Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has launched advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and drone-based monitoring, to address one of the emirate’s most pressing environmental threats—agricultural soil salinity.

The initiative is part of EAD’s broader soil sustainability programme, which aims to safeguard farmland, improve productivity, and adapt to the effects of climate change. Officials stress that salinity is not a distant risk, but a challenge already reducing soil fertility across large parts of Abu Dhabi.

Mapping the Problem

As part of its efforts, EAD has undertaken an extensive monitoring programme. To date, the agency has:

Identified 664 sites across the emirate.

Collected and analysed 1,376 soil samples annually.

Recorded over 72,000 soil data entries.

Produced 36 thematic maps.

Tested for 35 pollutants.

This data-driven approach provides an unprecedented understanding of how salinity levels vary across Abu Dhabi, guiding targeted interventions.

Climate and Human Impact

Salinity in Abu Dhabi’s soils is influenced by both natural and man-made factors. With average annual rainfall below 100 millimetres and some of the highest evaporation rates in the region, soils here are naturally prone to salt accumulation.

But human activity has accelerated the process. The use of saline groundwater for irrigation, coupled with traditional flood irrigation—particularly in the Al Dhafra region—has worsened the problem. According to EAD’s Soil Quality Monitoring Programme, about 60% of Al Dhafra’s surface soils fall into the “very high salinity” category (ECe > 40 dS/m).

Climate change is expected to compound these pressures further, pushing salinity levels even higher in the decades to come.

Farming Practices Under Scrutiny

EAD’s recently published Climate Change Adaptation Plan for the Environment Sector 2025–2050 highlights how current agricultural practices must evolve. While partial use of desalinated water has provided relief in some areas, reliance on saline sources continues to degrade farmland.

The agency warns that without change, soil fertility will continue to decline, reducing yields and threatening Abu Dhabi’s long-term food security.

Understanding Soil Types

Abu Dhabi’s soils are mostly sandy and calcareous, rich in calcium carbonate. They fall into two major categories:

Entisols – 81.68%

Aridisols – 14.38%

These soils are often gypsiferous, saline, or hard, reflecting the emirate’s arid climate. Organic matter content is generally below 1%, which limits water retention and fertility.

Interestingly, EAD found that Al Ain recorded the highest levels of organic carbon (0.57% or 20.1 tonnes per hectare), thanks to crop residues and fertiliser use. Livestock farms and palm oases also showed higher organic carbon, suggesting that improved farming practices can positively influence soil quality.

Technology-Driven Solutions

To confront these challenges, EAD is turning to innovation. Its soil monitoring project integrates satellite imagery, drone surveillance, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to capture soil data more efficiently and accurately than ever before.

After a successful pilot phase, the project was fully rolled out in 2023. While the current focus remains on soil health, EAD has plans to expand the technology to other areas, including marine ecosystems, water quality, and air quality.

Alongside monitoring, the agency is promoting integrated land and water management strategies. These include adopting drip irrigation, reducing groundwater reliance, and encouraging sustainable crop choices.

Land Rehabilitation Gains

EAD’s land rehabilitation projects are already showing results. Reclaimed areas have grown from 133 square kilometres to over 378 square kilometres in recent years. While earlier efforts focused on traditional crops like date palms, new strategies emphasise sustainable water use and modern agricultural practices.

This rehabilitation aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader environmental vision: preserving natural resources while enabling long-term agricultural productivity.

The Road Ahead

EAD acknowledges that addressing soil salinity is a long-term challenge requiring cooperation between government, farmers, and researchers. By blending traditional knowledge with modern technology, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable desert agriculture.

As climate pressures mount, such integrated approaches will be vital—not only to protect Abu Dhabi’s farmlands but also to provide lessons for other arid regions facing similar threats.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi’s battle against soil salinity is about more than just farming—it’s about resilience in the face of climate change. With AI-driven monitoring, smarter water use, and sustainable land practices, the emirate is laying the foundation for an agricultural future that thrives even in the harshest desert conditions.