The agriculture, fisheries and livestock sector contributed 4 per cent to GDP in 2003 with a value of Dhss9.3 billion. The UAE exports dates to Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia, while flowers are sent to other GCC countries, Lebanon, Australia, Britain and Japanese markets. By the beginning of 2004, there were 6076 farms in the Central Agricultural Region with 19,000 hectares of new land coming under the plough.

Virtually all cities in the UAE have been greatly enhanced by planting schemes, turning roadsides into gardens and roundabouts into mini-parks. In addition, there are extensive recreation parks where the shade from trees creates a pleasant environment, even in the summer months. The rate of change in the UAE is reflected in these city beautification projects. In 1974, there was only one public park in Abu Dhabi with very little greenery, but today the number has increased to about 40, covering an area of more than 3 million square metres.

The UAE real estate market is set to witness a mammoth growth rate and estimates to touch Dhs 360 billion. The contributing factors for these investments in real estate sector are the sustained upward trend in current international oil prices, which lead to the availability of surplus funds. These funds are mostly invested in government-sponsored development projects including infrastructure.

Currently 188 companies and contractors are located in Dubai and are engaged in the sector of Horticulture, Agriculture, Landscaping and Irrigation. They have more than 50,000 employees, who are most likely unskilled.

The upcoming building boom will also increase a secondary boom, the garden and outdoor living boom. It is estimated that the Arabian Gulf States will spend nearly Dhs360 Billion over the next 5 years on developments that will also require a vast purchase of outdoor living products and tens of thousands of gardens.