RAK Awafi farms can be booked online

ras al khaimah – The makeshift farms of the scenic Awafi area in the emirate may now be booked online.

Dr Abdulrahman Al Shayeb, director-general of the economic development department, said: “As per the new service, themed ‘Farm online’, applicants can get their rented farm within 48 hours with no need to appear at the department in person.”

Up to 70 Emirati nationals have already registered for the new service, he said. “Applicants need to fill in a form, attach a copy of the ID card.”

After a scrutiny of details, an SMS will be sent to the applicant with approved request.

“The applicant shall then appear in person at the department headquarters to sign the tenancy contract and pay the due fees starting from Dh3,000 per 10,000 square metres.”

Recently, the department has launched a campaign to urge renewal of the tenancy contracts of the farms at Awafi area, and update their data. “So far, the tenancy contracts of 260 out of 500 farms have been renewed at the Awafi area.”

The mandatory registration and tenancy contract renewal will help identify the abandoned farms, Dr Shayeb said. “The licence of these abandoned farms shall then be given to those on the waiting list.” He added the department has granted a 50 per cent discount on the rents for the families of the martyrs and those supported by the Ministry of Community Development.

“Other Emirati nationals are also given a 30 per cent discount, yet on a maximum area of 10,000 square metres.”