Page 276 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT JUNE 2024

Out of 109 competitors, 12 emerged as finalists in the competition, which also awarded
second and third place winners.

Naeema Mohammed Al Amiri’s garden in Al Garhoud secured the second position, with
a cash award of Dh30,000. The innovative aquaponic system and abundance of plant
species made this garden a top pick for the panellists.

The garden features lakes for fish and fountains, and since the water from the lake has
a significant nutrient content, it is recycled and used as fertiliser which greatly benefits
the plants. Moreover, the garden is equipped with an advanced underground irrigation
system that effectively minimises water wastage and evaporation.

The garden’s ecosystem is further enhanced by an apiary, which plays a crucial role in
pollinating plants and producing honey and meshes seamlessly with the landscaping.

The third place and a prize of Dh20,000 went to Jamal Abdullah Almuheiri’s garden in
Nad Al Sheba 2. Almheiri’s garden showcases a range of cutting-edge agricultural
techniques that produce a wide range of fruits and vegetables.

Notably, his garden stands out for its cultivation of Azolla, a feed source for poultry and
livestock. By using a gravity-powered hydroponic system, Almheiri can produce high-
quality dried produce, while also conserving energy. The panellists found this approach
to be particularly noteworthy as it complies with the highest health and safety standards.

https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/watch-emirati-woman-wins-dh50000-in-dubais-best-
homegrown-produce-contest-1.102927037