Page 54 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT - MARCH 2024

3/6/24, 9:58 AM Sheikh Hamdan launches Dubai Farms program to boost emirate's sustainable agriculture sector
best city to live and work. This objective is a key pillar of Dubai’s comprehensive
development plans, which focus on enhancing the capacity of strategic sectors.

Boosting GDP: Contributions to Dubai’s economy
“Today we launched the ‘Dubai Farms’ program to support productive Emirati

farmers, by offering them a full suite of incentives and services that support the
development of the emirate’s agriculture sector and enhance the sustainability of
crops, all leading to enhanced contribution to the emirate’s GDP. We will continue our

efforts to make Dubai’s agriculture more productive and sustainable,” Sheikh Hamdan
said.
“People are the focus of Dubai’s future vision, while sustainability, leadership and
competitiveness are its key pillars. 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.”

“We have issued directives to establish a farmers’ association that brings together
amateurs and professionals alike, to ensure continuity of jobs in agriculture.
Agriculture is key to Dubai’s sustainable future, and it is our responsibility to ensure
our citizens and the next generations enjoy the best life has to offer,” Sheikh Hamdan

concluded.
Comprehensive package of services and incentives
Dawoud Al Hajri, director-general of Dubai Municipality, stated that the “Dubai

Farms” program, to be implemented by Dubai Municipality, aims to provide farmers
with a comprehensive package of services and incentives. These include workshops,
regular laboratory testing, partnerships, social support, and other incentives that help
farmers continue operating and increase their productivity. The program aligns with

Dubai’s Food Security Strategy and supports Dubai Municipality’s mission to build
sustainable food systems and enhance the sustainability of food sources, thereby
contributing to the prosperity and quality of life in Dubai.

The “Dubai Farms” program, facilitated by Dubai Municipality, offers a
comprehensive program to support Emirati farmers and promote local farming. It
includes farming consultation services, subsidized farming supplies, required
laboratory testing, pest control services, and guidance for farmers to meet local

market demands. The program also involves collaborating with a specialized crop
distributor. Additionally, the program will organize various events such as the “Best
Home Garden” competition, the Gulfood Agrotech exhibition, and the “Local Dates

Week” in July to celebrate the popular fruit.
“Plant Your Food” initative
Among the incentives offered are competitive prices for farming supplies, machinery,
and irrigation systems. The “Dubai Farms” program will also introduce the “Plant

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