Why is agriculture important in the United Arab Emirates?

Answer 1

Agriculture is important in the UAE in order subsidise the amount of imports the country has. More than 95% of the UAE's food is imported, making the country heavily reliant on foreign food sources.

Unfortunately less than 2% of the country is arable, so farming is near nonexistent with the exception of a thriving date industry.

There are a number of programs and subsidies in place to try and stimulate agriculture, however the harsh climate negates almost every effort at sustainable, viable agriculture.