Abu Dhabi has officially banned cryptocurrency mining on agricultural land, announcing fines of Dh100,000 for violators. Repeat offenses will face double penalties.
The move comes after inspections revealed farms engaged in illegal crypto mining. Authorities argue that mining activities threaten agricultural sustainability, food security, and biosecurity standards. In 2024, fines were capped at Dh10,000 meaning the new 2025 penalty marks a 900% increase. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (Adafsa) has taken strict measures to ensure compliance.
| Violation | Penalty/Action |
| First Offense | Dh100,000 fine |
| Repeat Offense | Dh200,000 fine (double) |
| Additional Action | Suspension of services, electricity cut-off, mining equipment seized |
| Legal Action | Referral to courts under UAE law |
The ban applies equally to farm owners and tenants. Any farm caught mining will immediately lose government support programmes and face legal consequences.
Adafsa urged farm owners and workers to comply with regulations:
“Agricultural and livestock land must only be used for approved purposes. Any other activity, including crypto mining, will not be tolerated.”
The UAE’s strict action shows its determination to protect agriculture and food security while curbing the misuse of resources for unregulated crypto mining.