Looking for new ways to get outside and make the most of the winter weather? The UAE's largest private organic farm might have exactly what you're searching for.
After being closed for almost one year, owing to restrictions in place because of the global pandemic, Emirates Bio Farm has reopened to the public with a new visitor experience.
Guests can now reserve a private group tour and sunset session at the farm, which is located in the Al Ain desert.
Running from 3pm until 8pm, the experience starts off with an in-depth tour of the farm, which spans some 250,000 square kilometres. Everyone will find out more about organic farming and get the chance to hand-harvest some seasonal vegetables such as beetroot, carrot or kale under the watchful eye of one of the farm guides.
There's also a tractor tour – where guests can sit back and relax as they're towed around the site to see more of the organic farmland.
Afterwards, the team at Emirates Bio Farm will transport everyone to the on-site desert tent which has a majlis seating area and views over the surrounding dunes, perfect for watching the sunset.
A barbecue grill will be set up and staff will light the camp fire to keep everyone warm. There will be tea, coffee and water on offer and guests can either opt to bring their own food to cook on the grill, or book the catering packages that include dishes made freshly from farm produce.
As well as organic appetisers and salads, there's a seasonal organic vegetarian menu, an earthen-oven cooked lamb option or a barbecued meat package, with a minimum of 10 people required for both meat-based choices.
Emirates Bio Farm is part of the Abu Dhabi emirate, so visitors coming from Dubai will need to show a negative PCR or DPI test to cross the border. It takes about an hour to reach Emirates Bio Farm from Dubai, and about one hour and 45 minutes from the capital.
The private tour costs Dh2,000 per booking, and is for a group of up to 20 people. Optional catered packages start from an additional Dh140 per person. This private tour and barbecue experience is the first of several new initiatives at Emirates Bio Farm, with more activities set to be rolled out over the next few weeks.
