Food & FMCG

Demand for locally grown Emirati grape seedlings is rising rapidly, with a family-run nursery in Asimah, a mountainous agricultural region in Ras Al Khaimah, increasing production from just 500 seedlings annually to more than 10,000 grapevines each season.

Local farmer Marwan Saif Rashid Al Mazrouei said the growing interest in traditional Emirati grape varieties has transformed his nursery into one of the region's key suppliers of locally cultivated grape seedlings.

Located about 90 kilometres south of Ras Al Khaimah city, Asimah is known for its fertile mountainous landscape and long-standing grape-growing tradition.

Harvest Season Driven by Weather

According to Al Mazrouei, this year's grape harvest began in May and continued through June, with weather conditions playing a major role in determining the harvest period.

"The hotter the weather, the faster the grapes ripen," he explained. "When temperatures are milder, harvesting extends across both May and June."

To produce high-quality grapes, growers carry out pruning, fertilisation and pest management throughout the cultivation cycle. Grapevines are heavily pruned in February, before fruit begins to develop in May.

Traditional Emirati Varieties Lead Production

Asimah is renowned for cultivating authentic local Emirati grape varieties, including both red and green grapes. Some of the nursery's original mother vines are more than 25 years old, reflecting the area's long agricultural heritage.

Alongside these traditional varieties, Al Mazrouei has also started cultivating international grape varieties, although production remains limited as the younger vines continue to mature.

Demand Outpaces Supply

Al Mazrouei said demand for Emirati grape seedlings has increased dramatically over recent years.

"Previously, we produced around 500 seedlings annually," he said. "Today, production exceeds 10,000 grape seedlings each season, yet demand continues to surpass supply."

The nursery now focuses primarily on propagating grape seedlings rather than selling harvested grapes commercially, a skill Al Mazrouei inherited from his father before expanding the family business.

Strong Yields and Seasonal Availability

Each of the farm's 30 to 40 mature grapevines produces an average of 30 kilograms of grapes, although annual yields vary depending on weather and growing conditions.

The farmer noted that the local red grape variety produces smaller fruit but establishes more quickly after planting, while the local green variety bears larger grapes but requires a longer period for seedlings to mature.

New batches of locally grown red and green grape seedlings become available during the planting season, which begins in September and October.

The continued growth in demand highlights increasing interest in preserving Emirati agricultural heritage while encouraging local cultivation of traditional fruit varieties across the UAE.

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