UAE Agriculture Authority Prohibits Cryptocurrency Mining on Farms

UAE Authority Prohibits Cryptocurrency Mining on Farms

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority of UAE recently issued an advisory prohibiting the use of farms for cryptocurrency mining. Farmers engaging in such activities may face fines of up to 10,000 UAE dirhams.

Cryptocurrency Mining: A Misuse of Agricultural Land

The government agency explicitly stated that farms cannot be repurposed for cryptocurrency mining, considering it a misuse of the land for purposes other than its intended agricultural use. Non-compliance with this prohibition can result in fines of up to 10,000 UAE dirhams for offenders.

Reasoning Behind the Prohibition

Cryptocurrency mining involves using computational power to validate transactions on blockchain networks, a process that consumes significant energy. The decision to restrict mining activities on agricultural land aims to preserve the intended use of the land and reduce energy consumption in such areas.

Despite this specific prohibition, the UAE has established itself as a supportive jurisdiction for Bitcoin mining, accounting for a significant portion of global hash rate in 2023.

UAE’s Crypto-Friendly Environment

The UAE has recorded substantial crypto transactions and is actively pursuing further investment by implementing regulatory policies that support crypto businesses. The country’s political stability and favorable regulatory environment have attracted praise from industry experts.

Growth of Crypto Adoption in the Middle East

The Middle East is experiencing a surge in crypto adoption, with the UAE leading the region in adoption per capita. Evolving views on how crypto aligns with Islamic beliefs and increasing regulatory clarity are contributing to this growth. Bitget Research forecasts continued growth in daily active crypto users in the region, with the UAE expected to become a central hub for cryptocurrency activities.