As the cooler weather sets in, farm owners across the UAE are experiencing a notable surge in rental demand for their facilities. This seasonal uptick is driven by the pleasant temperatures and the natural beauty of the surroundings, which make farm venues ideal for events like family gatherings, weddings, and corporate retreats. However, alongside the demand, owners are grappling with a range of challenges that are impacting their businesses.
One such venue, Bu Rashid Farm in Ajman, has become a popular choice for winter events. The farm can accommodate up to 100 guests, and according to the owner, its appeal lies in its clean and well-maintained facilities. “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 10 times,” said the owner.
Mixed Experiences with Tenants
While demand is soaring, the interaction with clients has revealed a mixed bag of experiences. Many guests treat the property with respect, but unfortunately, there are also instances of disrespectful behaviour. The owner reported that while some tenants maintain the space as if it were their own home, others exhibit troubling conduct. “Some tenants are very respectful and maintain the place as if it were their home, while others have a terrible tendency to lie,” the owner shared.
A particularly frustrating issue is when guests fail to leave the premises clean, often leaving behind food scraps and garbage. To highlight the extent of this problem, the owner posted a video on TikTok, showing the aftermath of one such incident where the property was left in disarray, with food scattered and trash overflowing. To mitigate this, the owner has implemented several waste disposal measures, including placing 12 small and large bins around the farm. Despite these efforts, the problem persists.
Damage and Compensation Concerns
The issue of property damage is also a constant concern. In response, farm owners like the one at Bu Rashid Farm have instituted a small compensation fee. This fee covers the costs of hiring a cleaning company to restore the site to its original state, including disinfecting and freshening up the space. However, the damage goes beyond just cleanliness, with tenants sometimes refusing to pay for broken or damaged items, leaving the owners in a difficult position.
Another challenge raised by Mohammad Salem Obaid, a farm owner from Masafi, is the problem of tenants overstaying their check-out time. “Tenants often delay their check-out beyond the agreed time, leading to delays in cleaning and causing us embarrassment in not being able to hand over to the next tenant on time,” Obaid explained. These delays cause significant inconvenience and added stress for farm owners.
Obaid also shared his frustration with last-minute cancellations, which are often made without valid reasons. For instance, some guests cancel their bookings after noticing insects or nearby farms, even though they were fully aware of the farm’s agricultural nature beforehand. This unpredictability can result in significant revenue loss, making it harder for farm owners to maintain their businesses.
Issues with Tenant Behaviour
Tenant behaviour continues to be a major source of frustration. Many tenants ignore house rules, such as restrictions on loud music or alcohol consumption. Despite prior warnings, some guests choose to disregard these rules, disrupting the peace and tranquillity of the farm environment. This kind of behaviour not only creates tension but also adds to the already demanding responsibilities of farm owners.
Environmental and Infrastructure Challenges
The challenges faced by farm owners extend beyond tenant-related issues. An owner of The Container lodge in Al-Madam, Sharjah highlighted environmental factors that pose significant challenges, particularly during the summer months. The extreme heat can damage plants and require additional investments in infrastructure. “This requires lodge owners to bear the costs of building brick walls and covering open sandy areas with interlocking flooring,” the owner explained.
Maintaining the vegetation on these farms is a constant struggle, and irrigation is essential to keep the plants healthy. However, the remote locations of many farms present additional obstacles, especially when it comes to infrastructure. Many farms are situated in sandy or mountainous areas, requiring owners to pave roads and extend communication cables—efforts that come with a hefty cost.
Remote Locations and Market Pressure
The remote locations of these farms further complicate operations, as cleaning companies and suppliers often struggle to reach these areas. The distance from urban centres and the logistical challenges involved in maintaining the properties can be overwhelming.
Additionally, the intense competition in the market is driving prices down, making it difficult for farm owners to maintain profitability. “All these factors create a challenging environment for us,” one farm owner remarked. The pressure to lower rates to remain competitive, combined with high operational costs, is creating a difficult situation for many farm owners.
Conclusion
While the winter season brings increased demand for UAE farm rentals, it also presents numerous operational and financial challenges. From tenant misbehaviour and property damage to environmental concerns and infrastructure needs, farm owners are facing mounting pressures to maintain their facilities and ensure smooth operations. Despite the challenges, the appeal of farm venues continues to grow, as many people seek a peaceful and attractive alternative to traditional event spaces. However, for farm owners, the task of balancing demand with sustainability is an ongoing struggle that requires careful management and adaptation.
