Abu Dhabi Bans Crypto Mining on Agricultural Land, Imposes Dh100,000 Fine

Abu Dhabi has officially banned cryptocurrency mining on farmland, citing concerns over misuse of land designated for agriculture and the environmental implications of high-energy mining operations. Authorities confirmed the fine for first-time violations stands at Dh100,000, and will be doubled for repeat offences. In addition to monetary fines, offenders face disconnection of electricity to the site, suspension of agricultural services and support, confiscation of mining equipment, and referral to further legal action. These measures apply to both owners and tenants of the land found in breach of the regulation. The move is part of a broader effort to ensure agricultural land is used for its intended purpose—farming and livestock—and to prevent diversion of farmland into energy-intensive crypto mining, which can undermine land sustainability and food-security objectives.