Ahmed Mohammed Gharib, an 82-year-old Emirati farmer, has dedicated more than half a century to cultivating mangoes in Fujairah, with his orchards now producing thousands of kilograms of fruit annually.

Gharib’s journey into mango farming began with a personal passion for the fruit. After tasting a mango for the first time, he determined to grow it in UAE soil. This led him to travel to India and Pakistan to source seeds and saplings to begin cultivation on his farm.

The Emirati farmer explained that he began learning how to grow mangoes in the local climate from that point onward. Through years of experience and testing various species, he successfully cultivated varieties that are better adapted to the UAE environment.

Gharib’s farms are located in the Sharm and Al Badiya areas of Fujairah. In addition to mangoes, he grows citrus fruits and date palms. While he employs workers for daily tasks, he personally supervises every stage of the process, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, and pruning.

According to the farmer, experience is the most critical factor for success in agriculture, as a farmer must understand the optimal timing for irrigation, fertilization, and tree maintenance. He emphasized that trees require regular care every few months to remain healthy and produce high-quality yields.

Gharib currently cultivates several varieties of mangoes, including Arabi Hamad, Hindi Hamad, Lumi, Fifay, and Arabi Moza. Annual production fluctuates based on weather conditions and seasonal factors; in high-yield years, the harvest reaches approximately 12,000 kilograms, while in other years it may drop to 10,000 or even 5,000 kilograms.

He noted that farming requires patience, care, and passion, adding that this love for the land is why he still finds joy in seeing the fruit ripen on the trees after more than 50 years.

Beyond his farm work, Gharib showcases his produce at agricultural exhibitions and mango festivals across the UAE. This year, he participated in the Khorfakkan Mango Festival, held from June 26 to 28, where he displayed several varieties of mangoes grown on his farms.

The Emirati farmer believes such festivals are not merely opportunities for sales, but platforms to showcase the capabilities of UAE farms and encourage the younger generation to take a greater interest in agriculture.