Abu Dhabi outlines four farm rules: tenants risk losing plots for violations
Four Key Obligations for Farm Tenants
Tenants must prepare their farms and begin the permitted activity within the timeframe specified in their lease agreement. They are required to keep a minimum number of livestock appropriate to the size of their plot. They must also respect the exact dimensions and boundaries stated in the contract. Finally, they are obliged to maintain cleanliness by disposing of waste only at officially approved sites.
The department stressed that the minimum livestock requirement applies when leases are renewed, and tenants must fully understand their duties in managing the enclosures.
Penalties and Consequences for Non-Compliance
Failure to meet any of these conditions may lead the municipality to reclaim the plot without providing advance notice. DMT also reminded tenants to abide by Abu Dhabi’s laws, customs and traditions when using the Izab. Tenants must respect neighbours’ privacy, avoid causing disturbances, and always stay within the boundaries and dimensions listed in their lease, including the assigned reference number.
Cleanliness and End-of-Lease Obligations
The department emphasised that farms and surrounding areas must be kept clean and their general appearance maintained. Waste must be transported to approved disposal sites. When a lease expires or is not renewed, tenants are required to remove all structures, facilities, fences, equipment and any other waste from the land. They must restore the plot to its original condition before the lease started, unless the municipality approves keeping some additions or structures.
Merging Adjacent Enclosures
The department clarified that municipalities may allow a tenant to merge neighbouring livestock enclosures that they also rent, provided there are no planning restrictions. In such cases, a single lease agreement is issued for the combined plot. The municipality retains the right to reverse the merger and revert to the original arrangement if necessary.
DMT urged tenants to follow the regulations to protect land resources, maintain cleanliness and avoid penalties or losing their enclosures.
