H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, has initiated the “Dubai Farms” program, which offers a range of services and incentives to support Emirati farmers who own productive agricultural projects.
Read more: AgriTech financing worth $27.2 million for UAE farmers
The “Dubai Farms” program is in line with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The agenda seeks to establish Dubai as the leading city for living experiences, empower its citizens, increase their contribution to the emirate’s economy, and ensure their financial independence and social stability.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed highlighted the crucial importance of local agriculture in Dubai and the need to develop and sustain it to fulfill the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in making Dubai the world’s best city to live and work. This objective is a key pillar of Dubai’s comprehensive development plans, which focus on enhancing the capacity of strategic sectors.
We launched today the 'Dubai Farms' initiative, a strategic endeavor to bolster our agricultural sector in the Emirate of Dubai. This comprehensive program, run by Dubai Municipality, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture. It is a… pic.twitter.com/tCtEq5FvOH
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) March 4, 2024
Boosting GDP: Contributions to Dubai’s economy
“Today we launched the ‘Dubai Farms’ program to support productive Emirati farmers, by offering them a full suite of incentives and services that support the development of the emirate’s agriculture sector and enhance the sustainability of crops, all leading to enhanced contribution to the emirate’s GDP. We will continue our efforts to make Dubai’s agriculture more productive and sustainable,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
“People are the focus of Dubai’s future vision, while sustainability, leadership and competitiveness are its key pillars. Our strategic priorities include supporting Emirati farmers and promoting the culture of local agriculture, which helps solidify Dubai’s food security systems and ensure a sustainable future in which the next generations are self-sufficient.”
“We have issued directives to establish a farmers’ association that brings together amateurs and professionals alike, to ensure continuity of jobs in agriculture. Agriculture is key to Dubai’s sustainable future, and it is our responsibility to ensure our citizens and the next generations enjoy the best life has to offer,” Sheikh Hamdan concluded.
Comprehensive package of services and incentives
Dawoud Al Hajri, director-general of Dubai Municipality, stated that the “Dubai Farms” program, to be implemented by Dubai Municipality, aims to provide farmers with a comprehensive package of services and incentives. These include workshops, regular laboratory testing, partnerships, social support, and other incentives that help farmers continue operating and increase their productivity. The program aligns with Dubai’s Food Security Strategy and supports Dubai Municipality’s mission to build sustainable food systems and enhance the sustainability of food sources, thereby contributing to the prosperity and quality of life in Dubai.
The “Dubai Farms” program, facilitated by Dubai Municipality, offers a comprehensive program to support Emirati farmers and promote local farming. It includes farming consultation services, subsidized farming supplies, required laboratory testing, pest control services, and guidance for farmers to meet local market demands. The program also involves collaborating with a specialized crop distributor. Additionally, the program will organize various events such as the “Best Home Garden” competition, the Gulfood Agrotech exhibition, and the “Local Dates Week” in July to celebrate the popular fruit.
“Plant Your Food” initative
Among the incentives offered are competitive prices for farming supplies, machinery, and irrigation systems. The “Dubai Farms” program will also introduce the “Plant Your Food” initiative to encourage home gardening, the Hatta Farming Festival, and other seasonal farmers’ market events. Furthermore, to support Dubai Municipality’s digital transformation efforts, the Smart Farming Platform, in addition to establishing the farmers’ association, will provide technical details, improve efficiency, and raise awareness among farmers.
During the recent Gulfood exhibition, Dubai Municipality signed a cooperation agreement with GMG to market and sell farmers’ products. GMG will handle the collection, packaging, and marketing of crops through local outlets.
For more news on sustainability, click here.
