UAE launches 'Plant the Emirates' national programme

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday announced the launch of a national programme to activate and stimulate the agricultural sector in the UAE.

Writing on social media platform X, His Highness said "Plant the Emirates aims to continue the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, and his will to plant trees, green and develop the land of the Emirates with agriculture.

"The national programme aims to spread the culture of agriculture in every school and home...and in our new generations."

His Highness said it aims to increase food security, develop agricultural technology, build new partnerships with the private sector, and spread the green areas in the country to ensure sustainability.

الإخوة والأخوات .. نطلق اليوم برنامجاً وطنياً لتنشيط وتحفيز القطاع الزراعي في دولة الإمارات .. وذلك ضمن اجتماع استثنائي لمجلس الوزراء بمزارع المرموم …

البرنامج الوطني "إزرع الإمارات" هدفه مواصلة إرث زايد رحمه الله ووصيته في تشجير وتخضير وتعمير أرض الإمارات بالزراعة ..… pic.twitter.com/rTk7iSxW6z

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 6, 2024

The Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Agricultural Centre, which will be a major driver for the sector, through technical and technological support, building partnerships, establishing initiatives and institutions, and supporting products.

It will also seek to minimise agricultural waste and support the marketing of local agricultural products. By providing technical support for innovative projects, the Centre will ensure that the agricultural sector continues to evolve, adopting modern practices and technology-driven solutions.

During the meeting, the Cabinet was briefed on the progress of the Biodiversity Sites Project, which is being led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and various government and academic institutions.

The project aims to identify key biodiversity sites in the UAE based on international standards and develop geographic maps outlining the boundaries of these critical areas.

His Highness called on everyone to participate through ideas, projects and initiatives, and to spread the culture of agriculture and plant a seed today that future generations will enjoy.

The programme was launched during an exceptional UAE Cabinet meeting at Al Marmoum Farms.