Your guide to Farm Land for sale in UAE
Beyond the city limits, a growing agricultural sector is attracting investors and families looking for private retreats. The market for farms for sale in the UAE combines heritage, leisure, and food security in ways that few other investments can match. With government initiatives supporting local farmers and sustainable production, owning agriculture land for sale in UAE goes beyond a simple property purchase.
These diverse environments support various agricultural activities. Farm ownership provides tranquility and a connection to nature, serving as a weekend escape from city life. The market for agriculture farm for sale listings appeals to UAE nationals and GCC citizens who value traditional farming—dates and livestock—while modern hydroponic and organic methods are gaining traction.
Overview of the agriculture land for sale in UAE
Ownership rules are strict. Most farm land for sale in UAE is available only to UAE and GCC nationals. Other nationalities may access specific leasehold rights or usufruct options lasting up to 100 years in designated investment zones, particularly in northern emirates or through commercial arrangements. Freehold land ownership for farms remains tightly regulated.
Prices vary widely. Small hobby farms in remote areas start around AED 1.5 million. Fully operational commercial farms for sale in UAE or luxury estates in prime locations like Al Ain or Dhaid range from AED 5 million to over AED 20 million. Farm plots typically measure between 100,000 and 500,000 square feet.
How to buy a Farm for sale in UAE
Purchasing a farm for sale in UAE follows a specific legal process. This applies mainly to UAE and GCC nationals because of ownership laws, though corporate entities and investors should check specific emirate regulations.
Secure financing
Many investors need mortgage financing.
- Cash purchases are common for land, though commercial and land mortgages exist
- Mortgage pre-approval requires a valid passport and Emirates ID, a salary certificate or trade license for the self-employed, and six months of bank statements
- Financing options include land or construction mortgages, commercial mortgages for farms operating as businesses, and Islamic mortgages such as Murabaha
- Down payments for farm land for sale in UAE typically run 40 to 50 percent
Make an offer and sign the sales agreement
Once you find the right property, the legal commitment starts.
- Negotiate the price based on market value and asset condition
- Sign the Memorandum of Understanding (Form F in Dubai) or the equivalent sales contract in other emirates
- The deposit is usually 10 percent of the sale price, held by the broker or trustee
- Agree on a transfer date that allows time for municipality clearances
Obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC)
For farms, NOCs are required and may involve multiple authorities.
Before transfer, you need clearance from:
- The municipality or environmental agency confirms that the farm usage complies with zoning laws
- Utility providers confirming all bills are paid
- The developer or master developer, if the farm sits within a managed community
- Confirmation that no outstanding service charges or legal violations exist on the land
Transfer ownership
The final step happens at the relevant authority, such as the Dubai Land Department or Abu Dhabi Municipality.
This is the official transfer. You will:
- Pay transfer fees (typically 2 to 4 percent depending on the emirate) and agency fees (usually 2 percent)
- Receive the title deed proving ownership of the land and all assets
- Get keys to gates, pump rooms, and accommodations as the legal owner
How to get a UAE investor visa when you buy an agriculture farm for sale
Buying a farm might qualify you for residency if the property includes a residential component and meets valuation requirements. Pure agriculture land for sale in UAE might not qualify for standard residential visas, so verify specific emirate immigration rules.
Key requirements
- Minimum property value of AED 750,000 for a two-year visa
- For a 10-year Golden Visa, the property must be worth AED 2 million or more
- Property must be completed and usually residential in nature
- Property must be in a freehold area, which limits most farm purchases for expats
Visa types based on investment
A two-year property investor visa requires a minimum investment of AED 750,000. It renews every two years, allows spouse and children sponsorship, and is issued by DLD (Taskeen) or the relevant emirate authority.
A 10-year Golden Visa requires a minimum property value of AED 2 million. It can include mortgaged properties with specific equity requirements.
Documents required
- Title deed
- Passport and visa copy
- Proof of investment
- Good conduct certificate
- Medical test and Emirates ID processing
How to get a mortgage in the UAE
Financing an agricultural farm for sale is specialized. Banks may classify it as commercial or land finance.
Who can apply for a mortgage in the UAE
- Expats can get mortgages, but for commercial farms for sale in UAE, ownership restrictions usually mean borrowers are UAE or GCC nationals
- Minimum income requirements are typically AED 15,000 or more for salaried employees
- Employment type can be salaried or self-employed
- Credit history is checked through Etihad Credit Bureau
- Age limits range from 65 to 70 years
Types of mortgages available
- Fixed-rate mortgages lock the interest for one to five years
- Variable-rate mortgages link to EIBOR
- Land or construction mortgages specifically cover buying plots or buildings.
- Islamic (Sharia-compliant) mortgages, with Murabaha common for land
Documents required to apply for a mortgage
For salaried individuals
- Passport and Emirates ID
- Salary certificate
- Bank statements from the last six months
For self-employed individuals
- Trade license
- Company financial statements from the last two years
- Personal and business bank statements
- Memorandum of Association
The mortgage process: step by step
Step 1: Mortgage pre-approval
Submit financial documents for an affordability assessment.
Step 2: Property selection
Confirm the farm has a proper title deed and qualifies for financing.
Step 3: Mortgage application submission
Submit property details to the lender.
Step 4: Property valuation
The bank assesses the farm's value, including land and assets.
Step 5: Final mortgage approval
The loan amount and terms are confirmed.
Step 6: Sign the mortgage offer
Accept the terms and conditions.
Step 7: Register the mortgage and transfer ownership
Complete registration at the Land Department or Municipality.
Key things to know before applying
- Down payments for farms and land often require up to 50 percent compared to residential homes
- Agricultural assets like crops and wells may be valued differently from built areas
- Commercial or land rates may run higher than residential rates
- A mortgage registration fee of 0.25 percent applies
Affordable areas to buy commercial farms for sale in the UAE
Fujairah
Fujairah sits on the east coast with terrain ranging from mountains to coast. Farms here cost less than in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. The soil supports mixed crops, and the area attracts weekend visitors because of cooler weather. Prices for small plots are competitive.
Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah has fertile soil and a strong agricultural output. Areas like Digdaga and Hamraniya serve as hubs for vegetable and dairy farming. RAK balances affordability and productivity with excellent road connections to other emirates.
Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain offers vast spaces at lower prices. The emirate suits livestock farming and date plantations. It provides a quiet, traditional farming environment with less commercial development.
Luxury areas to buy a farm in the UAE
Al Ain (Abu Dhabi)
Al Ain is the traditional center of UAE agriculture. Farms here are often generational estates with ancient falaj irrigation systems and mature date palms. UAE nationals prize these properties for their heritage value and luxury features. Prices reflect this premium status.
Located near Dubai's urban center, farms in these areas often become luxury desert retreats. While they maintain agricultural status, many include lavish villas, stables, and recreational facilities. They function as high-value lifestyle assets.
Al Dhaid (Sharjah)
Al Dhaid is a central oasis region known for rich water sources and productive soil. Farms here are large and well-equipped. They operate as both productive agricultural businesses and luxury family estates.
Location and transportation
Most farming areas, including Al Dhaid, Al Ain, and RAK, connect to major highways like Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Emirates Road (E611). Public transport is scarce in remote farming areas. Private vehicles are necessary.
Commute times include Al Ain to Abu Dhabi City at about 1.5 hours, Al Dhaid to Dubai at roughly 45 minutes, and RAK to Dubai at around one hour.
Pros and cons of buying a farm in the UAE
Pros of farm land for sale in UAE
- Land ownership connects you to regional traditions and creates a legacy
- Farms offer unmatched privacy for family retreats
- You can grow organic produce and raise livestock
- Land values in the UAE have generally increased over time
Cons of farm land for sale in UAE
- Maintenance costs for water (desalination), electricity, and labor run high
- Ownership is strictly limited for non-nationals in most areas
- The harsh climate requires robust climate control for crops (greenhouses) and livestock
- Farms take longer to sell than standard residential apartments
FAQs about agriculture land for sale in UAE
Can expatriates buy farms in the UAE?
Agricultural land ownership is generally restricted to UAE and GCC nationals. Expats can typically only purchase properties in designated freehold zones, which rarely include agricultural land.
What is the difference between a residential and a commercial farm?
A residential or hobby farm serves primarily as a leisure property. It often features a large villa and basic crops. A commercial farm operates as a business focused on high-yield production of crops or livestock.
Are there water usage fees for farms?
Many farms have wells, but groundwater usage is regulated. Desalination plants that treat salty well water need maintenance and electricity. If you connect to the municipal grid, standard agricultural tariff rates apply.
Can I get a Golden Visa if I buy a farm?
If the farm includes a residential property (villa) and the total value exceeds AED 2 million, you may qualify for a Golden Visa. The title deed must reflect this value, and specific rules about agricultural versus residential classification may apply.
What crops grow best in UAE farms?
Date palms are most common. With modern hydroponics, farmers successfully grow tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and leafy greens. Alfalfa (Jet) is popular for livestock feed.
Do I need a license to keep livestock?
Keeping livestock such as camels, sheep, or cows typically requires registration with the relevant municipality or food safety authority.
Is financing available for purchasing a farm?
Banks offer specific land or commercial mortgage products. The loan-to-value ratio is often lower (around 50 percent) compared to residential homes.
