Dubai’s Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has unveiled a new national programme, Plant the Emirates, aimed at revitalising the country's agricultural sector. The initiative, launched on Sunday, will focus on growing more trees and promoting environmentally friendly practices across the UAE.
Alongside the programme, the Ruler also announced the creation of the National Agricultural Centre, which will play a key role in driving agricultural innovation. This announcement came after a meeting of the UAE's Council of Ministers at Al Marmoum Farms.
Taking to X, Sheikh Mohammed shared moments from the meeting, including images of himself and other cabinet members planting trees. A video released by the Ruler also highlighted the UAE’s progress in agriculture, showing scenes of Sheikh Mohammed and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed planting trees together.
In a message about the initiative, Sheikh Mohammed noted that the Plant the Emirates programme will build on the legacy of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
"The national programme Plant the Emirates aims to continue the legacy of Zayed, may God have mercy on him, and his will to plant trees, greenery and develop the land of the Emirates with agriculture".
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised that the programme is designed to instil a love for agriculture in schools, homes, and future generations.
"The programme aims to increase our food security, develop our agricultural technologies, build new partnerships with the private sector and spread the green area in our country to ensure its sustainability".
He added that the newly approved National Agricultural Centre will be a driving force behind the sector's growth in the coming years, providing technological and technical support, establishing new initiatives and promoting partnerships with private sector stakeholders.
"Within this programme, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Agricultural Centre, which will be a major driver for this sector during the coming period, through technical and technological support for the sector, building partnerships, establishing initiatives and institutions and supporting products".
Praising the UAE's agricultural sector, Sheikh Mohammed pointed to the progress achieved under the vision of Sheikh Zayed.
"It is a guarantee and security. It is the sustainability and development of this good land and its soil that we love. We call on everyone to participate in this national project through ideas, projects and initiatives, and to spread the culture of agriculture and plant a seed today that future generations will enjoy, God willing".
The Plant the Emirates initiative coincides with the UAE’s "Year of Sustainability 2024" and is aligned with efforts to promote local agricultural products and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
As part of the initiative, partnerships will be forged with federal and local government entities, municipalities, private sector organisations, and community members. The programme will have a unified identity, with agricultural products being displayed and marketed at events, exhibitions and campaigns. It will also feature volunteer programmes, as well as competitions for students and the wider public.
In line with the initiative, the "World's Coolest Winter" campaign will be launched under the theme of "Green Tourism", offering advisory services to farmers and private sector companies.
With Plant the Emirates, the UAE is setting a strong example of how agricultural and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand, fostering a greener future for generations to come.