The village of Qidfa in Fujairah, UAE. ARCHIVE

A quiet coastal village in Fujairah is preparing to welcome more visitors, and there is plenty to see and do. Qidfa, known for its farms and fishing heritage, is undergoing a five-year transformation designed to turn it into a community-based tourism destination while preserving its traditional character. What’s new for visitors? Families in Qidfa are beginning to open their farms and homes to tourists and students, offering a closer look at traditional Emirati agriculture and village life. Plans include around 10km of new cycling tracks and walking paths weaving through farms, as well as an upgraded access to Qidfa beach. There are also community-led tourism projects and youth development programmes and training initiatives. The cycling paths will stretch from farmland areas to the coastline, making it easier for visitors to explore both the green spaces and the sea in one trip. The development is being led by the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, which announced a Dh1 billion investment to revitalise 10 villages across the UAE. Qidfa is the first on the list. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, said the recognition and development efforts reflect the UAE’s commitment to balanced and sustainable growth across all regions. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said Qidfa’s inclusion in the FAO MuNe initiative reflects the country’s efforts to support sustainable agricultural and food systems. The village recently received international recognition under an initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, joining the FAO Museum and Network. The recognition highlights efforts to preserve biodiversity, food heritage and rural traditions.

A village with deep roots

About 40 per cent of Qidfa consists of farmland, with 261 farms across the area. Older residents recall a time when mangoes, citrus fruits, pomegranates and vegetables were widely grown. Ahmad Sabir, one of the village’s elderly farmers, said farming once shaped everyday life. “Our life depended on farming, palm trees and animals. That was our life,” he said. Today, many farms focus mainly on date palms, but the new development aims to revive interest in agriculture while creating opportunities for younger generations. For UAE residents looking for a different kind of weekend escape: one that blends beach views, cycling trails and heritage experiences, making Qidfa a destination worth adding to the list. ICA/Expat Media
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