In the arid landscape of Fujairah, where sand and rock dominate the horizon, 50-year-old Ahmad Al Hafiti has accomplished the unthinkable—he’s cultivated over 6,000 cacao trees, turning his once simple farm into a booming agri-business. Armed with seeds sourced from Uganda, Ahmad’s passion for agriculture has led him to transform a traditionally challenging environment into fertile ground for cacao cultivation, contributing to the UAE’s local food production goals.
Ahmad’s journey began as a humble experiment, driven by a curiosity about the exotic cacao plant, which is typically grown in tropical climates far from the Arabian Peninsula. Recognizing a gap in the local market and the UAE’s growing focus on sustainable food production, he imported cacao seeds from Uganda. His relentless efforts, coupled with innovative farming techniques like precision irrigation, allowed him to establish a cacao plantation that thrives in Fujairah’s desert.
The farm, once known for typical crops such as dates and tomatoes, is now a pioneer in the UAE’s budding chocolate industry. Ahmad’s cacao trees not only supply local markets but also provide raw materials for artisanal chocolate producers across the UAE. The success of his farm has piqued the interest of regional agricultural experts, who are studying his methods to replicate the model in other parts of the Emirates.
Ahmad’s cacao farm is a shining example of how local farmers can diversify crops, boost food security, and enhance self-sufficiency in the UAE. His venture represents a shift towards sustainable farming and proves that with the right determination and modern agricultural practices, even the most unexpected crops can flourish in the UAE’s unique climate. For Ahmad, it’s more than just business; it’s a labor of love that has grown into a legacy, one cacao bean at a time.