In the scenic, mountainous region of Asimah in Ras Al Khaimah, local farmer Marwan Saif Rashid Al Mazrouei is playing a pivotal role in preserving and expanding the cultivation of traditional Emirati grapes. With the harvest season typically spanning May and June, Al Mazrouei manages a thriving operation where he carefully balances the needs of ancient mother vines—some over 25 years old—with the cultivation of new seedlings. He notes that the ripening process is highly sensitive to the desert climate, where higher temperatures accelerate maturity, while milder weather allows for a more extended harvest period.

Over the years, Al Mazrouei has transformed his family farm into a significant nursery, scaling production from a modest 500 seedlings annually to over 10,000 to keep pace with a surging interest in local viticulture. While his farm produces both red and green varieties—each with distinct growth characteristics—the primary focus has shifted toward propagation to satisfy the high demand from fellow agricultural enthusiasts. As he prepares new stock for the planting window in September and October, his work remains a vital contribution to sustaining the region’s agricultural heritage while slowly integrating select international varieties into his nursery’s offerings.