Dubai, UAE – In a strategic move to support local farmers and enhance agricultural sustainability, 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 unveiled the groundbreaking “Dubai Farms” program. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive array of services and incentives to bolster Emirati farmers and their productive agricultural projects.
Aligned with the overarching goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Farms program seeks to position Dubai as the foremost city for living experiences. It endeavors to empower citizens, amplify their economic contributions, and foster financial independence and social stability among them.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed emphasized the critical role of local agriculture in Dubai’s development trajectory. He underscored the imperative to nurture and elevate the agricultural sector in alignment with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision of Dubai as the pinnacle city for living and working. This vision stands as a pivotal pillar in Dubai’s comprehensive development strategy, which prioritizes the enhancement of strategic sectors’ capacities.
The Crown Prince affirmed, “Today, we introduce the ‘Dubai Farms’ program to bolster the efforts of productive Emirati farmers. By offering a suite of incentives and services, we aim to foster the development of Dubai’s agriculture sector, promote crop sustainability, and augment our contribution to the emirate’s GDP. Our commitment remains steadfast in making Dubai’s agriculture more productive and sustainable.”
He further elaborated on the program’s emphasis on people, sustainability, leadership, and competitiveness as the cornerstones of Dubai’s future vision. The strategic priority includes supporting Emirati farmers, fostering a culture of local agriculture, fortifying food security systems, and ensuring a sustainable future for upcoming generations.
Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted that the Dubai Farms program, spearheaded by Dubai Municipality, is designed to provide farmers with a comprehensive suite of services and incentives. These include workshops, laboratory testing, partnerships, social support, and other initiatives aimed at fostering highly productive and sustainable farms, thus aligning with Dubai’s Food Security Strategy.
The program’s objectives are deeply intertwined with Dubai Municipality’s mission and strategic priorities, which center on building sustainable food systems and enhancing the sustainability of food sources. By doing so, Dubai aims to elevate prosperity and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
The ‘Dubai Farms’ program will offer farming consultation services, subsidized farming supplies, necessary lab testing, pest control services, and guidance to meet local market demands. Additionally, the program will organize various events, including competitions like the “Best Home Garden,” exhibitions like the Gulfood Agrotech exhibition, and thematic celebrations like the “Local Dates Week.”
To further support farmers, the program will offer competitive prices for farming supplies, machinery, and irrigation systems. It will also initiate events like the “Plant Your Food” campaign to encourage home gardening and seasonal farmers’ market events like the Hatta Farming Festival.
Moreover, the program will establish a farmers’ association and implement the Smart Farming Platform to facilitate Dubai Municipality’s digital transformation efforts. This platform will provide technical insights, enhance efficiency, and raise awareness among farmers.
During the recent Gulfood exhibition, Dubai Municipality signed a collaboration agreement with GMG to market and sell farmers’ products. GMG will undertake the collection, packaging, and marketing of crops across local outlets, further boosting the reach and visibility of Emirati farmers’ produce.
With the launch of the ‘Dubai Farms’ program, Dubai takes a significant step towards fostering agricultural sustainability, empowering local farmers, and reinforcing its commitment to food security and economic diversification. This initiative underscores Dubai’s unwavering dedication to shaping a prosperous and resilient future for its citizens and residents alike.
