Abu Dhabi bans crypto mining on farmland, imposes AED100,000 fines

Abu Dhabi's agricultural regulator has banned cryptocurrency mining on farmland and announced steep penalties and enforcement measures for violators, saying the action responds to recent detections of mining operations on agricultural sites. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority said on Tuesday that farms found using land or electricity for crypto mining will face a fine of AED100,000, with the penalty doubled for repeat offences, and that owners and tenants will be subject to additional sanctions.

ADAFSA said it will suspend all services and support provided to noncompliant farms, disconnect electricity to the sites, confiscate mining equipment, and stop participation in agricultural support programmes for the farm owner. Cases will be referred to relevant authorities for further legal action under applicable legislation, the authority added. Violations will be recorded against both farm owners and tenants engaged in mining activities.

The authority framed the move as necessary to protect agricultural sustainability and biosecurity, saying cryptocurrency mining falls outside the permitted economic uses for farmland, which are limited to crop cultivation and...