On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) confirmed the ban on crypto mining on farms, as it falls outside the scope of the economic activities defined by the Authority and permitted on agricultural land. This comes as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness among agricultural sector workers in the emirate and ensure the continuity of all services and support provided to farmers.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the authority announced the issuance of several violations to farm owners or tenants for using the farm for crypto mining, which negatively impacts agricultural sustainability and biosecurity.
This confirmation comes in light of the Authority’s observations of illegal practices on some farms, which are being exploited for crypto mining, in contravention of the primary purpose of farms, which is limited to agricultural and livestock activities specified in applicable legislation.
The Authority has introduced strict and deterrent administrative fines for violators. A fine of AED 100,000 (USD 27,200) will be imposed, doubled in the event of a repeat offense. Services and all support programs provided by the Authority to the farm owner will be suspended, along with the power cut to the farm. Tools, equipment, and devices used in mining operations will be seized and referred to the competent authorities to take the necessary action in accordance with applicable legislation.
The Authority also reiterated its call on farm owners and workers in the agricultural sector, both plant and animal, to avoid engaging in these practices, which fall outside the scope of the economic plant and animal activities on farms identified by the Authority, as these activities conflict with agricultural sustainability policies.
