- Crypto mining on farmland is now illegal in Abu Dhabi.
- Offenders face a fine of Dh100,000 and service disconnection.
- The move aims to protect farmland and conserve energy.
Authorities Crack Down on Farmland Crypto Mining
In a major move to regulate the use of land and power, Abu Dhabi has officially banned cryptocurrency mining activities on farmland. The new regulation was announced to prevent misuse of agricultural land and protect essential services. Authorities now warn that anyone caught mining crypto on farmland will face a Dh100,000 fine and may also have their utility services disconnected.
This decision follows growing concerns about the misuse of farmland for high-energy activities like crypto mining, which not only violates land-use laws but also puts a massive strain on local energy supplies.
Energy and Agriculture at Risk
Farming areas are intended to support food production and environmental sustainability. However, the increasing number of illegal crypto mining setups in these zones has triggered alarm. The energy-intensive nature of mining puts added pressure on local grids, leading to potential disruptions for residents and agricultural operations.
By cutting off services to violators, Abu Dhabi hopes to discourage this practice entirely and ensure farmlands are used strictly for agricultural purposes.
Enforcement and Penalties
The government has made it clear that enforcement will be strict. Officials have started surveillance and inspections to detect illegal mining setups. If found, property owners could be liable even if they were unaware of the activities taking place on their land.
This regulation forms part of a broader effort by the UAE to maintain a balanced approach toward cryptocurrency, encouraging innovation while enforcing strong boundaries where necessary—especially when it comes to energy conservation and land management.
