Mohammed bin Rashid Chairs UAE Cabinet Meeting in Al Marmoom

Photo: Government of Dubai Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has officially launched the "Plant the Emirates" national program, aimed at revitalizing the agricultural sector and enhancing national food security. This initiative was unveiled during a recent UAE Cabinet meeting held in Al Marmoom, Dubai.

The meeting gathered prominent leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence; and His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “Today we launched a national program to revitalize and boost the agricultural sector in the UAE.” He highlighted that "Plant the Emirates" embodies the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, aiming to cultivate a culture of agriculture in schools and homes across the nation. “Our goal is to embed a culture of agriculture in every school, every home, and in the hearts of our future generations,” he added.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The program is designed to strengthen food security, advance agricultural technologies, and foster partnerships with the private sector. It also aims to expand green spaces, ensuring sustainability for the future. One of the key components of the initiative is the establishment of the National Agriculture Centre, which will serve as a driving force in the sector for years to come. This center will provide technical support, encourage partnerships, launch initiatives, and promote local agricultural products.

“Agriculture in the UAE is Sheikh Zayed’s legacy. It is a pillar of security, sustainability, and prosperity for this cherished land,” Sheikh Mohammed stated. He called on the community to contribute ideas and initiatives to support the national project, stressing that “the seeds we plant today will flourish for generations to come.”

The "Plant the Emirates" program aligns with the UAE’s vision for agricultural development and sustainable food security. It aims to encourage domestic agriculture practices among community members, promote environmental protection, and enhance the quality and nutritional value of UAE agricultural products. Coinciding with the "Year of Sustainability 2024," the program seeks to reduce the carbon footprint through the promotion of fresh, locally produced goods.

This national initiative involves collaboration with federal and local government entities, municipalities, private organizations, and community members. It plans to launch various campaigns, events, exhibitions, and seasonal markets to showcase and market crops and agricultural products under a unified identity. The program will also include volunteer initiatives, competitions for students and the public, and the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign focused on green tourism. Moreover, it will offer advisory and specialized services for farmers and the private sector, encouraging the adoption of innovative agricultural practices and technologies.

The National Agriculture Centre, a key element of the "Plant the Emirates" initiative, is tasked with developing and implementing strategic programs aimed at enhancing productivity, improving supply chains, and reducing production costs. It will also focus on minimizing agricultural waste and promoting local products.

In the coming five years (2025-2030), the center aims to increase the number of productive farms in the UAE by 20%, and the number of organic farms by 25%. Additionally, it plans to implement climate-smart solutions across 30% of farms, cut agricultural waste by 50%, and increase the usage of local products in restaurants and hotels by 25%, along with boosting employment in the sector by 15%.

During the Cabinet meeting, progress on the Biodiversity Sites Project was also discussed. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), aims to identify key biodiversity areas in the UAE. Nine key sites have been recognized based on international standards, including the Arabian Oryx Sanctuary and the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve, enhancing the UAE's environmental competitiveness globally.

Further updates included the implementation of the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031, which focuses on waste regulation and sustainable practices across sectors. The Cabinet also approved the restructuring of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee and the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection, tasked with developing strategies and policies to enhance financial security and consumer rights.

Additionally, the UAE's accession to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and participation as an observer in the Arctic Council were approved, fostering international scientific cooperation. The Cabinet ratified a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Mauritius, aimed at enhancing economic ties and trade.

In terms of cultural initiatives, the National Award for Culture and Creativity has been upgraded to the Emirates Medal for Culture and Creativity, aiming to recognize and support cultural contributions. The Cabinet also endorsed hosting major international events, including the WeProtect Global Alliance Summit focused on child protection online.

Finally, the Cabinet approved legislative amendments concerning medically assisted reproduction and the GCC Common Customs Law, along with a grace period for beneficiaries to update tax records without penalties.

These initiatives reflect the UAE's commitment to advancing agriculture, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting sustainable practices, while also ensuring security and prosperity for its citizens.

#trending #latest #PlantTheEmirates #SustainableAgriculture #UAECabinet #FoodSecurity #GreenInitiatives #AgriculturalDevelopment #SheikhMohammed #UAEEnvironment #Sustainability #Biodiversity #NationalAgricultureCentre #CommunityEngagement #ClimateAction #EmiratesMedal #CulturalCreativity #EconomicPartnership #YearOfSustainability2024 #AgricultureInnovation #EcoFriendly #UAELeadership #breakingnews #worldnews #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai

Ukrainian officials report Russian forces launched 87 Shahed drones and four types of missiles overnight....Read More.

Nearly 6,300 people have fled their homes after a deadly attack by heavily armed gang members in central Haiti, which left at least 70 people dead....Read More.