What began as an interior designer’s professional interest in incorporating plants into living spaces has evolved into a remarkable story of sustainable urban agriculture.
A 36-year-old Syrian resident of Ajman, who has called the UAE home since childhood, has transformed her rooftop and garden into a flourishing organic farm that produces everything from fresh vegetables to natural honey.
Um Rashid’s transition from interior design to organic farming began with her profession. “I was constantly reading about types of indoor plants, the requirements of each in terms of light and humidity, and how to care for them.”
From design to agriculture
As her interest grew, her focus expanded beyond decorative plants.
With time, this curiosity became passion, and her interest gradually expanded from ornamental plants to aromatic and kitchen plants, such as parsley, mint, basil, and rosemary.However, she soon discovered the limitations of indoor cultivation. She noticed that these plants need sunlight, so she moved to growing them on the roof of the house, and there began her real adventure with agriculture.
The rooftop garden
The move to rooftop farming marked a turning point in her agricultural journey. Her approach was methodical and informed, reflecting her design background.
Combining her design skills with her newfound passion, she created a unique farming setup. “I made the planting beds by hand, from wood, designed them to suit the space, and painted them in the colors I love.”
The physical demands of creating her urban farm were significant. “It wasn’t easy, but the enthusiasm was stronger than the fatigue.”
Commit to organic
From the beginning, she committed to organic farming principles. “My farming is 100 per cent organic, I don’t use any chemicals, because I believe that clean food is the foundation of health. I grow for myself and my family, and I love to eat what I grow [and remain] assured.”
The variety of crops she cultivates has expanded significantly over time, from leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, to fruits like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, and even squashes.
Community impact, family joy
The transformation of her rooftop has had a profound impact on her community and family life.
“My loved ones and neighbours started visiting me because of it, children run to see it, and I notice neighbours watching it from their balconies while they sip coffee in the morning.”
For her, one of the most rewarding aspects of her urban farm is the immediate access to fresh ingredients. “When I’m in the kitchen, I need a sprig of basil or a few mint leaves, general salad needs… so I go up to the roof and harvest what I want. An indescribable feeling.”
Beekeeping on the roof
Her passion for sustainable agriculture led her to expand beyond plant cultivation. She decided to add a beehive to her roof. “Imagine my joy as I harvest natural honey from my garden, I give it to my family and loved ones, from the goodness of my house… and from my heart.”
During the growing season, which runs from September to May, she experiences what she describes as true self-sufficiency.
Overcoming challenges
Despite her success, her journey has not been without obstacles. With rooftop farming, one of the most prominent problems she faced was draining excess water.
She tried to research and read about practical solutions, and learned how to control the amount of irrigation, and added appropriate insulating materials.
The wooden planters she initially crafted, while aesthetically pleasing, proved impractical in the long term. “especially in a hot and humid environment like the UAE. The wood was affected by moisture and needed constant maintenance.”
Transition to ground-level farming
The desire for expansion is common among those who practice agriculture, as she notes. “where it is said that ‘the farmer is greedy’ because the more he plants, the more his love for the land increases.”
This led to a significant decision. Where she decided to move to a new house that contains a ground garden, and there she started planting fruit trees such as lemon, mulberry, and mango in addition to ornamental trees.
Creating an integrated ecosystem
Her vision of sustainable agriculture encompasses more than just plant cultivation. “I later added chicken farming to this system, to complete the features of integrated rural life.”
The impact on her family, particularly her son, has been profound. “my son began to participate daily in the harvest. He would wake up with passion, run to the garden looking for cucumber or eggplant, pick the fruits with his hands.”
She sees immense value in this connection to nature for the next generation. “I saw in this interaction an invaluable benefit; my son grows up in a green, healthy, quiet environment, away from screens.”
Family support
The support of her family has been crucial to her success ; she received great support from her family. “The roots of agriculture are extended in us as Arabs, and my grandparents were farmers.”
She has also found inspiration and support in the broader agricultural community in her social media platforms .
Educational outreach
Her expertise has led to opportunities to share her knowledge with others, particularly children to provide educational courses about agriculture, and she also organised several simple interactive workshops, in which she introduces children to agriculture through direct experience: touching the soil, planting seeds, and following growth.
Her vision extends far beyond her current setup. “I wish to establish a small integrated farm that bears my fingerprint, and combines organic production, education, and beauty.”
She looks forward to this farm being an open space for learning and contemplation, especially for children and families.
Her message to those considering urban farming is both practical and inspiring. “My advice to anyone thinking of growing in their home: don’t wait for perfect conditions but start with what you have. One plant in a small pot can open a door to a big world of fun and psychological comfort.”
She emphasises the importance of learning through experience. “Agriculture needs patience, but in return it teaches patience, and rewards you with fruit.”
She is optimistic about the agricultural potential in the UAE. “In the UAE, nothing is impossible to grow.”
She points to successful examples of diverse agriculture in the region like olives and wheat in Sharjah.
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