Dubai Municipality Launches Second Hatta Farming Festival To Promote Sustainable Agriculture And Local Farmers

Dubai Municipality has initiated the second Hatta Farming Festival, part of the 'Dubai Farms' programme led by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The festival, which began at Leem Lake, will run until 22nd January. It features 25 Emirati farmers and local agricultural companies, aiming to showcase products and services while fostering collaboration in the UAE's agricultural market.

The festival is part of the Hatta Winter initiative, launched under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Organised by Brand Dubai and overseen by the Supreme Committee for Hatta Development, it invites residents and visitors to explore the region's unique experiences during cooler months. This initiative highlights Hatta's potential as a premier agri-tourism destination.

The event aligns with Dubai’s vision to support national farmers and promote sustainable practices. It also enhances Hatta's role as a leading agricultural and tourism hub. The festival supports the objectives of the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan, aiming to boost economic opportunities and celebrate the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dhahak emphasised that the event aligns with UAE’s efforts to advance sustainable food security. She highlighted agriculture's role in increasing local production of strategic crops and reducing reliance on imports. "As part of our efforts to bolster agriculture and foster local food production, we launched the Plant the Emirates National Programme," she stated.

This year will see pioneering projects under this programme, providing world-class services to Emirati farmers. Marwan bin Ghalita noted that the festival is held in one of Dubai’s oldest agricultural regions, playing a central role within the ‘Dubai Farms’ programme. This effort complements the national ‘Grow UAE’ programme aimed at establishing UAE as a leader in agriculture.

Empowering Local Farmers

The festival aims to empower local farmers and bolster Dubai’s agricultural ecosystem. It seeks to assist Emirati farmers in achieving self-sufficiency and contribute to Dubai’s food security strategy. Dubai Municipality supports Hatta farmers with guidance, fertiliser distribution, pest control programmes, and modern techniques for sustainable farming.

This year's festival includes exhibitions of agricultural products from Hatta farms, educational workshops, and dialogue sessions with experts. Visitors can explore modern farming techniques and hear success stories from local farmers, inspiring younger generations to enter agriculture.

Competitions such as livestock auctions highlight best practices while marketing companies share insights into sustainable farming trends. Interactive sessions feature success stories from Hatta’s history and discussions on entrepreneurship in modern agriculture.

Support for Farmers

Dubai Municipality provides an agricultural extension platform offering free guidance to farmers. Visitors benefit from services like testing for vegetables through the Dubai Smart Mobile Laboratory. A mobile public health service offers veterinary consultations for participating farm owners.

Throughout 2024, Dubai Municipality supported Hatta farmers by providing resources like fertilisers, seeds, and pest control traps. Over 1,250 field visits were conducted along with training courses and forums to improve farming practices.

These initiatives have empowered Hatta’s farmers to adopt modern practices and support Dubai’s Food Security Strategy. By enhancing local systems and promoting Hatta’s unique identity, the festival underscores Dubai Municipality’s commitment to sustainability and community development.

With inputs from WAM