The inaugural grape harvest at Sharjah's Ghamam project on Jebel Deem, UAE, 850 meters above sea level, at the center of a mountain agriculture endeavor, has successfully transitioned rocky terrain into arable land. This project, covered by Sharjah News, signifies an agricultural achievement integral to the 'Above the Clouds' retreat and its related tourism encapsulation.
More than 4,500 trees, including grape vines, olive, apple, and pomegranate trees, have been instrumental in greening the rocky mountain, aligned with the extensive development overseen by Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah. The Ghamam project showcases mountain agriculture's potential in the UAE's challenging environment, presenting a blend of farming and panoramic views of Kalba's coast and nearby valleys.
In June, Sheikh Dr Sultan reviewed the project's progress, encompassing agricultural and tourism aspects. The retreat's two-floor structure, covering 4,700 square metres, highlights agricultural achievements and includes visitor facilities, including a restaurant and viewing platforms, integrating firsthand agricultural experiences with cultural elements.
The agricultural achievement at Ghamam forms part of Kalba's transformation into a tourism hub, joining other projects like the Hanging Gardens and Al Hefaiyah Lake, adding an agri-tourism facet that distinguishes it from other destinations. The interface of agriculture with tourism here aims to diversify revenue streams and offers visitors educational opportunities on farming techniques.
Infrastructure improvements support agricultural operations efficiency on Jebel Deem, featuring a road network of 10 kilometres and two bridges for visitor and agricultural access, highlighting a sustained commitment to the project's viability.
This is in line with a broader vision encompassing the development of an international FIFA-standard stadium and a 100-room hotel connected to the retreat by pedestrian pathways, embedding agriculture, tourism, sports, and hospitality into a unified strategy.
The Ghamam project, following the 2021 Al Suhub Rest Area initiative, underscores Sharjah's innovative mountain developmental approach, combining environmental and economic stewardship, providing models that contribute to the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051 by exploring agricultural production expansion into unused terrains.
Source: MenaFN
