There are a number of small islands in the Arabian Gulf which are territories
of the U.A.E., the majority close to the mainland but a few dotted further
out, the most distant of which is Das, located some 110 kms north of Ruwais.
Although there are distinct physiographic zones, their boundaries are indistinct,
hence the following divisions are generalized. A part from the mountains,
the landscape is dominated by geologically recent overlying limestone sediments
plus marls, shale deposits and evaporations. Folded sediments occasionally
protrude through the sands as isolated Jebels, or hills, such as Hafit
and Hawarah. Present-day scenery ils, such as Hafit
and Hawarah. Present-day scenery is a relict of Pleistocene and post-Pleistocene
times, when the climate was wetter and the alluvial fans of the east were
created. Increasing aridity since then, plus some uplift have led to riverine
cutting of wadi sediments and the formation of coastal salt flats.
Between Qatar and Dubai there are large areas of recently-formed saline flats (sabkha), extending inland for up to 30 kms. These are bounded at the tidal zone by a very narrow raised beachline of calcareous sand, and on the inland side by a low escarpment of Tertiary rocks. The sabkha is most extensive in the far west where it is barely above present high tide level, and after prolonged rain it may remain inundated for several weeks. In late February and March 1988 several dozen square kms were flooded up to a depth of 50 cms east and west of Tarif. The true sabkha with its impermeable substrata and evaporitic crust of gypsums, anhydrites and calcites, supports no vegetation except subsurface algae. After the floodwater have evaporated, the surface is crusted with an unbroken layer of dazzling crystaline salt. Eroded flat-er of dazzling crystaline salt. Eroded flat-topped limestone and sandstone outcrops are a feature of this bleak landscape; these of ten from raised areas extending to the coast and thus effectively separate the slat flats. Two such barriers exist at Al Hamra and at Al Marfa.
The Abu Dhabi region consists of a drowned coastline with a high number of inshore islands, some of them only true islands at high tide. North of the federal capital the coast gradually becomes more clearly-defined and open with a beach barrier directly facing the prevailing northwesterly winds. The creeks and lagoons of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Umm al Quwain are interspersed with small sabkhas, some of them with a thin covering of wind-blown sand. Southwest of Ras al Khaimah the coastline is a little higher but still indented with lagoons and minor promontories, as at Jazirat al Hamrah. The lagoon at Ras al Khaimah town is now partly infilled and the surrounding coastline is raised and capable of supporting some vegetation.
Inland from the coast the land rises very gradually in a series of shallow graded slopes to a maximum height of about 100m. Generally the elevation is much lower, the coastal highway rarely riases above 30m except in Ras al Khaimah.
In the far west the landscape is very flat and monotonous apart from the few flat-topped bluffs, and the region between the border post at Al Sila and Jebel Dhanna is dominated by the extremely low-lyil Dhanna is dominated by the extremely low-lying Sabkha Matti which extneds from the coast to some 100 kms inland. Further east the landscape is more undulating around Al Marfa and Tarif, and the from there on to Abu Dhabi a low escarpment is generally visible inland beyond the sabkha. Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai the slope inland is imperceptible except for the presence of small stabilized dunes. Fossil dunes are a feature north of Sharjah, but beyound Ras al Khaimah the coastal plain becomes more and more constricted by the curve of the mountain belt which reaches to the sea at Ash Sha'm and which provides a physical boundary between the U.A.E. and the northern tip of Oman.
The East coast, from Khor Kalba in the south to Dibba in the north,
consists of a very narrow plain dividing the shoreline from the mountains
which extend rocky spurs to the sea. This coastal plain is up to 6 kms
wide in the south but narrower further north apart from the wide alluvial
Dibba plain. The highest of the coastal peaks is Jebel Jabsah, northwest
of Fujeirah town, at 881 m. There are no permanent streams along the coast
but at Fujeirah and Dibba wide seasonal wadis debouch into the sea. There
are major bays at Khor Fakkan and Dibba, both of which are being developed
into modern harbors. Around Khor Kalba and Fujeirah there is some saline
marshland but further north the coast is rocky. Significant passes through
the mountains occur only at Fujeirah (Wadi He mountains occur only at Fujeirah (Wadi Ham) and at Dibba.
The central desert region extends north beyond Falaj Al Moalla where it is dissected by Wadi Lamah. The sands remain fairly well demarcated between the coastal oolitics and the inland aeolian, and in the northern Emirates the gravel depressions largely disappear. The landscape is gently undulating, lacking in surface water, and there are few large outcrops apart from the Jebel Fairya group between Madam and Dhaid.
There is greater vegetation cover than on the western dune plains, especially
further north. In particularly wet winter rainy seasons there can be a
high incidence of annuals and new grass growth may be very extensive. Remnants
of Acacia forest occur betwen Shwayb and Al Hair, and inland of Jebel Ali,
but the stands are becoming more scattered and individual trees are often
in poor condition.
Around Khatt and Digdaga the Jiri Plain is fertile with a high concentration
of sands and silts in the alluvium. Combined with a high water table this
results in a fairly dnse vegetation cover. Further south the Dhaid, Gharif,
Madam and Al Ain Plains also constitute the major agricultural regions
of the country, though in each case a caliche horizon exists below the
gravels which with recent water drawoff is beginning to hve a serious effect
on permeability. small sections of the Fujeirah coast also fall into this
category. Around Al Ain the plains have a depleted vegetation cover and
surface erosion is greater. The Jaww Plain, between Jebel Hafit and the
Wadi Jizzi, is being extensively quarried and this has already led to surface
degradation as fragile layers are broken up and blown away contributing
towards a dust bowl effect.
Although geologically and physically separated from this main range, there are two other notable outcrops. Jebel Hafit, just south of Al Ain, is a 10km. long foreland anticiline of late Miocene date overlain with a limestone mantle, peaking at 1180m. It is surrounded by alluvial detritus scored by numerous dry wadi systems, the eastern ones merging into the Jaww Plain and the western ones losing themselves in the red dunes either side of Ain al Faidah. Oligocene reefs extend northwards into the suburbs of A extend northwards into the suburbs of Al Ain.
Further north, between Madam and Dhaid, lie Jebels Faiya and Mileiha,
peaking at 421m, and 394m respectively. These are Cretaceous in origin
and huge sand deposits have built up on their eastern flanks. Like Jebel
Hafit, the limestone mantles of these outcrops contain a highly varied
suite of marine fossils.
| February | Dubai | Sharjah | Ras al Khaimah | Abu Dhabi |
| 14th | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 5.0 |
| 15th | 5.5 | 4.0 | 0.9 | 3.0 |
| 16h | 7.5 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 17.0 |
| 16h | 7.5 | 6.0 | 3.0 | 17.0 |
| 17th | 150.2 | 116.0 | 75.0 | 31.4 |
| 18th | 0 | trace | 0.1 | 0 |
| 19th | trace | trace | 0.1 | 119.9 |
At Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi the following annual totals were recorded over a four year period:
1982 ---- 195.2
1982 ----- 97.7
1984 ---- 24.5
1985 ----- 2.4
The annual average at Bateen based on records over 20 years is around 45mm. At Bateen the combined total for the 5 year period 1977-1981 was only 151.9mm. The total rainfall there for 1981 was 36.4 mm, of which 26.3 mm fell in one night in May.
The northern Emirates traditionally receive more rainfall. The long term average at Sharjah (where records go back to the 1930s) is 95.8mm annually and for parts of Fujeirah it is over 150mm. Records from Al Ain display a similar erratic pattern. Average annual rainfall there for the period 1966-1979 was 77.6mm; 1972 received 272.5 display a similar erratic pattern. Average annual rainfall there for the period 1966-1979 was 77.6mm; 1972 received 272.5mm. but 1967 only 14.8mm. Enormous damage may be caused by heavy winter and spring storms, not only to property but also to vegetation. On March 19th 1987 Shwayb dam in the Madam valley burst and floodwater spilled into the desert to the north and east over several square kilometres, destroying all Acacia tortilis and Calotropis procera trees in its path and leveling the dunes. A vast tract of Hammada elegans and Calligonum comosum shrubs disappeared entirely.
Most precipitation occurs between December and April, though inland the odd summer shower along the mountainous border with Oman is nt uncommon. Shwayb recorded at least two such showers in July and August 1984, for example, but no rain was recorded at Al Hair some 15 km south. The temporary freshening effect of summer showers is soon dissipated by heat and evaporation, but such rainfall is important for the germination of some species, such as Tribulus. Winter and spring rains are of the cold front type; although essential for aquifer recharge and to dampen the soil surface, the main catalyst for germination of ephemerals would appear to be rise in mean temperature, which may not occur until several weeks after the most recent rainfall.
Absolute maximum temperatures rise to 49°C on the Arabian Gulf coast in July, and a degree or two higher inland. In January temperatures can be as low as 5°Canuary temperatures can be as low as 5°C, though this is rare on the coast because of the moderating influence of the sea. The Maximum for Abu Dhabi in July is 40.1°C and the mean minimum daily means for the year are 32.2°C and 21.0°C respectively.
As with rainfall, there can be freak temperatures too. Between 8th and 10th July 1987 temperatures reached 52°C on the Fujeirah coast, causing extensive damage to fruit plantations there. It was estimated that 80% of the region's crops of lemons, 60% of guavas, 40% of dates and 30% of oranges and mandarins were totally ruined. The mangroves at Khor Kalba were badly scorched for the first time in living memory.
Mean annual relative humidity is over 60% for Abu Dhabi, with winter months generally over 70%. Diurnal means display great variability. Foggy days, i.e. with rising sand, are recorded in all months. In March 1983 five such days were recorded at the new Abu Dhabi Airport (visibility less than 1000m), but in April that year only one. In summer there is a high incidence of suspended dust throughout the country brought by the prevailing wind from the head of the Arabian Gulf. The dust haze remains in circulation because of the barrier effect of the Hajjar Mountains. Visibility is less than 8000m for half the summer; August 1984 witnessed 26 days of restricted visibility at the new Abu Dhabi Airport.
Local fogs are frequent in the early hours of the morningare frequent in the early hours of the morning inland of the sabkhas. the radiative cooling effect around Al-Dafrah, south of Abu Dhabi, causes moist air in the that region brought in by afternoon sea breezes to condense and form fog. Cold air valleys between the dunes enhance this surface condensation effect and dense fogs may result which can penetrate to the coast. As solar radiation is weak in winter, it takes some time to 'burn off' this fog. Advective fogs also occur, when air of high dew point over the se moves landwards where it is forced to rise over the cooler and denser desert air. Such fog blankets may extend inland for up to 100kms.
Dew fall is the only fairly regular source of moisture for plants, since fogs and rains are mostly restricted to the winter and spring months. Dew does not occur every night, but it is a feature of a large number of nights each month, and in the summer constitutes the only source of surface moisture over much of the desert. Little data has been collected within the U.A.E., but the results of experiments conducted by a Royal Geographical Society team in the Wahiba Sands south of Muscat in Oman in early 1986 indicate that dew fall is a most important contributor of surface moisture.
The persistent summer wind is the northwest 'shamal,' which occurs as
a result of two circulating pressure centers, a low one over Iran Afghanistan
and a high one over Saudi Arabia. The Gulf in between acts as a coi Arabia. The Gulf in between acts as a conducit
for enhanced winds from surface level up to 5000 feet, and it is this force
which brings so much dust haze into the country. The winds generally drop
during the night. In the winter winds are more variable but velocities
are raised during storms caused by low pressure and passing jet streams.
Gusts of up to 120 kph were recorded in Abu Dhbai on 27th Mach 1987. Mean
daily sunshine for the year is 10.3 hours at the new Abu Dhabi Airport
(1985 figures) with a maximum daily mean of 11.4 hours in June and a daily
mean of 8.4 hours in January.
Apart from a few permanent wadis in near-inaccessible areas, and the surface water channels in oases ('falaj'), there is no lasting source of surface water present. The major dams rapidly fill in very wet rainy seasons, as in the spring of 1983 and 1988, but in the mid-1980s all dams were completely dry. We have seen that rainfall is erratic from year to year and, given the rate of artificial draw off is not sufficient to replenish aquifers sufficiently. The nature of surface soils, often with an impermeable subsurface, accounts for fast runoff and the formation of saline pools in depressions.
Temperature apart, winter and spring rains are the most important factor n determining the density of germination for many annuals. This was evident from the vast numbers of seedlings throughout the country in the spring of 1982 and 1988. 1983 also experienced a wet spring but the germination rate was far less pronounced than in the previous year, perhaps because of some conservation limiting factor in the species themselves. Certainly 1984, with its dry spring, witnessed only a small proportion of seedlings despite the quantities of fruit produced int he previous two years.
Whereas in 1982 whole areas of the northern Emirates were covered with young Arnebia hispidissima plants, this species was extremely scarce in following years until the spely scarce in following years until the spring of 1988. In contrast, the seedlings of some perennials, especially woody halophytes such as Zygophyllum and Salsola species, are able to become fully established in very wet seasons provided they are not flooded. These species, amongst others, colonized large areas of sabkha margins between Abu Dhabi and Suweyhan in the early 1980s.
Rainfall on dunes infiltrates to various depths depending on the intensity and period of precipitation. After brief summer storms the sandy hollows between dunes can be damp to a depth of up to 20 cms though at that time of year the dune surfaces dry out fast. Because the depth of wet sand is less after summer showers, and temperatures are high, a crust forms on the dune sands which dries and tends to slip down the dunes and breaks up. This occurs to a lesser extent after winter and spring rains, but th overall wet depth then may be much deeper. The overlying crust insulates this damp layer, providing continued moisture for seedlings. It is noticeable that in sand areas, the bulk of successful germination is at the dune bases and intervening hollows, precisely the areas where date palm cultivation occurs in Al Liwa.
The alluvial fans mostly contain sufficient subsurface water to sustain growth of trees and other large perennials. This is true of apparently dry mountain wadis too. Very large Ficus salicifolia and Zizyphus spina>Ficus salicifolia and Zizyphus spina-christi trees are a feature of such wadis.
Relatively fresh water also accumulates beneath the dunes along the coasts, sufficient in the past for the establishment of urban communities, including the major towns of the Arabian Gulf littoral. Fresh water is less dense than sea water and forms a lens which if undisturbed by draw off can maintain hydrostatic pressure. This factor helps to explain the density of desert vegetation along the coast north of the Abu Dhabi sabkhas and the fact that trees can be successfully planted in coastal cities.
Apart from irrigation, the only other form of moisture available for
plants is dew and night fog. Although neither of these contributes to water
storage in the soil they are important for shallow and lateral-rooting
species. Throughout the year there is a high incidence of dews and fogs
in open desert areas particularly which contribute a significant amount
of moisture despite rapid evaporation after sunrise. The amount of dew
deposited varies with the height and topography of the surface but little
data is available from the U.A.E. .Results from the Royal Geographical
Society's Wahiba Sands Project in Oman indicate daily average catches at
a variety of dune sites in March 1986 to be up to 2g of dew per night (equivalent
to 0.5mm of rainfall). Major variations affecting the catch were height
above ground level and degree of exposure, but dewfall level and degree of exposure, but dewfall is the only regular
source of water throughout the year.
The are usually in close proximity.
The gravel plains around Al Ain, Madam, Dhaid and Khatt are partly sand-covered to a shallow depth. The gravel layer itself is often thin and may overlie a horizon of loamy calcium which is low in nutrients, phosphorus in particular being unavailable in natural form. Continuous irrigation leads to a leaching and the development of salinity at higher levels, affecting all vegetation. Further East are alluvial soils with a high lime content. Soils here are often deep though not well consolidated and despite the frequency of Acacias, the number of perennial species tends to be limited. The mountain soils are often rich but shallow because of extensive runoff, though in places terraces have been built in the past to create and preserve silt deposits suitable for cultivation. The cracks and crannies present on all mountain slopes however still contain a large number of perennials even to the summits, and they also support the widest variety of ephemerals of any physiographic zone in the country.
In general, biological activity in local soils is very low, and only some three per cent of the whole country is naturally suitable for arable farming. At present, large scale attempts to level some dune areas by means of bulldozers and then to create farms with a supply of water and imported fertilizers are proving successful. Wind erosion in such areas is a problem partly solved by means of shelter belts burtly solved by means of shelter belts but elsewhere severe surface breakdown is a standard feature of the landscape, particularly where sand cover is minimal. This erosion is not new; it has taken thousands of years of diurnal contraction and expansion, high winds, the presence of hydrated salts and a scarcity of plants of produce today's landscape. In the western dune regions trees in the natural state are non-existent, and here the soils are most skeletal. Further north vegetation cover gradually builds up but there is always space between plants throughout the central plains. The relict nature of now-stunted forests of Prosopis and Acacia in the center of the country suggests that overuse of timber resources combined with more recent lower rainfall levels has helped to desertify the region. It has been suggested that the processing of copper ore on a large scale in the third millennium BC and again in the tenth and twelfth centuries of copper ore on a large scale in the third millennium BC and again in the tenth and twelfth centuries AD in the hills east of Al Ain and around Hatta, has contributed directly to the loss of tree cover and consequent degradation of soils. Once perennials have disappeared on a large scale the soil is rapidly broken down by erosion, and only a period of wetter climate can reverse this trend.
The only soils that tend to develop in the flat surface of a desert
environment are fine-grained silts, the reenvironment are fine-grained silts, the result of rainwater runoff collecting
in large pools. Initial absorption of water is high, but the clay particles
swell and the soil rapidly seals into a pan. The surface water is then
evaporated, resulting in a precipitation of salts and attendant problems.
There is a wide scale attempt to create forests in some of the most arid parts of the country which, though is very unlikely to have any real effect on the overall climate, will increase the range of micro-habitats. The main benefits of such projects, though, is in the provision of shelter belts and stabilization of dunes, thus reducing but not wholly preventing the effects of desert encroachment.
At present the hinterland is a large area, only partially exploited. In the past a significant amount of land was used for nomadic herding, but these traditional range lands are now less affected as the local populations are settled into rural communities. The immediate vicinity of the new villages tend to be overgrazed by sheep, goats, and camels, but further out there are signs of some regeneration in one or two areas. An indicator of degradedn one or two areas. An indicator of degraded range land is the dominant presence of Cornulaca monacantha over much of inland Umm al Quwain and Ras al Khaimah.
Camels still roam parts of the country in numbers, however. Along the coastal lowlands perennials have restricted growth and grasses appear tough and stunted. Larger speceis are grazed as high as a camel can reach, so that Prosopis trees invariably depict an umbrella profile. Goats are adept at climbing into the lower branches of Zizphus and Acacia trees to feed, a notable feature of the Northern Emirates.
Large scale works can and do endanger fragile zones. The bridge and road scheme to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai road if and when completed, is likely to have an adverse effect on the mangroves in the lagoons on the land ward side as water levels are altered. Oil pollution has received much recent attention in the media but surveys have revealed a certain tolerance on the part of the most-threatened species, mostly Avicennia marina and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. Analysis of affected mangrove pneumatophores in 1983 and 1984 has shown that while the tissue itself is not directly contaminated, superficial oiling may be responsible for impeding the passage of oxygen. However, in some areas both dead and healthy mangroves show no sign of recent fouling by oil, and one reason for die-back could be attacks by fungus.
Until the coming of oil naturalungus.
Until the coming of oil natural resources were few in the region and so what was available was utilized. From folklore and documentary evidence it seems a large number of plants were put to a variety of uses. Calotropis procera was once a source of timber for the manufacture of charcoal; the flower heads of Aerva javanica were used for packing pillows and camel saddles; and Calligonum comosum was widely used for firewood. Several species of course were a food resource, including the mountain caper (Capparis spinosa), wild dock (Rumex vesicarius) and the fruits of Zizyphus spina-christi. In hard times the leaves of Calligonum comosum were eaten too. Other plants were, and still are, used for making dyes, among them the parasite Cynomorium coccineum.
Despite this exploitation it is unlikely that many native species will
die out completely. Very few species have such restricted niches that they
can be considered under great threat except very locally. On the contrary,
fenced-off areas have enabled many to grow far more luxuriantly than was
ever the case in the open desert.
The mosaic of habitats and associations throughout the U.A.E. represents present status only. Whether bordering the salt flats, or in mountain crevices, or among the high dunes, each habitat contains fairly distinct assoch habitat contains fairly distinct association, but this remains true only while present conditions prevail. The vegetation cover fluctuates according to a number of variables, including short-term climatic change and the influence of man's pressure upon finite and resources. A steady increase in rainfall over a number of years would very likely result in the establishment of a greater number of perennials. This was dramatically illustrated by the vast increase in the number of Zygophyllum hamiense plants in depressions along the road between Abu Dhabi Airport and Suweyhan attributable directly to the heavy winter and spring rains of 1982 and 1983. On the other hand, man's exploitation of the desert can have the opposite effect. The raking of surface soils for the construction industry has left patches of eroded and depleted desert, an increase in windborne particles and the disappearance of some species of the original vegetation. It must be said, however, that even in the most disturbed areas the resilience of some species is a tribute to nature's capacity for survival against the odds.
There is not he same distinction of seasons in the U.A.E. as a temperate climes. The transition from winter to summer is fairly rapid in terms of temperature rise and plants and seeds respond to the stimuli of increasing warmth in soil and air, and to the presence of moisture. Given that there is sufficient depth of soil there is a surge iufficient depth of soil there is a surge in growth, though this may not be luxuriant if rainfall has been minimal.
There are three basic types of vegetation able to cope with desert conditions: ephemerals, succulent perennials and woody perennials.
Ephemerals
These consist of herbaceous, non-woody species which opt out of the
most rigorous months of the year by remaining dormant as seeds. They constitute
over half of all plant species present, and have a typically short growing
and reproductive season. Roots are shallow, the mature plants small or
slender, but they do produce copious amounts of seed, much of which is
lost by various means but enough always survives to ensure the continuation
of the species. In the U.A.E. there are both winter and spring ephemerals,
but the vast majority and those making the strongest visual impression
appear as the temperatures gradually rise between February and May.
Succulent perennials
Succulence occurs when the outer leaf or stem cells enlarge so as to
increase volume for water storage. A waxy layer on the outside prevents
moisture loss as well as lending extra support for the leaf or stem. Such
plants are very common fringing the coasts, sabkha, and inland depressions.
They can usually tolerate a high level of salinity and are often fleshy
throughout the year. Many of them flower in the summer or autumn, but the
petals are generally miniscule, yellow or white
petals are generally miniscule, yellow or white, and should not be confused
with the papery fruit wings that follow on several species.
Woody perennials
Woody perennials are dominant in terms of individual size as this category
includes trees and most of the larger shrubs. Numerically, however, they
constitute the smallest type. All species in this group are tough and able
to contend with heat, wind, drought and herbivores. These plans are slow
growing with long, central root systems to tap deep aquifers. Seeds are
less numerous than is the case with other types, but tend to be individually
larger and very tough.
Desert perennials may appear to be in good condition, with little foliage and dead branches, especially in summer. One way of conserving water is to reduce the number of leaves and green parts. Growth then resumes in a more favorable season. Calligonum comosum shrubs, for example, frequently look quite lifeless apart from a few green shoots drooping from a branch. Continued browsing also affects perennials to the extent that the only leaves may be those protected within a barrier of intricate, sometimes spine scent, branches and twigs. A good example is Ficus carica in the Ruus al Jibal. A typical sight is of a once larger shrub reduced to a thickened, stunted base and short branches which are repeatedly grazed back. However, a reduction in overall surface area also means less chance of water losarea also means less chance of water loss, hence many perennials tend to be compact.
Hairs, spines and bristles give protection from direct sunlight, help to detersome herbivores, and create humid microclimates around the stem, branch or leaf which reduce the effects of radiated heat. Stomata may be protected within grooves, as with Anabasis setifera, while stems may be jointed at short intervals to provide extra support as with several succulent species. Stems and branches may also be very pliable, especially in open desert habitats where the wind factor can be considerable. The outer stems of true xerophytes are generally very woody, while the inner cells continue to function normally.
Leaf size and shape are very variable. Some halophytic species produce fleshy, globular leaves in which the outer cells expand to increase water storage. Such leaves are usually glossy with a waxy surface designed to reduce moisture loss. Leaves may be small or virtually absent; in such species photosynthesis is conducted by the green stem and branches. Basal leaves are usually largest, as they benefit from the protection and shade provided by the plant rising and spreading above. Hairs and warts break up the leaf surface while the undersides are sometimes much lighter in color to reduce the amount of heat reflected from the ground.
The presence or absence of conspicuous flowers is largely determined by the method of pollinationgely determined by the method of pollination adopted. Some ephemerals tend to produce large, colorful flowers to attract insects over a relatively short period. Wind pollinated species, however, tend to carry smaller but often numerous flowers. Fruits also display a wide variety of size and shape. Ephemerals tend to produce numerous small seeds, the idea being that some are bound to survive, while those of woody perennials are generally fewer but larger, sometimes with hairs to aid dispersal by birds and animals. Many seed types have hard shells resistant to high temperatures, the abrasive effects of flying sand and some even the digestive systems of rodents.
Ephemerality is one major functional adaptation that has already been commented upon. Another concerns photosynthesis. The necessity for this process to continue to be conducted during the hottest months in an arid environment places constraints on a plant's ability to withstand moisture loss. A method evolved to bypass this problem is to delay chemical exchange so that it can take place during the cooler, more humid night-time. This means the stomata do not have to open during the day. This applies to species as diverse as Portulaca oleracea, Aizoon canariense, Citrullus colocynthis and several grasses. The build-up of water during the night is also one reason why so many desert animals are nocturnal grazers. Several species of plant are partly deciduous in summer to minimiare partly deciduous in summer to minimize active photosynthesis while still ensuring survival. Others have evolved mechanisms to protect leaves from excessive heat by folding, curling or rolling up to present the smallest possible surface area to the sun; others. Such as members of the Apocynaceae family, may die back from the tip.
Some halophytes, notably Limonium and Tamarix species, are able to excrete salts inconcentrated form. It is possible to see the glistening white crystals on stems and leaves, especially in summer.
Close examination of plants can usually give a clue to some of these
adaptations. Species have evolved not just one, but a number of mechanisms
to ensure the best chances of survival. Water remains a limiting factor,
however, as seen in a comparison between crop plantations and the natural
vegetation. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) grows prolifically and can
be cut regularly if the crop is continually irrigated, and such fields
are very sharply demarcated against the visually sparse desert. However,
adaptations have resulted in the concept of the ecological niche, so that
opportunism and flexibility thrive in unstable conditions.
Since high temperatures, low rainfall and salinity levels are vital factors in the UAE environment, natural species tend to fall under the following calssification:
Given these consurvive is a feature of desert plants.
Given these constraints, the vegetation of the U.A.E. is fairly rich, running into several hundred individual species. There is a high number of distinct habitats, each of which contains a range of species known as a plant association. Knowledge of habitat, therefore, can help in the identification of major species. As these habitats are related to the country's physiography, the following groups of associations conform very approximately to the geographical divisions given earlier. It must be stressed that this is only a general description and that innumerable micro-habitats also exist.
The UAE has a long tradition of agriculture in its oases where crops have been grown for 5000 years. Underground water was channeled to palm groves and small fields and the technique is still used today. Since the formation of the UAE in 1971, this small scale traditional farming has been complemented by investment that has seen thousands of hectares being cultivated.
In the past 25 years, the country's population has increased ten-fold and agricultural production has kept pace with this growth. The country is self-sufficient in salad crops and poultry for much of the year. Some produce even exported to markets in Europe. Most of the UAE's agricultural production comes from four areas: from in and around Al Ain, from a narrow but fertile strip along the east coast, from the oasis of Dhaid east of Sharjah and from thoasis of Dhaid east of Sharjah and from the gravel plains in Ras al Khaimah.
According to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, agricultural production stands at over 2 billion dirhams per year. An average crop season yields over 600,000 tons of crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, cabbage and animal feed.
Studies have shown that much of the country's soil can be cultivated provided there is water and as a result, there has been an extensive program to drill water wells. The the government will prepare land for local farmers which they are then given free along with seeds, machinery and advice on pest control.
There is also government-funded research on different crops to see how they adapt to the local climate.
In an attempt to conserve and use as much water as possible in as many ways as possible, the government has embarked on a three-part program designed to make the most advantageous use of this scarce resource.
First, farmers are given advice on how to reduce their consumption of water, mainly through trickle irrigation. Desalinated water as well as recycled and purified sewage effluent is used.
Second, with the help of the United States Geological Survey, the government is searching for new aquifers and monitoring current rates of extraction.
Third and last, to prevent the waste of valuable rainwater, retention dams have been constructed in many areas. T retention dams have been constructed in many areas. These store the water until it can be used for irrigation. Tens of millions of gallons of rainwater are being retained by the dams already built throughout the Emirates.
In the long run, of course, it is realized that desalinated water will provide the bulk of agricultural water.
The presence of trees and gardens in the UAE is always noticed and commented upon by visitors. Over 10 million trees have been planted plus more than 18 million palm trees. In all the cities and towns of the UAE, there have been beautification campaigns with the creation of parks and gardens for the local people. Any householder, even those in flats, can get free plants from the Municipality under a program that distributes thousands of plants annually. Besides the greening of the cities and towns there has also been a massive program in the desert and it is here that most of the trees have been planted. Flying over the desert, one now sees great patches of green where formerly there was only sand. All kinds of arid region plants, both local and imported, have been planted and as they grow to maturity, their roots reach down to the natural water supply.
When this happens, they will be able to survive with little care and attention. The face of the land and the environment have been changed drastically. Wildlife flourishes as do native plants and animals.
The UAE was never purely and simply a desert.
The UAE was never purely and simply a desert. Today it has become a place where greenery can be seen in both urban and rural areas. Twenty years of dedicated commitment have made the point that the process of desertification is reversible. And given time and money, that is exactly what has happened and is continuing to happen.
Taxonomy Section: This section Head qualified (M. Sc.) in the U.K. and has had experience with Middle East Flora. He worked in a number of countries of the Middle East and has links with the Royal Botanical Gardens in Britain. This section contains the National Herbarium Museum in which the collected plants are identified and deposited.
Phytochemistry Section: This section is headed by a qualified phytochemist (Ph.D.). He has solid background in this field. After getting his doctoral training in the United Kingdom, he persued a line of research in the field of medicinal plant chemistry. A M. SC. phytochemist and a B. SC technician assist him.
Facilities in Phytochemistry Laboratory
Soxhlet extractors
Chromatography systems (Column, then layers, etc..)
Lyophclizer
Rotary evaporators
Medium pressure liquid chromatograph
High pressure liquid chromatograph
Ovens
Cold room
Analytical balances
Centrifuges
Pharmacology SecAnalytical balances
Centrifuges
Pharmacology Section: This is staffed by several qualified pharmacologists, by a Ph.D. who, after obtaining doctoral training in U.S.A. or U.K., followed an academic career. They have wide experience in the field of pharmacology.
The Department of Pharmacology, FMHS and DMERC have taken active part
in the screening of local herbs at the request of the Herbal Center in
Abu Dhabi. Various herbal medicines were screened for antibacterial, anti-fungal
and anti-inflammatory activities. This section plans to further investigate
the antidiabetic properties of two locally used herbal remedies in hospital
patients as well as one locally growing plant for antibacterial/anti-fungal
activities in skin infections. Staff in this section include 4 Ph.D. and
2 technicians, with plants to increase technical support.
Mass spectrometer (JEOL AX500). The system is equipped with various ionization modes and sample administration, e.g. it is supplied with a gas chromatograph, direct insertion probe, field description and fast atomic bombardment facilities. The system is dually supplied with E1 and C1. Being a molecular system, more accessories are expected to be provided.
High performance liquid chromatograph (Ogawal Seiki, Japan) with U.V. detector and integrator.
Ultracentrifh U.V. detector and integrator.
Ultracentrifuge (Beckman L7).
Animal house: A modern facility of laboratory animals breeding supplies
the Unit and the University at large with laboratory animals. Rats (Wistar),
mice (TO) guinea pigs (D. H.) and rabbits (local, Albino) are successfully
bred.
More indigenous plants will be screened for their antidiabetic effects. The FMHS will test extracts of some of these plants for clinical efficacy in patients.
Evaluation of some plants grown in U.A.E. for their antibacterial activity: Many plants were extracted using different solvents and were tested in a classical manner against antibacterial activity. Two plants proved to be very effective and the active ingredients were separated, purified and chemical structure elucidated.
It should be mentioned that the Ministry of Health requested the unit together with School of Medicine to investigate further this research project under its funding. Fate further this research project under its funding. Further plants were already screened and will be subjected for further detailed investigations.
Evaluation of some plants grown in U.A.E. for anti-inflammatory activity: More than 30 plants (ethanol extracts) were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity by classical methods. Some proved to be extremely promising and were further investigated. This included separation and purification of active ingredients. Toxicological evaluation and exploration of the mechanism of action will follow. Anti-inflammatory agents are of particular interest in the medical field since they are commonly used for long periods. In addition, all have severe adverse reactions. Newly discovered drugs will, therefore, be a great contribution in this field especially if they are devoid of the known adverse reactions.
Evaluation of certain medicinal plants grown in U.A.E. for their activity on the gastrointestinal tract: This research project submitted for the University Research Council for funding and is expected to commence soon. Preliminary studies with plants in this area, namely, spasmolytic effects and protection against gastric and duodenal ulcers prompted this research project. In addition choleretic effects of plants will also be investigated.
It should be stated that any plant, which shows potent activity on any one system, would be subjected to further in-depth studies, which will include: rther in-depth studies, which will include:
Isolation and purification of active components
Detailed pharmacological studies (all systems)
Detailed toxicological studies
Structure elucidation
Establishment of mechanism of action.
| Agricultural land Usage | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Shifting Area | Green Houses | Crops & Vegetables. | Fruits | Total | Waste | Buildings | Total Area | No of Holdings | Region | |||||||||
| 394589 | 42752 | 921 | 131983 | 218933 | 44244 | 35014 | 9230 | 438833 | 7995 | Abu Dhabi | |||||||||
| 143732 | 41866 | 282 | 48765 | 52819 | 8849 | 3093 | 5756 | 152581 | N=TOP>143732 | 41866 | 282 | 48765 | 52819 | 8849 | 3093 | 5756 | 152581 | 5209 | Centeral |
| 89760 | 24039 | 371 | 41437 | 23913 | 2547 | 1749 | 798 | 92307 | 2973 | Northern | |||||||||
| 56322 | 10135 | 112 | 14114 | 31961 | 1681 | 699 | 982 | 58003 | 5523 | Eastern | |||||||||
| 684403 | 118792 | 1686 | 236299 | 327626 | 57321 | 40555 | 16766 | 741724 | 21700 | Total | |||||||||
No. of Holdings, Total Area, Cultivated & Uncultivated area by donum according to size of holding by region for 1995
| Region | Item | Less than 1 | 1-10 | 10-20 | 20-30 | 30-50 | Over 50 | Total | |||||
| ABU DHABI | No. of hoALIGN=CENTER>30-50 | Over 50 | Total | ||||||||||
| ABU DHABI | No. of holdings | 76 | 1897 | 2423 | 1259 | 1663 | 677 | 7995 | |||||
| Total area | 12 | 17551 | 40089 | 32374 | 74628 | 274179 | 438833 | ||||||
| Cultivated area | 12 | 17231 | 38449 | 31004 | 71464 | 236429 | 394589 | ||||||
| Uncultivated area | 320 | 1640 | 1370 | 3164 | 37750 | 44244 | |||||||
| CENTRAL | No. of holdings | 35 | 1072 | 868 | 1695 | LIGN=CENTER>No. of holdings | 35 | 1072 | 868 | 1695 | 938 | 601 | 5209 |
| Total area | 17 | 5385 | 12716 | 39623 | 37003 | 57837 | 152581 | ||||||
| Cultivated Area | 8 | 4834 | 11730 | 37456 | 35059 | 54645 | 143732 | ||||||
| Uncultivated area | 9 | 551 | 986 | 2167 | 1944 | 3192 | 8849 | ||||||
| NORTHERN | No. of holdings | 81 | 1511 | 486 | 242 | 231 | 422 | 2973 | |||||
| Total Area | TD ALIGN=CENTER>231422 | 2973 | |||||||||||
| Total Area | 49 | 6088 | 6981 | 5851 | 8891 | 64447 | 92307 | ||||||
| Cultivated Area | 48 | 5985 | 6775 | 5680 | 8678 | 62594 | 89760 | ||||||
| Uncultivated area | 1 | 103 | 206 | 171 | 213 | 1853 | 2547 | ||||||
| EASTERN | No. of holdings | 646 | 3453 | 862 | 262 | 188 | 112 | 5523 | |||||
| Total area | 310 | 14473 | 13833 | 6805 | 7749 | 310 | 14473 | 13833 | 6805 | 7749 | 14833 | 58003 | |
| Cultivated area | 300 | 13980 | 13499 | 6695 | 7526 | 14322 | 56322 | ||||||
| Uncultivated area | 10 | 493 | 334 | 110 | 223 | 511 | 1681 | ||||||
| TOTAL | No. of Holdings | 838 | 7930 | 4641 | 3457 | 3023 | 1811 | 21700 | |||||
| Total area | 388 | 43348 | 73720 | 84603 | 128420 | 411246 | 741725 | ||||||
| Cultivated area | 411246 | 741725 | |||||||||||
| Cultivated area | 368 | 41870 | 70549 | 80801 | 122875 | 367941 | 684404 | ||||||
| Uncultivated area | 20 | 1478 | 3171 | 3802 | 5545 | 43305 | 57321 |
Vegetable area, Production and Value in the U.A.E. for 1995
| Type | Value | Ton/Dirham | Quantity | Area |
| Tomato | 730663 | 1650 | 442826 |
|
| Egg plant | 60013 | 1150 | 52185 |
|
| Okra | 3531 | 3150 | 9980 | |
| Okra | 3531 | 3150 | 1121 |
|
| Bean | 5514 | 3748 | 1471 |
|
| Cow Pea | 1690 | 2850 | 593 |
|
| Jews mallow | 41429 | 1700 | 24370 |
|
| Chard | 19060 | 750 | 25413 |
|
| Squash | 43243 | 1650 | 26208 |
|
| Cucumber | 44240 | 3250 | 13612 |
|
| Cabbage | 71812 | 1200 | 59843 |
|
| Cabbage | 71812 | 1200 | 59843 |
|
| Cauliflower | 7424 | 1300 | 5711 |
|
| Potato | 7213 | 2150 | 3355 |
|
| Onion | 11950 | 1150 | 10393 |
|
| Water melon | 5810 | 1450 | 4007 |
|
| Sweet melon | 32819 | 2100 | 15628 |
|
| Lettuce | 2604 | 1550 | 1680 |
|
| Radish | 1200 | 600 | 1999 |
|
/TR>
| Radish | 1200 | 600 | 1999 |
|
| Parsley | 6040 | 1450 | 4165 |
|
| Carrot | 3368 | 1350 | 2494 |
|
| Pepper | 9220 | 1999 | 4612 |
|
| Other | 35023 | --- | 18070 |
|
| Total | 1143866 | -- | 719756 |
|
| Region | Cauliflower | Cabbage | Cucumber | Squash | Chard | Cabbage | Cucumber | Squash | Chard | Jews mallow | Cowpea | Bean | Okra | Eggplant | Tomato | |
| Abudhabi | Area | 418 | 12039 | 342 | 1331 | 1534 | 5302 | 34 | 98 | 116 | 7414 | 52281 | ||||
| Qty | 1014 | 53310 | 8723 | 1369 | 24011 | 23815 | 9 | 28 | 102 | 42662 | 413129 | |||||
| Central | Area | 425 | 521 | 1011 | 6215 | 109 | 87 | 1228 | 614 | 231 | 895 | 3496 | ||||
| Qty | 883 | 1322 | 2286 | 18614 | 242 | 145 | 255 | 1074 | 343 | 3800 | 10863 | |||||
| Northern | Area | 1523 | 1750 | 746 | 1827 | 603 | 20 | 145 | 255 | 1074 | 343 | 3800 | 10863 | |||
| Northern | Area | 1523 | 1750 | 746 | 1827 | 603 | 208 | 212 | 350 | 195 | 1097 | 2981 | ||||
| Qty | 370 | 4566 | 1813 | 6043 | 1065 | 266 | 229 | 360 | 216 | 3037 | 18283 | |||||
| Eastern | Area | 50 | 689 | 118 | 110 | 196 | 83 | 69 | 6 | 338 | 574 | 219 | ||||
| Qty | 114 | 645 | 791 | 182 | 95 | 144 | 100 | 8 | 461 | 2687 | 551 | |||||
| Total | Area | 2416 | 14999 | 2217 | 9483 | 2442 | 5680 | 1543 | 1068 | 880 | 9980 | 58977 | ||||
| Qty | 5711 | 59843 | 13613 | 26208 | 25413 | 24370 | 593 | 1470 | 1122 | 52186 | 442826 |
Vegetable Area and Production in the U.A. E. According to Regions for 1995
| Region | Total | Other | Pepper | Carrots | Parsley | Radish | Lettuce | Sweet melon | Water melon | Onion | Potatos | ||||||||||||
| Abu Dhabi | Area | 94565 | 949 | 301 | 396 | 322 | 270 | 226 | 5532 | 560 | 3469 | 1631 | |||||||||||
| Qty | 591631 | 781 | 883 | 511 | 1528 | 676 | 858 | 8455 | 902 | 5825 | 3069 | ||||||||||||
| Central | Area | 23447 | 1941 | 222 | 960 | 97 | 224 | 287 | 1267 | 1191 | 2289 | 137 | Area23447 | 1941 | 222 | 960 | 97 | 224 | 287 | 1267 | 1191 | 2289 | 137 |
| Qty | 51632 | 3605 | 395 | 580 | 147 | 510 | 171 | 2046 | 1999 | 2052 | 300 | ||||||||||||
| Northern | Area | 23989 | 5551 | 1110 | 1607 | 901 | 325 | 284 | 2016 | 197 | 498 | 8 | |||||||||||
| Qty | 65860 | 12336 | 2788 | 1301 | 2445 | 758 | 597 | 4497 | 266 | 1279 | 16 | ||||||||||||
| Eastern | Area | 5567 | 689 | 509 | 56 | 37 | 637 | 42 | 91 | 54 | 1000 | --- | |||||||||||
| Qty | 10633 | 1345 | 546 | 102 | 45 | 56 | 55 | 629 | 840 | 1237 | --- | ||||||||||||
| Total | Area | 147568 | 9130 | 2142 | 3019 | D>546 | 102 | 45 | 56 | 55 | 629 | 840 | 1237 | --- | |||||||||
| Total | Area | 147568 | 9130 | 2142 | 3019 | 1357 | 1456 | 839 | 8906 | 2002 | 7256 | 1776 | |||||||||||
| Qty | 719756 | 18067 | 4612 | 2494 | 4165 | 2000 | 1681 | 15627 | 4007 | 10393 | 3355 |
Fruit Trees No., Area and Production in the U.A.E. for 1995
| Type | Value | Quality | No. of Trees | Area | |
|
|
|
||||
| Palm tree | 853074 | 236965 | 8185440 | 20952074 | 302147 |
| Lime | 48388 | 19355 | 220336 | 269133 | 9331 |
| Lemon (Adalia) | 1437 | 653 | 11099 | 14104 | 469 |
| Grape Fruit | 269133 | 9331 | |||
| Lemon (Adalia) | 1437 | 653 | 11099 | 14104 | 469 |
| Grape Fruit | 2691 | 1196 | 8854 | 11617 | 392 |
| Other Citrus | 12023 | 4809 | 75361 | 104723 | 3690 |
| Guava | 5115 | 1677 | 40902 | 50662 | 1832 |
| Mango | 42336 | 8820 | 103748 | 152078 | 5800 |
| Indian Almond | 233 | 291 | 9830 | 13880 | 376 |
| Pomegranate | 1790 | 471 | 12535 | 15628 | 439 |
| Fig | 810 | 491 | 24272 | 34019 | 975 |
| Grape | 256 | 64 | 12306 | 14650 | 239 |
| Banana | 327 | 142 | --- | --- | 174 |
| Other | 5435 | 2174 | 45270 | 58870 | 1762 |
| Total | 973915 | 27142 | --- | --- | 174 |
| Other | 5435 | 2174 | 45270 | 58870 | 1762 |
| Total | 973915 | 277108 | 8753953 | 21691438 | 327626 |
Total Number and Productive of Fruit Trees in the U.A.E. According to Regions for 1995
| Type |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Production | Total | Production | Total | Production | Total | Production | Total | Production | Total | |||
| Palm Tree | 6345778 | 15955382 | 715959 | 1959890 | 478045 | 1326224 | 645658 | 1710578 | 8185440 | 20952074 | ||
| Lime | 24143 | 30507 | 99931 | 131688 | 15237 | 17901 | 544020952074 | |||||
| Lime | 24143 | 30507 | 99931 | 131688 | 15237 | 17901 | 81025 | 89037 | 220336 | 269133 | ||
| Lemon (Adalia) | -- | -- | 7760 | 10030 | 736 | 988 | 2603 | 3086 | 11099 | 14104 | ||
| Grape Fruit | 1254 | 1567 | 4311 | 5527 | 839 | 1147 | 2450 | 3376 | 8854 | 11617 | ||
| Other Citrus | 5921 | 7565 | 38192 | 49623 | 12102 | 38192 | 35433 | 7439 | 75361 | 104723 | ||
| Guava | 5950 | 7574 | 25260 | 31372 | 4707 | 5374 | 4985 | 6342 | 40902 | 50662 | ||
| Mango | 6053 | 7609 | 37868 | 50949 | 1614 | 4109 | 58213 | 89411 | 103748 | 152078 | ||
| Indian Almond | 708 | 1083 | 4067 | 7128 | 2928 | 325 | 1614 | 4109 | 58213 | 89411 | 103748 | 152078 |
| Indian Almond | 708 | 1083 | 4067 | 7128 | 2928 | 3254 | 2127 | 2415 | 9830 | 13880 | ||
| Pomegranate | 2418 | 3068 | 7083 | 9131 | 1948 | 2165 | 1086 | 1264 | 12535 | 15628 | ||
| Fig | 2859 | 3568 | 17595 | 21803 | 5757 | 6151 | 2061 | 2497 | 28272 | 34019 | ||
| Banana | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---- | ---- | ||
| Other | 5680 | 7169 | 25864 | 33482 | 8376 | 10948 | 5350 | 7271 | 45270 | 5888870 | ||
| Total | 6402390 | 16027118 | 992586 | 2320880 | 1390984 | 992586 | 1952456 | 528109 | 8753953 | 21691438 | ||
Number of Holdings, Total Agricultural Area and land Usage in the U.A.E. According to Emirate for 1995D>
Number of Holdings, Total Agricultural Area and land Usage in the U.A.E. According to Emirate for 1995
| Agricultural land Usage |
| Cultivated area | Uncultivated Area |
| Total | Shifting Area | Green Houses | Crops & Vegetables. | Fruits | Total | Waste | Buildings | Total Area | No of Holdings | Emirate | ||||||||
| 394589 | 42752 | 921 | 131983 | 218933 | 44244 | 35014 | 9230 | 438833 | 7995 | Abu Dhabi | ||||||||
| 42025 | 19478 | 14 | 10164 | 12369 | 2692 | 703 | 1989 | 44717 |
19478 | 14 | 10164 | 12369 | 2692 | 703 | 1989 | 44717 | 1177 | Dubai |
| 94218 | 17740 | 231 | 32922 | 43325 | 3356 | 663 | 2693 | 97574 | 3849 | Sharjah | ||||||||
| 9317 | 2588 | 33 | 2921 | 3775 | 921 | 437 | 484 | 10238 | 481 | Ajman | ||||||||
| 9127 | 2579 | 9 | 3841 | 2698 | 1189 | 570 | 619 | 10316 | 269 | U.M.Q. | ||||||||
| 95989 | 24391 | 399 | 44278 | 26921 | 3676 | 2677 | 999 | 99665 | 3930 | R.A.K. | ||||||||
| 39138 | 9264 | 79 | 10190 | 19605 | 1243 | 491 | 752 | 40381 | 3999 | Fujairah | ||||||||
| 684403 | 118792 | 1686 | 236299 | 327626 | 57321 | 40555 | 16766 | 741724 | 21700 | 40381 | 3999 | Fujairah | ||||||
| 684403 | 118792 | 1686 | 236299 | 327626 | 57321 | 40555 | 16766 | 741724 | 21700 | Total |
No. of Holdings, Total area, Cultivated and Uncultivated Area by Donum According to size of holdings by Emirate for 1995
| Emirate | Item | Less than 1 | 1-10 | 10-20 | 20-30 | 30-50 | Over 50 | Total | |||||
| ABU DHABI | No. of holdings | 76 | 1897 | 2423 | 1259 | 1663 | 677 | 7995 | |||||
| Total area | 12 | 17551 | 40089 | 32374 | 74628 | 274179 | 438833 | ||||||
| Cultivated area | 12 | 17231 | 38449 | Cultivated area | 12 | 17231 | 38449 | 31004 | 71464 | 226429 | 384589 | ||
| Uncultivated area | 320 | 1640 | 1370 | 3164 | 37750 | 44244 | |||||||
| DUBAI | No. of holdings | 21 | 254 | 212 | 195 | 248 | 247 | 1177 | |||||
| Total area | 11 | 1059 | 3163 | 4840 | 9468 | 26176 | 44717 | ||||||
| Cultivated Area | 2 | 874 | 2935 | 4540 | 8911 | 24763 | 42025 | ||||||
| 4540 | 8911 | 24763 | 42025 | ||||||||||
| Uncultivated area | 9 | 185 | 228 | 300 | 557 | 1413 | 2692 | ||||||
| SHARJAH | No. of holdings | 78 | 1063 | 475 | 1276 | 623 | 334 | 3849 | |||||
| Total Area | 45 | 4670 | 7272 | 29473 | 25383 | 30731 | 97574 | ||||||
| Cultivated Area | 44 | 4469 | 7001 | 28279 | 24611 | 29813 | 94217 | ||||||
| Uncultivated area | 1 | 201 | 271 | 1194 | Uncultivated area | 1 | 201 | 271 | 1194 | 772 | 918 | 3357 | |
| AJMAN | No. of holdings | * | 823 | 2285 | 1657 | 2057 | 3416 | 10238 | |||||
| Total area | * | 713 | 2093 | 1531 | 1826 | 3154 | 9317 | ||||||
| Cultivated area | -- | 110 | 192 | 126 | 231 | 262 | 921 | ||||||
| Uncultivated area | -- | 8 | 38 | 130 | 55 | 38 | 269 | ||||||
| UMM AL-QAIWAIN | No. of Holdings5 | 38 | 269 | ||||||||||
| UMM AL-QAIWAIN | No. of Holdings | -- | 55 | 628 | 3272 | 2043 | 4318 | 10316 | |||||
| Total area | -- | 47 | 564 | 2987 | 1789 | 3740 | 9127 | ||||||
| Cultivated area | -- | 8 | 64 | 285 | 254 | 578 | 1189 | ||||||
| Uncultivated area | 20 | 1478 | 3171 | 3802 | 5545 | 43305 | 57321 |
Agricultural Holdings according to regions in the U.A.E. from 1988-1995
| Year |
| Year |
| 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | 1989 | 1988 | |||||
| 7995 | 7612 | 7328 | 7117 | 6850 | 6628 | 5999 | 5902 | |||||
| 5209 | 5124 | 5056 | 5007 | 4894 | 4802 | 4721 | 4630 | |||||
| 2973 | 2957 | 2915 | 2881 | 2843 | 2792 | 2765 | 2716 | |||||
| 5523 | 5501 | 5461 | 5408 | 5355 | 52R>5523 | 5501 | 5461 | 5408 | 5355 | 5290 | 5207 | 5082 |
| 21700 | 21194 | 20760 | 20413 | 19942 | 19512 | 18692 | 18330 |
Total Agricultural Area in the U.A.E. According to Regions from 1990-1995
| Region |
|
||||||||
| 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | ||||
| Abu Dhabi | 438833 | 423546 | 415103 | 398608 | 360234 | 185224 | |||
| Central | 152581 | 150166 | 148018 | 145726 | 139912 | 137068 | |||
| Northern | 92307 | 92365 | 89731 | 87039 | 85796 | 83060 | |||
| Eastern | 58003 | 57661 | 58234 | 5> | 92365 | 89731 | 87039 | 85796 | 83060 |
| Eastern | 58003 | 57661 | 58234 | 57397 | 49434 | 48704 | |||
| Total | 741724 | 723738 | 711086 | 688770 | 635376 | 454056 | |||
Cropped Area According to Regions in the U.A.E. From 1990-1995
| Region |
|
|||||||||
| 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | |||||
| Abu Dhabi | 331038 | 334066 | 338751 | 341211 | 263121 | 232236 | ||||
| Central | 109683 | 103719 | 111568 | 81235 | 81724 | 96676 | ||||
| Northern | 67297 | 65875 | 67044 | 56890 | 54355 | 55716 | ||||
| Eastern | 41699 | 41457 | 43365 | 45140 | 34725 | 38639 | ||||
| Total | 549717 | 545117 | 560728< | Eastern | 41699 | 41457 | 43365 | 45140 | 34725 | 38639 |
| Total | 549717 | 545117 | 560728 | 524476 | 433985 | 423267 | ||||
Area (doum) Under Vegetables Production in the U.A.E. From 1990-1995
| Crop |
|
|||||||||
| 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | 1990 | |||||
| Tomato | 58977 | 41309 | 35933 | 32682 | 17327 | 12515 | ||||
| Egg plant | 9980 | 10607 | 11798 | 12496 | 5792 | 4343 | ||||
| Okra | 879 | 1325 | 2257 | 4060 | 2628 | 2817 | ||||
| Bean | 1069 | 695 | 1174 | 671 | 1152 | 1205 | ||||
| Cow Pea | 1543 | 666 | 980 | 1337 | 1378 | 1447 | ||||
| Jews mallow | 5680 | 5395 | 4553 | 3902 | Cow Pea1543 | 666 | 980 | 1337 | 1378 | 1447 |
| Jews mallow | 5680 | 5395 | 4553 | 3902 | 2410 | 2195 | ||||
| Chard | 2442 | 3147 | 4403 | 2709 | 2158 | 1999 | ||||
| Squash | 9483 | 7696 | 8890 | 7871 | 7464 | 6675 | ||||
| Cucumber | 2217 | 1976 | 2226 | 2845 | 2165 | 1594 | ||||
| Cabbage | 15000 | 20684 | 20949 | 21343 | 8911 | 6936 | ||||
| Cauliflower | 2417 | 3867 | 4587 | 5676 | 4506 | 4003 | ||||
| Potatoes | 1776 | 1744 | 3333 | 3078 | 2044 | 1816 | ||||
| Onions | 7255 | 6356 | 6136 | 4620 | 4467 | 4164 | ||||
| Water melon | 2002 | 2362 | 3529 | 2423 | 2987 | 3070 | ||||
| Sweet melon | 8906 | 6465 | 4638 | |||||||
| Water melon | 2002 | 2362 | 3529 | 2423 | 2987 | 3070 | ||||
| Sweet melon | 8906 | 6465 | 4638 | 2718 | 2527 | 1918 | ||||
| Lettuce | 839 | 1470 | 1777 | 2366 | 2054 | 1764 | ||||
| Radish | 1456 | 1185 | 3069 | 3429 | 3964 | 3087 | ||||
| Parsley | 1357 | 1520 | 1320 | 782 | 797 | 807 | ||||
| Carrot | 3019 | 1046 | 758 | 1163 | 1025 | 1638 | ||||
| Pepper | 2141 | 3247 | 2624 | 3056 | 2159 | 2108 | ||||
| Others | 9129 | 8251 | 13554 | 8824 | 11981 | 10998 | ||||
| Total | 147567 | 131013 | 138476 | 128051 | 88896 | 77099 | ||||
Area (doum) Under Fruit Trees Production in the UAE From 1990-1995
| Crop | Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crop | Year | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
| Palm Tree | 302147 | 288596 | 288596 | 279264 | 223675 | 221558 | ||||||
| Lime | 9331 | 9344 | 9291 | 9372 | 12731 | 9749 | ||||||
| Lemon(Adalia) | 469 | 479 | 579 | 702 | 717 | 742 | ||||||
| Grape fruit | 392 | 394 | 388 | 388 | 393 | 382 | ||||||
| 394 | 388 | 388 | 393 | 382 | ||||||||
| Other Citrus | 3690 | 3742 | 3612 | 3712 | 4904 | 4329 | ||||||
| Guava | 1832 | 1831 | 1826 | 1958 | 1993 | 2100 | ||||||
| Mangos | 5800 | 5826 | 5724 | 6256 | 6212 | 5874 | ||||||
| Indian Almond | 376 | 378 | 382 | 385 | 462 | 511 | ||||||
| Pomegranate | 439 | 429 | 422 | 459 | 459 | 507 | ||||||
| Fig | 975 | 971 | 970 | 1032 | 1051 | 975 | 971 | 970 | 1032 | 1051 | 1003 | |
| Grape | 239 | 242 | 279 | 265 | 331 | 336 | ||||||
| Banana | 174 | 167 | 168 | 163 | 177 | 161 | ||||||
| Other | 1762 | 15890 | 17961 | 1775 | 2058 | 4014 | ||||||
| Total | 327626 | 328289 | 330198 | 305731 | 255199 | 251266 | ||||||
Quantity (Ton) of Vegetables in the U.A.E. from 1990-1995
| Crop | Year | |||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Tomato | 442826 | 242753 | 177992 | 134954 | 81731 | 40716 | ||||||
| Egg plant | 52185 | 67147 | 79396 | 75510 | 55803 | 38792 | ||||||
| Okra | 1121 | 2149 | 3494 | 3849 | 3676 | 3574 | ||||||
| Beans | 1471 | 766 | 1885 | 2191 | 1985 | 2292 | ||||||
| Cow Pea | 593 | 820 | 1743 | 1287 | Cow Pea | 593 | 820 | 1743 | 1287 | 1701 | 1720 | |
| Jews mallow | 42370 | 18804 | 16494 | 13353 | 10409 | 5566 | ||||||
| Chard | 25413 | 28652 | 35744 | 27109 | 19745 | 14731 | ||||||
| Squash | 26208 | 16787 | 21541 | 12835 | 15800 | 12955 | ||||||
| Cucumber | 13612 | 13193 | 15840 | 15960 | 10468 | 6963 | ||||||
| Cabbage | 59843 | 106708 | 112219 | 106906 | 54644 | 41165 | ||||||
| Cauliflower | 5711 | 54644 | 41165 | |||||||||
| Cauliflower | 5711 | 9002 | 10221 | 14975 | 10953 | 11400 | ||||||
| Potatoes | 3355 | 3545 | 1884 | 4330 | 3134 | 3983 | ||||||
| Onions | 10393 | 7376 | 4902 | 6806 | 8115 | 7998 | ||||||
|
|
4007 | 4058 | 4650 | 3810 | 4137 | 4373 | ||||||
|
|
15628 | 10437 | 6973 | 3338 | 2588 | 1414 | ||||||
|
|
1680 | 5294 | 5311 | 14074 | 10045 | 8509 | 16805294 | 5311 | 14074 | 10045 | 8509 | |
|
|
1999 | 3381 | 5543 | 11867 | 10233 | 9214 | ||||||
|
|
4165 | 1892 | 1610 | 2311 | 1759 | 1278 | ||||||
|
|
2494 | 2426 | 1883 | 2976 | 2808 | 3463 | ||||||
|
|
4612 | 6242 | 8667 | 11300 | 11642 | 9574 | ||||||
|
|
18070 | 19005 | 19699 | 18090 | 20885 | 19763 | ||||||
|
|
719756 | 571037 | 19763 | |||||||||
|
|
719756 | 571037 | 537691 | 486887 | 342261 | 249442 | ||||||
Quantity (Ton) of Fruits in the U.A.E. from 1990-1995.
| Crop | Year | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Palm Tree | 236965 | 236135 | 236135 | 230495 | 173110 | 141463 |
| Lime | 19355 | 19485 | 19078 | 19138 | 22233 | 19340 |
| Lemon(Adalia) | 653 | 664 | 19340 | |||
| Lemon(Adalia) | 653 | 664 | 843 | 1058 | 1143 | 1204 |
| Grape fruit | 1196 | 1194 | 1135 | 535 | 522 | 472 |
| Other Citrus | 4809 | 4884 | 4482 | 4485 | 5979 | 5079 |
| Guava | 1677 | 1681 | 1522 | 1602 | 1964 | 1945 |
| Mangos | 8820 | 8829 | 8646 | 8771 | 9511 | 7106 |
| Indian Almond | 291 | 289 | 262 | 264 | 191 | 233 |
| Pomegranate | 264 | 191 | 233 | |||
| Pomegranate | 471 | 466 | 489 | 217 | 194 | 168 |
| Fig | 491 | 486 | 469 | 484 | 583 | 554 |
| Grape | 64 | 64 | 82 | 80 | 106 | 113 |
| Banana | 142 | 138 | 127 | 129 | 116 | 97 |
| Other | 2174 | 2270 | 2141 | 1906 | 1648 | 2902 |
| Total | 277108 | 276586 | 275411 | 269164 | 217300 | 180675 |
Quantity
Quantity of Agricultural Requirements Distributed to Holders in the U.A.E. from 1991-1995
| Type | Unit | Year | |||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
| Seeds | |||||||||
| Potato | Ton | 320 | 203 | 397 | 559 | 365 | |||
| Seeds | Ton | 10 | 21 | 23 | 41 | 34 | |||
| Fertilizers | |||||||||
| Chemical | Bag 50 kg
Bag 25 kg |
733612 | 447805 | 624495 | 431038 | 248558 | |||
| Organic | 36497 | Chemical | Bag 50 kg
Bag 25 kg |
733612 | 447805 | 624495 | 431038 | 248558 | |
| Organic | 364978 | 71595 | 168640 | 110720 | 75960 | ||||
| Pesticides | |||||||||
| Liquid | Liter | 61585 | 72571 | 94728 | 108469 | 139735 | |||
| Powder | Kg | 74699 | 35457 | 53696 | 56578 | 117564 | |||
| Seedling | |||||||||
| Fruits | 000 Seed | 60 | 70 | 80 | 138 | 82 | |||
| Forestries | 000 Seed | 109 | 106 | 87 | 128 | 183 | |||
| Vegetables | 000 Seed | 75177 | 86017 | 81451 | 83708 | 78740 | |||
| Fences | -- | -- | -- | -- | 338 | ||||
Seeds and Pesticides Distributed in the UAE From 1991-1995
| Fences | -- | -- | -- | -- | 338 |
Seeds and Pesticides Distributed in the UAE From 1991-1995
| Type | Unit | Year | ||||
| 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | ||
| Seeds | Ton | 10 | 21 | 23 | 41 | 34 |
| Pesticides | Kg | 74699 | 35457 | 53696 | 56578 | 117565 |
| Liter | 61585 | 72571 | 94782 | 108469 | 139735 | |
Seeds and Pesticides Distributed in the U.A.E. According to Region in 1995
| Region | Pesticides | Seeds (Kg) | |
|
|
|
||
| Abu Dhabi | 48223 | 56587 | 9925 |
| Central | 5641 | ||
| Abu Dhabi | 48223 | 56587 | 9925 |
| Central | 5641 | 7085 | 7 |
| Northern | 5223 | 7835 | 19 |
| Eastern | 2498 | 3192 | 5 |
| Total | 61585 | 74699 | 9956 |
Quantity of Fertilizers Distributed in U.A.E. from 1991-1995
| Type | Unit | Year | ||||
| 1995 | 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 | ||
| Chemical fertilizer | Bag 50 Kg | 733612 | 447905 | 624495 | 431038 | 248558 |
| Organic fertilizer | Bag 25 Kg | 364978 | 71595 | 168640 | 110720 | 75960 |
Total Number of Seedlings (1000) Distributed in the U.A.E. from 1991-1995.
| Seedlings |
Area Treated (1000 Donm) By Pesticides in U.A.E. from 1991-1995
Greenhouse IntroductionThe beginning of greenhouse industry in the U.A/TD> | 331 | 300 | 408 | 468 | 557 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
In light of these findings a technical and economic feasibility study
was carried out by a private consulting firm commissioned by the Government;
and on the basis of an encouraging return on investment a joint venture
was launched by the government of Abu Dhabi in 1977. However; the federal
government started introducing simple Quonset greenhouses by the help of
United Nations Development Program ( UNDP ) .
The frame is made out of heavy duty metal or aluminum in order to prevent
rust. The shape of the roof is either gable covered with corrugated fiber
glass treated with 10% ultra violet (U.V) stabilizer or glass or curved
and covered with single or double layer of 200µm