Dubai Farms Programme Launched By Sheikh Hamdan To Support Emirati Farmers

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of both the Dubai Executive Council and the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, recently unveiled the "Dubai Farms" programme. This initiative is designed to bolster Emirati farmers with productive agricultural projects by offering a comprehensive array of services and incentives. This move is in line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to elevate Dubai as a leading city for living experiences while ensuring the financial independence and social stability of its citizens.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the critical role of local agriculture in Dubai's development plans, highlighting the need to enhance and sustain it to achieve the vision of making Dubai the world's best city for living and working. The "Dubai Farms" programme is set to support this vision by enhancing the agriculture sector's contribution to the emirate's GDP through a suite of incentives and services aimed at making agriculture more productive and sustainable.

The programme, to be implemented by Dubai Municipality under the guidance of Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General, aims to build sustainable food systems and enhance food source sustainability. It includes farming consultation services, subsidised supplies, required lab testing, pest control services, and assistance in meeting local market needs. Additionally, it will facilitate partnerships with a specialised distributor for crop sales.

Among the notable initiatives under the "Dubai Farms" programme are events like the "Best Home Garden" competition, the Gulfood Agrotech exhibition, and the "Local Dates Week" scheduled for next July to celebrate this popular fruit. The programme also offers competitive prices for farming supplies, machinery, and irrigation systems. Initiatives such as the "Plant Your Food" aim to encourage house gardening, alongside other seasonal farmers market events and festivals.

The launch also saw the establishment of a farmers' association to ensure job continuity in agriculture and a Smart Farming Platform to support digital transformation efforts within Dubai Municipality. This platform will provide technical details, improve efficiency, and raise awareness among farmers. Furthermore, during the recent Gulfood exhibition, a cooperation agreement was signed with GMG to market and sell farmers' products across local outlets.

This comprehensive programme underscores Dubai's commitment to supporting its agricultural sector and promoting local farming as pivotal elements in securing a sustainable future and achieving food security. Through these efforts, Dubai aims to ensure that its citizens and future generations enjoy high-quality living standards while contributing significantly to the emirate's economy.

With inputs from WAM