The recognition places Qidfa among a select group of villages worldwide acknowledged for protecting natural heritage while linking food culture to education, hospitality and tourism
Qidfa Village in Fujairah has secured international recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization, marking a milestone for the UAE’s rural development and heritage preservation efforts. The village has officially joined the FAO Museum and Network (FAO MuNe), an initiative that highlights communities safeguarding food traditions, biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices.
The recognition places Qidfa among a select group of villages worldwide acknowledged for protecting natural heritage while linking food culture to education, hospitality and tourism. FAO MuNe is designed to promote rural communities that preserve traditional knowledge systems and showcase innovative approaches to sustainability, positioning them as living museums of agricultural and cultural heritage.
H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, described the certificate as a testament to the UAE’s long-term vision of comprehensive and sustainable development. He said the honour reflects prudent national policies and impactful initiatives whose benefits extend across all regions of the country.
Sheikh Hamad commended the role of national institutions in coordinating development strategies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. He emphasised that Fujairah attaches particular importance to preserving heritage villages and protecting natural ecosystems, while empowering local communities and reinforcing national identity. According to him, sustainable progress must safeguard resources for future generations while creating opportunities in the present.
Qidfa, located along Fujairah’s eastern coastline, is known for its traditional fishing practices, agricultural activities and strong community ties. Over recent years, local and federal authorities have invested in enhancing infrastructure, supporting small-scale producers and promoting eco-tourism initiatives that celebrate the area’s cultural landscape. The FAO recognition highlights these efforts as a model for rural resilience in arid and coastal environments.
Qidfa, located along Fujairah’s eastern coastline, is known for its traditional fishing practices, agricultural activities and strong community ties
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the village’s accession to FAO MuNe underscores the UAE’s commitment to sustainable food systems and biodiversity conservation. She noted that preserving food heritage and local knowledge is central to strengthening national food security and building climate-resilient agricultural communities.
The minister added that the achievement aligns closely with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to position the country as a global leader in innovative food security solutions. By integrating digital technologies, scientific research and community engagement, rural villages such as Qidfa are being transformed into dynamic development hubs while retaining their heritage character.
Mohamed Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, said the recognition reflects coordinated national efforts to uplift rural areas economically and socially. He highlighted initiatives designed to improve quality of life, support local crafts and agricultural enterprises, and convert villages into distinctive cultural and tourism destinations without compromising authenticity.
FAO’s broader village recognition programmes seek to showcase communities that combine tradition with innovation, ensuring that agricultural landscapes remain productive and culturally vibrant. For Qidfa, joining this global network provides not only prestige but also opportunities for knowledge exchange, sustainable tourism promotion and international collaboration.
The certificate signals growing international acknowledgment of the UAE’s approach to balanced regional development — one that connects environmental responsibility, heritage conservation and economic diversification. For Fujairah, it represents a proud moment that reinforces the emirate’s role in advancing rural sustainability while preserving its unique identity.
