Harvesting potential: unveiling urban agriculture trends in Abu Dhabi’s cityscape

Urban agriculture has long been woven into the fabric of city life, recently garnering increasing interest across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a multifaceted tool for economic growth and food security. Despite its importance, documentation and mapping of urban agriculture in the GCC–especially in Abu Dhabi–are limited. This study maps 170,000 hectares in Abu Dhabi, analyzing urban agriculture’s evolution across four growth periods: Inception (1967–1975), Dispersion (1975–2007), Redemption (2007–2015), and Back to Dispersion (post-2015). These periods highlight changes in urban agriculture in sync with the city’s development. The findings indicate that urban agriculture–primarily informal and on public land–accounts for about 0.25% of Abu Dhabi’s land use. The study uncovers 1,214 undocumented sites and 825 vacant plots, showing considerable expansion potential. Most of these areas are streetscapes governed by authorities, often limiting resident access. A noted decline in urban agriculture in newer neighborhoods underscores the need for formal policies. The research suggests substantial opportunities within Abu Dhabi’s 21 districts for improving home-based food gardens and community food independence. It calls for informed land-use policies and leveraging local urban agriculture expertise. The study, encompassing different growth periods, offers a comprehensive view of urban agriculture’s role and challenges amidst Abu Dhabi’s evolving urban landscape, emphasising the need for strategic development and support.