Abu Dhabi Bans Cryptocurrency Mining on Farms, Imposes Heavy Fines and Service Suspensions

October 1, 2025 2119

Abu Dhabi Reinforces Ban on Cryptocurrency Mining on Agricultural Land

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has issued a strong reminder to farmers and agricultural stakeholders: cryptocurrency mining is strictly prohibited on agricultural land across the emirate. The move is part of ADAFSA’s ongoing efforts to protect farming resources, maintain sustainability, and ensure farms are used only for approved activities.

The clarification follows inspections that uncovered violations where farmland was being repurposed for digital currency mining, an activity unrelated to agriculture or livestock production.

Strict Penalties for Violations

To curb further misuse, ADAFSA announced severe administrative penalties:

  • A fine of AED100,000 for any farm found operating cryptocurrency mining equipment.
  • Fines will be doubled for repeat offenders.
  • Immediate suspension of services and support programmes provided to the violating farm.
  • Electricity disconnection to halt unauthorised mining operations.
  • Confiscation of mining equipment with referral to relevant authorities for legal action.

The Authority stressed that these measures aim to preserve biosecurity, agricultural sustainability, and fair access to government support.

Agriculture Use Only

ADAFSA clarified that farms are legally restricted to plant cultivation, livestock, and other approved agricultural economic activities. Using agricultural plots for unrelated commercial ventures — such as data centres or digital currency mining — violates the emirate’s land-use regulations.

“Such practices contradict the core purpose of agricultural land and threaten the long-term viability of farming in Abu Dhabi,” the Authority said in a statement. “We will act firmly to protect natural resources and maintain a sustainable food system.”

Impact on Farmers and Landowners

Beyond financial penalties, violators risk losing government subsidies, technical assistance, and access to key support services — critical resources for farm productivity and resilience.

Farm owners and tenants are both liable for non-compliance, making it essential for landlords to monitor and regulate tenants’ activities to avoid penalties.

Sustainability and Food Security Focus

The crackdown aligns with Abu Dhabi’s wider food security and sustainability strategy, which promotes responsible land use, environmental stewardship, and efficient energy consumption. Cryptocurrency mining, a highly energy-intensive process, undermines these priorities and can strain rural power networks.

By enforcing strict rules, ADAFSA aims to safeguard the emirate’s agricultural infrastructure, reduce wasteful energy use, and ensure government support reaches farms contributing to the local food supply.

Compliance and Reporting

ADAFSA urged all farmers and agricultural workers to stay informed about the approved economic uses for agricultural land. It also encouraged reporting of suspected violations to maintain compliance and protect the sector’s integrity.

“Preserving farmland for its intended purpose is essential to achieving Abu Dhabi’s food security and sustainability goals,” the Authority concluded.