Page 317 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT - MARCH 2024

agricultural products and crops produced in their homes as they will be at the level of
the emirate’s neighbourhoods, as well as raise community awareness on the latest
methods and techniques in agriculture.

The prizes will amount to AED100,000, which will be awarded to the first three centres
divided into AED50,000 for the first winner, AED30,000 for the second, and AED20,000
for the third. In addition, a ‘Medal of Dubai’s Best Homegrown Produce, will be placed
by Dubai Municipal Leaders at the front of the winning garden. The winners of the
competition will be announced in May 2024.

Muhammad Abdul Rahman Al-Awadi, Director of Agriculture Department at Dubai
Municipality, said, “Dubai Municipality is focused on the goal of supporting community
practices, which motivates both citizens and residents to produce sustainable local
agriculture. It is a pivotal factor in the efforts to ensure the sustainability of the food
security system and environmental resources. The commitment comes in support of the
National Food Security Strategy goals, as well as Dubai Food Security Strategy, which
aims at improving domestic production and reducing food loss and wastage, further
consolidating the Emirate’s position as the world’s leading destination that combines
aesthetic, environmental and food sustainability.”

“The Municipality offers essential facilities to implement initiatives and programs to
support the success of citizens’ agricultural projects and encourage them to make use
of available spaces in their gardens thus boosting proportions of the contributions made
by small-scale domestic agricultural enterprises towards Dubai’s domestic product
ranges. It further aims to improve the quality of life and happiness of the members of the
society,” Al-Awadi added.

Dubai Municipality allotted a one-month period to register for this competition through
the following link: https://dm.gov.ae. Aspiring participants can fill out the form, which
requires the owner’s personal data, place number, location of the area planted
(courtyard or rooftop), details of cultivated items, irrigation methods, and a picture of the
garden. All kinds of owners (property or lease) with home gardens are eligible to
participate in the competition, while the owners of farmlands, members of the Supreme
or Technical Committee, or other subcommittees are not entitled to take part in it.
Dubai Municipality curated a comprehensive matrix including the key criteria for
assessment. It involves factors such as environment and sustainability that underscore
the conditions for the use of organic fertilisers and reduction of chemical fertilisers and
soil free of weeds, ensuring the safety of plant varieties from pests and diseases
through integrated control methods, proper waste disposal and recycling of agricultural
waste. Furthermore, the criteria highlight points such as rationalising resource
consumption of both water and electricity, the use of solar energy, the application of
advanced irrigation systems, the preservation of quality and hygiene, and recycling of
irrigation water. The diversity of plants grown and the balance of plants in the garden
are highlighted in the criteria to ensure overall appearance.

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