Peninsula Farms: Growing Bahrain’s Green Vision
What began as a small hydroponic experiment in 2012 has grown into one of Bahrain’s
leading models of sustainable farming, a transformation personally driven by Shaikh Rashid
bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Manager of Peninsula Farms, who affectionately refers to it as
Bahrain’s farm.
What began with a few pipes, seedlings, and hopeful tinkering has now
blossomed into a national success story.
Speaking to The Daily Tribune at the opening of the Farmers’ Market 2025, Shaikh Rashid
reflected on the farm’s early mission, one with no frills attached: strengthen Bahrain’s food
security. The early days featured hydroponic lettuce, tomatoes and peppers, humble
beginnings that would later pave the way for nearly 35,000 square meters of open-field
farming. With each new season, the farm expanded its lineup, gradually replacing several
imported items with homegrown alternatives. A small victory here, a big milestone there, all
adding up to more nutritious options for shoppers and a shorter farm-to-table journey.
Beyond produce, Peninsula Farms has become a playground for sustainability ideas. Its solar
power initiative currently covers about 70% of the farm’s energy needs, with 100% green
firmly pinned on the vision board. Solar isn’t the only innovation shaping the farm’s
environmental footprint. Peninsula Farms follows a strict zero-waste philosophy, including
transforming unsold goat milk into natural, high-quality soap. “We learned how to make
soap from returned milk instead of throwing it out. It’s genuinely good quality,” Shaikh
Rashid says.
The farm also runs a composting program that invites hotels and restaurants to send back organic waste, which is then converted into compost for their tree-growing initiative. “We want to help turn parts of the desert into an oasis. You can even see our greenery on Google Maps now, that always makes me smile.”
For Shaikh Rashid, sustainability isn’t only about tech and trees, it’s also about people and culture. Bahrain’s history as a trading hub made imported goods the norm for generations, but Peninsula Farms is helping rebuild the connection between communities and their local farmers. He often notes that the only way to truly know if your food is organic is to know your farmer and understand where your food comes from. Today’s consumers are more
health-conscious and curious, and this shift is breathing new life into Bahrain’s agricultural
ecosystem.
Running a farm in Bahrain’s climate naturally comes with its share of challenges. Farming in the middle of the desert presents numerous obstacles, but the team at Peninsula Farms views them as speed bumps rather than roadblocks, a reminder that farming teaches patience and resilience.
Shaikh Rashid’s connection to farming is rooted in family, though he never imagined he would one day run a farm himself. His grandfather’s deep passion for agriculture left a lasting impression, and over time, his own love for Bahrain drew him into horticulture and hydroponics, motivated by the belief that the country deserves the best local produce and the strongest farming community. He credits the dedication of the Peninsula Farms team and the support of national leadership for the farm’s steady growth.
The farm’s work is closely aligned with Bahrain’s Vision 2030, with goals such as food production, sustainability, waste management and tree planting guiding its initiatives. Looking ahead, Shaikh Rashid hopes the community will continue supporting local farmers, especially by visiting the farmers’ market throughout the season. There, amid all the colours, aromas and friendly conversations, Bahrainis can discover the many fresh treasures grown right here at home.
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