Fujairah, UAE – In a remarkable achievement for the UAE’s agricultural sector, 50-year-old Emirati farmer Ahmad Al Hafiti is making waves by successfully cultivating cocoa and a variety of tropical plants. This initiative is a significant stride toward boosting the country’s food sustainability. Al Hafiti has planted over 6,000 cocoa trees, with 1,000 already sold, transforming his passion into a thriving agri-enterprise. He sources his seeds from Uganda and other countries, nurturing these tropical plants in Fujairah’s clay-rich soil and humid climate, which he believes is ideal for cocoa cultivation.
Cacao, the key ingredient for chocolate, takes about five years to mature and produce pods. Originating from the Amazon basin, cacao trees are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in tropical environments, making Fujairah an unexpected yet successful location for this crop.
From Military Service to Agricultural Innovation
A retired UAE army officer, Al Hafiti holds degrees in health care management and medical services. Despite his military career, he maintained a deep-rooted passion for agriculture. After retirement, he ventured into farming, initially focusing on rare plants.
His agricultural journey was inspired by an encounter with the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed, in 1997. Sheikh Zayed’s insights on apple cultivation ignited Al Hafiti’s desire to explore agriculture, leading him to visit nurseries worldwide during his travels.
Al Hafiti’s contributions to agriculture have earned him multiple accolades, including the title of Best Influencer in Agriculture. His work has also garnered international attention, with invitations to prestigious agricultural events, including an exhibition in Sri Lanka.
Promoting Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency
Driven by a vision of self-sufficiency, Al Hafiti emphasizes the importance of local seed production and distribution. His long-term goal is to establish an “agricultural city” focused on education, experimentation, and tourism, fostering sustainable practices and community engagement.
Beyond cocoa, Al Hafiti’s agricultural nursery, established in 2018, specializes in the cultivation of diverse tropical plants, including cashews, pistachios, jackfruit, cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom. His efforts not only contribute to the UAE’s food security but also serve as an inspiration for future generations, highlighting the vast potential of agriculture in the region.