Sharjah reaffirms ban on leasing agricultural land

Sharjah has reaffirmed that leasing agricultural land for any purpose is prohibited under the emirate's agricultural land regulations. The ban applies to all rental arrangements involving farmland, including those for agricultural use itself. Both landowners and tenants can face legal action for violations.

Scope of the prohibition#

The prohibition covers all rental arrangements involving agricultural land, regardless of the intended use. Khalid bin Falah Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Committee for the Removal of Violations in Agricultural Areas, stated on Direct Line, a programme broadcast on Sharjah Radio and Television, that leasing itself constitutes a violation of the law. Private rental agreements between parties have no legal recognition under the regulations. Both the farm owner and the person conducting activities on the land are considered in breach of the law where such arrangements exist.

Enforcement measures#

Enforcement begins with a warning and a notice of violation issued to the landowner. Failure to comply can lead to disconnection of utilities. Under the legislation, authorities may refer the matter to the government for withdrawal of the agricultural land if the owner does not comply with the notice. The enforcement measures apply where rental arrangements are identified, and both parties to such arrangements can be held accountable under the regulations.

Legal accountability#

Both landowners and tenants conducting activities on leased agricultural land face legal consequences under the emirate's regulations. Al Suwaidi confirmed that the person renting the property to conduct activities and the landowner can both be held legally accountable. The regulations do not recognise private contracts signed between parties for the rental of agricultural land. Compliance with the prohibition is required of all landowners holding agricultural land in the emirate.

Regulatory framework#

The prohibition is set out in Sharjah's agricultural land regulations. Al Suwaidi stated that if leasing for agricultural purposes is prohibited, the ban extends to all other purposes. The regulations govern the use and transfer of agricultural land within the emirate. The Committee for the Removal of Violations in Agricultural Areas is responsible for enforcement of the regulations and for issuing notices of violation to landowners.