Al Ain: The Hub of Dairy Industry and Agriculture in the UAE with Unique Tourism Potential

Professional Opportunities for the Dairy Industry and Agriculture

Al Ain, situated in an oasis at the heart of the desert, has traditionally been one of the main agricultural regions in the UAE despite the extreme climatic conditions. As of 2023, the UAE's milk production reached 460 million liters per year, with 15% of this volume coming from farmers in Al Ain.

One of the key factors contributing to the region’s success is the use of advanced technologies and innovative solutions in agriculture. For example, the drip irrigation system implemented on farms in Al Ain helps reduce water consumption by 40-50%, which is crucial in desert conditions. Additionally, farmers in the region use hydroponics for growing livestock feed, which also reduces dependence on water resources. However, around 80% of the UAE’s feed needs are covered through imports.

In 2023, the total volume of animal feed imports to the UAE was about 3.5 million tons per year.

Eco-friendly agricultural practices and modern milk processing technologies enable the production of high-quality products that meet international standards. For instance, organic milk production is actively developing in Al Ain, which is an important trend in the food market both in the UAE and abroad. This opens up new opportunities for exports and strengthens the UAE’s position as a leading player in the food industry.

Analysts note that the dairy industry in Al Ain could grow by 5-7% annually over the next five years, thanks to the implementation of new technologies and government support, which is actively investing in the sustainable development of agriculture.

One of the gold sponsors of DairyOlympics is also based in Al Ain: Al Ain Farms, which was founded in 1981 and is one of the largest and most well-known companies in the UAE working in the dairy industry, as well as in meat production and animal feed. In 2023, the company produced over 100 million liters of milk. Previously, we published an interview with Milan Bošković, Director of Marketing, Research, and Development at Al Ain Farms.

Tourism and Cultural Significance of Al Ain for the UAE

Al Ain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UAE, attracting more than 1 million tourists annually. Key attractions in the region, such as hot springs, green oases, the Jebel Hafeet mountains, and archaeological monuments including the ancient Buhayra tombs, make the region unique and appealing for cultural and ecological tourism.

Analysis shows that ecotourism and agritourism in the UAE are becoming increasingly popular, opening new opportunities for the region. Over the past five years, the number of tourists interested in agriculture and ecotourism has increased by 25%, making Al Ain an essential part of the country’s growing ecological tourism sector. In particular, the development of tourism infrastructure and the organization of themed tours to farms, including milk farm tours, are not only becoming popular but also profitable for local businesses.

Economists predict that the tourism sector in Al Ain will grow by 8-10% annually in the next five years, due to infrastructure improvements, increased investments in ecotourism, and the development of agritourism routes.

Al Ain as a Symbol of Sustainable Development in the UAE

Al Ain plays a crucial role in the UAE's strategy for economic diversification and sustainable development. It is expected that by 2025, the volume of investments in agribusiness and ecotourism in the UAE will reach around 10 billion dirhams. Regions like Al Ain will receive a large portion of these investments, allowing for significant improvements in infrastructure and attracting international investors.

The UAE is also actively developing green energy. Al Ain has become a platform for implementing solar panels on farms and in tourist complexes. One example is the project for installing solar panels on dairy farms, which is expected to reduce energy consumption by 30-40% in the future, significantly improving business profitability and sustainability.

Analysts are confident that the combination of sustainable agriculture and ecotourism will make Al Ain a model for other regions of the country aiming for green and balanced development.

Join DairyOlympics 2025 and Discover the UAE in a New Light!

Dairy Olympics 2025 is an international conference taking place April 7-10, 2025, in the UAE. It will bring together leading experts and specialists from the global dairy industry. This event will serve as a crucial platform for discussing current trends, innovations, and challenges facing the dairy sector. The Olympics will showcase cutting-edge technologies, sustainable solutions for dairy production, the prospects of digitalization, environmental concerns, and the growth of new dairy markets.

Register for Dairy Olympics

If you are interested in becoming a speaker or sponsor for Dairy Olympics 2025, please contact us at ads@dairynews.today


Gold Partners: Al Ain Farms, Imperial

Innovation Partners: Cowow, PPB

Partners: France Group, IFCM