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Fri, Nov 22, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 21, 1446 | DXB
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Video: Palestinian farmer in UAE faces uncertainty as farm exports of zaatar, pickles decline
He remains hopeful that peace will return, allowing him to resume regular imports of his goods, which have become a staple for many residents in Dubai
KT Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
A UAE-based Palestinian farmer, who sells premium olives, cheese, and spices grown on his family farm in Jenin is now facing severe challenges due to the ongoing conflict.
Before the war erupted on October 7 last year, he would receive shipments of his farm's produce once a month, amounting to between 400kg and 600kg.
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However, the war has made regular exports nearly impossible, with shipments now arriving only every two to three months since the war began. “I received my last batch in August, and with the escalation of the conflict, especially after Hezbollah and Iran's involvement, I fear a prolonged shortage of the produce,” Abu said.
From a visitor to being a resident
Abu used to visit the UAE regularly between 2009 and 2014 to sell his farm's produce in local markets. After making continuous trips, he finally settled in the UAE in 2014 and set up his business in Dubai in 2017, opening a store in Dragon Mart.
“Our farm in Jenin is massive. We grow everything from olives, herbs, and vegetables to rearing cows and goats for milk, which we turn into cheese,” said the Palestinian expat who now lives in Dubai; his brothers and nephews oversee the daily operations on the farm.
KT Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
KT Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
“Everything we bring to Dubai is 100 per cent from our farm, ensuring that our customers get the best, fresh products,” he added.
Watch a video of his produce, here:
Farming: A family affair
Abu Muhammed’s agricultural roots run deep in his family, stretching back generations in the lands of his hometown. Farming has been the bread and butter of his family long before he was born and each generation has passed down the knowledge of olive cultivation, cheese-making, and herb farming. “Our family farm is not just a business, it’s a part of who we are,” said Abu. “My father taught me how to plant olive trees and care for livestock, and now my brother and nephews are continuing that legacy. We have always relied on the land, and everything we know comes from years of working closely with it.”
“We grow everything naturally, without chemicals, just like our ancestors did. My nephews are continuing the same practices today, with the same dedication to the quality of the soil and the health of our plants and animals,” he added. “Once the produce is harvested, my family collects and does the packaging before exporting it to the UAE.”
Olives production and exporting
“Olives are grown during hot, dry summers and mild winters,” he said. “We start the planting process in January and February, ensuring the olive trees are placed in well-drained soil and receive plenty of sunlight. During their first years, the trees require deep watering to establish strong roots, but once they mature, they become drought-resistant,” Abu added.
KT Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
The olives are harvested in late fall or early winter, depending on their ripeness. Afterward, the family prepares them for export; some olives are packed in oil, while others are mixed in water. “We take care of the packaging in Palestine and ensure everything is fresh when it arrives in Dubai,” said Abu Muhammed. “The herbs, such as zaatar and sage leaves, are also carefully grown and harvested from our farm in Jenin, providing customers here with authentic Palestinian flavours.”
Cheese-making tradition
One of Abu's favourites is the cheese his family produces from their cows and goats. “We collect the milk from our cows and goats, and we turn it into cheese using traditional methods,” said Abu Muhammed. “My brother and nephews handle this process back home now, ensuring it’s done with the same care our family has used for generations.”
Abu Muhammed's store in Dragon Mart has gained popularity for its range of Palestinian products, including zaatar, herbal seasoning blends, special Palestinian pickles, and various herbs. “Living in the UAE for the last 10 years has allowed me to maintain a strong connection to my roots while sharing my farm's produce with people here,” said Abu Muhammed.
KT Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
Looking forward, Abu Muhammed is hoping to continue growing and expanding his operations. “Right now, I am happy with where we are, but who knows what the future holds? As long as I can keep bringing the taste of Palestine to the UAE, I’ll be content,” he said.
Uncertain future
The Palestinian has built a loyal customer base in the UAE, selling traditional Palestinian products directly from his farm. “Before the war, everything ran smoothly. My relatives would export produce to the UAE without any issues. Now, everything is uncertain,” said Abu.
As the conflict escalates, his anxiety grows over the fate of his farm’s produce. “Now, with the war escalating and the borders becoming increasingly restricted, I am not sure when I will get the next batch of products,” he said. Despite his concerns, he remains hopeful that peace will return and allow him to resume regular imports of his goods, which have become a staple for many residents in Dubai.
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SM Ayaz Zakir
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
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