As winter arrives, farm rentals across the UAE are seeing a sharp increase in demand. The cooler weather and beautiful surroundings make these farms a favorite choice for gatherings during this season. However, with this rising popularity come several challenges for farm owners.
High Demand for Farm Rentals
Bu Rashid Farm in Ajman has become a go-to spot for winter events. Its owner explained:
“The demand is high in winter because the weather is nice, and the place is clean and tidy. Thank God, customers book with me once, twice, or even ten times.”
The farm accommodates up to 100 guests, with rental rates depending on the number of visitors. It operates on a 12-hour booking schedule but doesn’t allow overnight stays.
Tenant Behavior: A Mixed Experience
While many guests treat the property with care, others create problems for farm owners. The Bu Rashid Farm owner shared:
“Some tenants are very respectful and maintain the place as if it were their home, while others have a terrible tendency to lie.”
A recurring issue is tenants leaving the property in poor condition. In one case, the owner posted a TikTok video showing the aftermath of a rental, with food and trash scattered everywhere.
To tackle this, he introduced additional waste disposal options:
“Instead of one [garbage] bin, I have placed about 12 small and large bins everywhere.”
Despite these efforts, damage remains a problem. The owner said they charge a small fee to cover professional cleaning and deodorizing services after messy guests leave.
Challenges Beyond Cleanliness
Other farm owners report similar issues. Mohammad Salem Obaid, who owns a farm in Masafi, mentioned frequent late check-outs by tenants, which delay cleaning and disrupt bookings for the next group.
He also highlighted last-minute cancellations over minor concerns like insects or nearby farms, despite tenants knowing the area’s rural nature.
Obaid noted additional rule violations, such as playing loud music, bringing alcohol, and refusing to pay for damages. These behaviors make managing rentals stressful for owners.
Environmental and Infrastructure Issues
The challenges extend beyond tenant-related issues. A lodge owner in Al-Madam, Sharjah, shared how extreme summer heat damages plants, requiring extra investments in brick walls and interlocking floors to protect the area. Maintaining vegetation also demands consistent irrigation.
Remote farm locations pose further hurdles, including inadequate roads and limited access to utilities like communication cables. Cleaning companies and suppliers often struggle to reach these areas, increasing operational difficulties.
Competition and Rising Costs
The growing competition among farm rentals has also led to price cuts, making it harder for owners to sustain their businesses. Combined with high maintenance costs, this creates a tough market environment.
“All these factors create a challenging environment for us,” remarked a farm owner.
