Page 88 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT - MARCH 2024

3/5/24, 10:55 AM Dubai Crown Prince Launches 'Dubai Farms' Program to Boost Emirati Agriculture
The Crown Prince affirmed, “Today, we introduce the ‘Dubai Farms’ program to bolster the
efforts of productive Emirati farmers. By offering a suite of incentives and services, we aim to
foster the development of Dubai’s agriculture sector, promote crop sustainability, and augment
our contribution to the emirate’s GDP. Our commitment remains steadfast in making Dubai’s
agriculture more productive and sustainable.”

He further elaborated on the program’s emphasis on people, sustainability, leadership, and
competitiveness as the cornerstones of Dubai’s future vision. The strategic priority includes
supporting Emirati farmers, fostering a culture of local agriculture, fortifying food security
systems, and ensuring a sustainable future for upcoming generations.

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted that the Dubai Farms
program, spearheaded by Dubai Municipality, is designed to provide farmers with a
comprehensive suite of services and incentives. These include workshops, laboratory testing,
partnerships, social support, and other initiatives aimed at fostering highly productive and
sustainable farms, thus aligning with Dubai’s Food Security Strategy.

The program’s objectives are deeply intertwined with Dubai Municipality’s mission and strategic
priorities, which center on building sustainable food systems and enhancing the sustainability
of food sources. By doing so, Dubai aims to elevate prosperity and enhance the quality of life
for its residents.

The ‘Dubai Farms’ program will offer farming consultation services, subsidized farming
supplies, necessary lab testing, pest control services, and guidance to meet local market
demands. Additionally, the program will organize various events, including competitions like the
“Best Home Garden,” exhibitions like the Gulfood Agrotech exhibition, and thematic
celebrations like the “Local Dates Week.”

To further support farmers, the program will offer competitive prices for farming supplies,
machinery, and irrigation systems. It will also initiate events like the “Plant Your Food”
campaign to encourage home gardening and seasonal farmers’ market events like the Hatta
Farming Festival.

Moreover, the program will establish a farmers’ association and implement the Smart Farming
Platform to facilitate Dubai Municipality’s digital transformation efforts. This platform will provide
technical insights, enhance efficiency, and raise awareness among farmers.

During the recent Gulfood exhibition, Dubai Municipality signed a collaboration agreement with
GMG to market and sell farmers’ products. GMG will undertake the collection, packaging, and
marketing of crops across local outlets, further boosting the reach and visibility of Emirati
farmers’ produce.

With the launch of the ‘Dubai Farms’ program, Dubai takes a significant step towards fostering
agricultural sustainability, empowering local farmers, and reinforcing its commitment to food
security and economic diversification. This initiative underscores Dubai’s unwavering
dedication to shaping a prosperous and resilient future for its citizens and residents alike.

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