Abu Dhabi Bans Use of Farmland for Crypto Mining Operations

Abu Dhabi has officially banned the use of farmland for cryptocurrency mining, warning violators they face severe financial and operational penalties. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) announced that anyone caught mining digital assets on agricultural land will be fined 100,000 AED ($27,229). Offenders will also face confiscation of mining hardware, disconnection from the electrical grid, and suspension of municipal services.

Authorities said the move aligns with sustainability policies in the region, emphasizing that farmland is strictly reserved for agricultural purposes. “Such activities fall outside the scope of permitted economic uses defined by the authority and are not allowed on farmlands,” ADAFSA stated.

The decision comes amid ongoing global debates about the environmental impact of crypto mining. Critics argue that the energy-intensive process contributes to pollution and strains local resources. Advocates, however, point out that mining operations are increasingly turning to renewable energy sources and waste-to-energy projects.

Studies suggest that more than half of Bitcoin mining in 2023 relied on renewable energy, including hydro, geothermal, and flared gas from industrial processes. Research published in August 2024 highlighted how landfill-gas-to-energy (LFGTE) systems could convert methane into usable power for proof-of-work mining, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Earlier studies even suggested Bitcoin mining could cut up to 8% of global emissions by 2030.

Despite these potential environmental benefits, regulators remain cautious. In the US, lawmakers have repeatedly pressured the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce stricter rules on mining, including measures to reduce air, water, and noise pollution.

With Abu Dhabi’s latest ban, the UAE sends a clear message that crypto mining will not be tolerated on farmland, reflecting growing tensions between digital asset innovation and sustainability policies worldwide.