Emirati with UAE's biggest cactus farm - in pictures

  • Obaid Rashid Al Mazrouei, 54, with part of his cactus collection, in Ras Al Khaimah's Asimah Valley. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    Obaid Rashid Al Mazrouei, 54, with part of his cactus collection, in Ras Al Khaimah's Asimah Valley. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • The retired government official has more than 5,000 cacti and more than 1,000 types of other succulents
    The retired government official has more than 5,000 cacti and more than 1,000 types of other succulents
  • Much of the collection is kept in three greenhouses, including one dedicated to aloe specimens. Mr Al Mazroui has 50 types of the plant
    Much of the collection is kept in three greenhouses, including one dedicated to aloe specimens. Mr Al Mazroui has 50 types of the plant
  • The collection began as a hobby in 1998, leading to a garden at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, then the farm
    The collection began as a hobby in 1998, leading to a garden at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, then the farm
  • The cacti come in all shapes and sizes
    The cacti come in all shapes and sizes
  • Mr Al Mazroui imports plants from countries including the US, Mexico, Italy, Egypt, India, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Philippines and Indonesia
    Mr Al Mazroui imports plants from countries including the US, Mexico, Italy, Egypt, India, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Philippines and Indonesia
  • While many plants arrive as small specimens, over time they grow considerably
    While many plants arrive as small specimens, over time they grow considerably
  • Some tall species thrive so well in their Ras Al Khaimah home that they break through the roof
    Some tall species thrive so well in their Ras Al Khaimah home that they break through the roof
  • Many specimens are grown from seed, carefully selected by Mr Al Mazrouei and his staff
    Many specimens are grown from seed, carefully selected by Mr Al Mazrouei and his staff
  • 'Some people grow date palms, some grow fruit, some grow vegetables. I grow cactus,' Mr Al Mazroui says
    'Some people grow date palms, some grow fruit, some grow vegetables. I grow cactus,' Mr Al Mazroui says
  • A cluster of cacti on display at the Asimah Valley farm
    A cluster of cacti on display at the Asimah Valley farm
  • While visitors can buy some plants, Mr Al Mazroui says about 90 per cent are not for sale
    While visitors can buy some plants, Mr Al Mazroui says about 90 per cent are not for sale
  • A cactus-lined path in one of the farm's greenhouses. About 500 plants are also grown outside
    A cactus-lined path in one of the farm's greenhouses. About 500 plants are also grown outside
  • Mr Al Mazroui's ambition is to create the world's biggest cactus farm. He says: 'The UAE strives to be number one in everything. Why can’t it be number one in growing cactus?'
    Mr Al Mazroui's ambition is to create the world's biggest cactus farm. He says: 'The UAE strives to be number one in everything. Why can’t it be number one in growing cactus?'