Key Takeaways
- Initiative Launch: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum initiated the’ Dubai Farms’ program to support Emirati farmers with services and incentives.
- Alignment with Dubai Social Agenda 33: Aiming to enrich living experiences in Dubai, empower citizens, and bolster their economic contribution and financial independence.
- Emphasis on Local Agriculture: Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision highlights the importance of agriculture for Dubai’s sustainability and development.
- Comprehensive Support Package: Dubai Municipality offers this program, which provides various aids, including consultations, subsidies, and lab testing, to promote food security and agricultural productivity.
- Events and Competitions: These foster local farming culture and sustainability, including initiatives like the ‘Best Home Garden’ competition and ‘Local Dates Week.’
Official Launch by Dubai’s Crown Prince
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially launched the’ Dubai Farms’ program on Monday. This new scheme is designed to bolster Emirati farmers who own productive agricultural projects by providing them with services and incentives to support the development of the emirate’s agriculture sector.
Aligning with Strategic Goals
The initiative aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which aims to position Dubai as a leading city for living experiences, empowering citizens to contribute to the economy and ensure their financial independence and social stability. Sheikh Hamdan remarked, “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.”
Supporting Local Agriculture
The development of local agriculture is a critical element of Dubai’s comprehensive development plans, reflecting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized, “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.”
Dubai Municipality’s Role
Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, outlined the comprehensive package of services and incentives under the program, which includes workshops, regular lab testing, partnerships, social support, and other incentives to help farms operate productively in support of Dubai’s Food Security Strategy.
Promoting Sustainability and Local Farming
The program aims to promote the culture of local agriculture through various events and initiatives, such as the ‘Best Home Garden’ competition and ‘Local Dates Week,’ to solidify Dubai’s food security systems and ensure a sustainable future.
Partnership with GMG
A partnership with GMG was announced during the Gulfood exhibition to market and sell farmers’ products, showcasing the program’s commitment to supporting local farmers and enhancing Dubai’s agricultural sector’s productivity and sustainability.
Digital Transformation Efforts
The Smart Farming Platform, supporting Dubai Municipality’s digital transformation, aims to provide technical details, improve efficiency, and raise awareness among farmers, marking a step towards technological enhancement in agriculture.
