Hamdan bin Mohammed stresses importance of local agriculture, launches ‘Dubai Farms’ programme

The Crown Prince of Dubai, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has launched the “Dubai Farms” programme for Emirati farmers, offering a host of services and incentives aimed at supporting local agriculture in the emirate.

The programme supports the objectives of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, launched by UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, with the aim of empowering its citizens, increasing their contribution to the economy, and ensuring their stability.

Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of local agriculture in Dubai and the need to develop and sustain it in an effort to establish the emirate as the best city on the planet to live and work – a notable pillar of Dubai’s comprehensive development plans.

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

Objective: Solidifying Dubai’s food security systems

Making an announcement on the launch of the programme, His Highness said the move is aimed at supporting the development of Dubai’s agriculture sector and enhancing the sustainability of crops, all leading to improved contribution to the city’s GDP.

“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,” reported Emirates News Agency.

Agriculture is key to Dubai’s sustainable future. The programme’s objectives are part of the city’s priorities to build sustainable food systems and improve the sustainability of food sources, eventually helping raise the emirate’s prosperity and quality of life.

Exploring incentives under ‘Dubai Farms’ programme

‘Dubai Farms’ offers, through Dubai Municipality, farming consultation services, required lab testing, pest control services and subsidised farming supplies, in addition to directing Emirati farmers to meet local market needs and contracting with a specialised distributor.

Other incentive include competitive prices for farming supplies, irrigation systems and machinery. The programme is also expected to launch the “Best Home Garden” competition, the Gulfood Agrotech exhibition and “Local Dates Week”, among other events.

The ‘Dubai Farms’ programme is also involved in the “Plant Your Food” initiative, aimed at encouraging house gardening, the Hatta Farming Festival and a long list of other seasonal farmers market events. Keep an eye out for further updates.