Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs, said Dubai is committed to harnessing all its capabilities to develop its agricultural sector, as part of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Raising local agricultural production is a key priority of the leadership as part of advancing sustainable development and improving the quality of life of citizens and residents of Dubai, the Crown Prince said.
“Meeting consumer demand for local agricultural produce is vital to achieving the goals of our food security strategy,” he added, expressing his confidence in the ability of UAE nationals to raise the productivity of the local agricultural sector.
Local produce
Sheikh Hamdan’s remarks came as he was briefed about the second season of the Farmers’ Souq, being held at the Palm Parks, and the efforts of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs to promote the initiative. A popular family attraction, the Farmers’ Souq launched by the Dubai Municipality is a free agricultural, social and investment platform that seeks to gather Emirati farmers under one roof to sell local produce directly to consumers.
Sheikh Hamdan met Emirati farmers participating in the Farmers’ Souq initiative and commended their efforts to provide high-quality agricultural produce to local consumers. He said such initiatives enable local farmers and small agricultural businesses to expand their customer base. Sheikh Hamdan noted that their success reflects the growing capabilities of the local agricultural sector and the progress of Dubai’s efforts to advance food security.
Free platform
Dawoud Al-Hajri, Director-General, Dubai Municipality, highlighted the keenness of the UAE leadership to support the local agricultural sector and further promote its sustainability. The Municipality is committed to providing local farmers and home-based businesses with a free platform and logistics support to market their products, he said.
The Farmers’ Souq this season features over 50 kiosks displaying high-quality local Emirati farm produce including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, organic products, honey, dates, and herbal products. It is open from 5pm to 8pm every Saturday at the Palm Parks till March 11.
