The UAE may be known for its skyscrapers, shopping malls and feats of architecture, but hidden amid the modern landscape lies a hidden gem that’s blooming with vibrant color.
The UAE Flower Farm is tucked away in the heart of rural Fujairah, splashing a kaleidoscopic rainbow against the backdrop of the Hajar Mountains.
As you veer off a dirt road in the dusty Asimah Valley, the farm gradually comes into view, greeting you with an explosion of scents.
Rows upon rows of flowers stretch out ahead, each one boasting a unique shape, texture and shade. The air is alive with the buzz of bees and butterflies, busy pollinating the blossoms as Arabian oryxes and horses graze nearby.
This colorful corner is the result of backbreaking work by Emirati businessman-turned-farmer Mohammed Al Mazroui, who has devoted the last 10 years to transforming the once-barren space into something spectacular.
“I’ve adored flowers since I was young and I started growing roses about 10 years ago,” says Al Mazroui. “I visited several countries that grow roses and I thought of establishing a flower farm in the Emirates because the weather is very suitable for growing them in winter.
“The soil here is very fertile because of its location between the mountains, and the area was originally agricultural.”
Al Mazroui worked at the Central Bank of the UAE for 29 years, and rather than relax into retirement, he rolled up his sleeves and planted his very first seeds.
A decade on, the farm’s most recent bloom totaled 50,000 flowers, including gladiolus, hollyhocks, snapdragons, rainbows and more. Much of the crop has been grown from the farm’s own seeds, which Al Mazroui has selected from previous harvests.
“I imported the first seeds from America, the Netherlands and Britain, and we managed to grow them quite easily,” he says. “After that, I collected the seeds from our own flowers and we succeeded in planting them.
“Now we have about 25 types of roses and this year we also experimented with lavender cultivation, and the growth has been excellent.”
Though the UAE’s harsh climate can pose difficulties, Al Mazroui has honed his knowledge over the years by experimenting with different species and adapting his methods to suit each season.
The higher altitudes and mountainous landscape of the Northern Emirates also help his plants to flourish, with mineral-rich soil playing a huge role in the growth.
Onsite, Al Mazroui has a small team of staff who help him with the day-to-day tasks that come with running a farm.
As well as caring for the flowers, the team are tasked with tending to peacocks, budgies, oryx and a small herd of horses, which children are welcome to pet and ride around the enclosure.
And, despite being a two-hour drive from Dubai, the secret is out, with more visitors last year than ever before.
“We had more than 20,000 visitors last season,” says Al Mazroui. “We allow them to buy flowers directly from the farm or pick them themselves.
“We used to sell to flower shops but as numbers grew, I wanted to make sure there was enough for everyone who visited.”
While most other flower farms in the UAE rely on tents and greenhouses to grow their plants, Al Mazroui opts to do everything in the open air, with huge rewards.
Walking through the rows of flowers, it’s clear that he and his team are passionate about their work. They take great pride in producing high-quality blooms that bring joy to nature lovers who make the trip to see the natural bounty for themselves.
A cafe situated in the middle of the farm is the perfect spot to sip a coffee and gaze at the violet, pink, blue, orange and yellow hues stretching towards the mountains beyond.
Entry costs Dh15 per person and children under three, people of determination and the elderly can visit for free. A generous bunch of flowers picked onsite is carefully arranged and tied for around Dh45.
From Al Mazroui and his hardworking staff to the bustling bees and butterflies that fill the air, every element of the farm creates a natural symphony that soothes the soul.
The farm is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination and a deep love for the natural world. It also provides a reminder that even in the harshest of environments, a tiny seed can become something truly remarkable.
