infrastructure. It is consistent with the UAE Vision 2021, which aims to promote sustainable tourism and increase the country's global reputation as a tourism hub. The industry generates economic advantages by assisting local farmers and rural communities, producing jobs, and strengthening the country's agricultural economy. Agritourism showcases the UAE's rich cultural history, such as traditional farming practices and Bedouin customs. Tourists can immerse themselves in the true Emirati lifestyle, which promotes cultural interchange and understanding. The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on the UAE's Agritourism sector, as well as global tourism. During the epidemic, travel restrictions, social distancing measures, and lockdowns caused a significant drop in tourist numbers. Many Agritourism enterprises had to close temporarily or decrease their activities, resulting in financial losses and job cutbacks. However, the epidemic underlined the value of local and sustainable tourism. As foreign travel restrictions remained in place, domestic tourism increased, with residents exploring local sites and rural areas. According to the research report "UAE Agritourism Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the UAE Agritourism market is anticipated to grow at more than 9.45% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The UAE, recognised for its innovative ideas and rapid development, is leveraging its agricultural potential to broaden its tourism offers. Agritourism is viewed as a strategy to improve the tourism industry, boost rural economies, and promote sustainable practices as part of the UAE Vision 2021 and Vision 2030 objectives. The market's worth is increasing significantly, and estimates indicate that it will continue to grow as more tourists seek unique experiences that connect them with nature and the local culture. This increase is being driven by a mix of domestic and foreign tourists seeking unique experiences that combine leisure with education about agricultural methods and environmental sustainability. The UAE government's investment in agricultural technologies and infrastructure has also played an important role in enhancing the market. One notable development is the use of technology into agriculture, with smart farming solutions such as hydroponics, vertical farming, and precision agriculture drawing people seeking novel agricultural methods. Another noteworthy trend is an emphasis on environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism. Visitors are increasingly drawn to events that promote conservation and environmental responsibility.

Agritourism farms in the UAE are using sustainable measures such as solar energy and water conservation. Culinary tourism is increasingly becoming an important component of the Agritourism experience, with farm-to-table experiences allowing visitors to sample fresh, locally grown delicacies. Emirates Bio Farm is a popular Agritourism attraction that provides guided tours of its enormous organic farm in Al Ain. The farm offers hands-on activities such as vegetable harvesting and instructional workshops on organic agricultural principles. Al Rawafed Agriculture is another important participant, providing a combination of modern and ancient farming methods. Madar Farms is a well-known firm that specialises in hydroponics and sustainable farming solutions. Their emphasis on cutting-edge technology and environmental responsibility positions them as a pioneer in attracting tech-savvy tourists and encouraging sustainability in the Agritourism business. On-farm sales, outdoor leisure, entertainment, educational tourism, and housing are all important and growing aspects of the UAE's Agritourism industry. Educational Tourism is currently the most popular segment in the UAE's Agritourism market. This portion focusses on teaching tourists about agriculture, sustainability, and current farming practices. The UAE government has made major investments in agricultural technology and sustainability, making educational tourism a priority. Collaborations with colleges and research institutions to offer educational tours and workshops help the category flourish. Emirates Bio Farm, which specialises in organic farming and educational tours, provides in-depth educational experiences for guests. Madar Farms specialises in hydroponic farming and offers educational tours that focus on innovative agricultural technologies and sustainable practices. Outdoor recreation is declining in the UAE's Agritourism business, as the country's high heat and arid environment hinder outdoor activities, especially during the summer months. This makes outdoor activity less tempting than indoor or more climate-controlled activities. In the UAE Agritourism market, both travel agents and direct sales have a considerable impact on how Agritourism experiences are advertised and sold. Direct Sales is currently the dominant category in the UAE's Agritourism market, as tourists seek more personalised and unique experiences. Direct sales enable Agritourism enterprises to provide personalised services and flexible options tailored to individual interests. Direct sales provide firms more control over the customer experience, from booking to post-visit follow-ups. This leads to increased client satisfaction and positive ratings. Emirates Bio Farm's success in direct sales is due to their creative services, strong internet presence, and dedication to sustainability. Travel agents frequently design and promote package itineraries that include Agritourism activities. These packages may include agricultural visits, educational tours, and culinary events, allowing guests to have a more holistic experience. Travel agents specialise in planning and personalisation. They can personalise itineraries to travellers' interests, tastes, and budgets, resulting in a personalised Agritourism experience.

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Manmayi Raval

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Individual Travel is now leading the UAE Agritourism business, as single travellers and small groups seek for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences that foster a stronger relationship with local agricultural and sustainable methods. Individual travellers are willing to pay a premium for unique and personalised experiences, resulting in increased income per visitor. Group travel is losing popularity in compared to individual travel since it is more difficult and less flexible to organise, resulting in a drop in interest among visitors who seek more personalised experiences. Furthermore, the pandemic has resulted in limits on big gatherings and a shift towards smaller, more controllable travel groups, limiting the expansion of traditional group travel segments. Start-ups that specialise on urban agriculture and novel farming practices are emerging as major participants. These businesses appeal to both lone travellers and small groups interested in modern agriculture. Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report • Agritourism market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation

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By Activity • On-farm Sales • Accommodations • Entertainment • Educational Tourism • Outdoor Recreation • Others By Sales Channel • Travel Agents • Direct Sales By Tour • Group • Individual Travel ? The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Agritourism industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry. Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029 Aspects covered in this report • Agritourism market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Activity • On-farm Sales • Accommodations • Entertainment • Educational Tourism • Outdoor Recreation • Others By Sales Channel • Travel Agents • Direct Sales By Tour • Group • Individual Travel ? The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Agritourism industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.