Video: Sheikh Mohammed launches 'Plant the Emirates' programme for greener future

Dubai's Ruler launched a national programme, 'Plant the Emirates', on Sunday. Aimed at boosting the agricultural sector, the initiative will focus on growing more trees among other environment friendly moves.

Along with the programme, the leader also approved the establishment of the National Agricultural Centre. The announcement came after a meeting of the Council of Ministers at Al Marmoum Farms.

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Taking to X, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, shared glimpses from the meeting where the Ruler along with other cabinet members planted trees.

The Ruler also shared a video showcasing how far the UAE has come in the agricultural development sector. The clip shows endearing moments of the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed and the Dubai Ruler planting trees.

The leader highlighted that the new initiative will be carrying forward the legacy of the nation's founding father, Sheikh Zayed.

"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."

The leader highlighted that the new programme aims to spread the culture of agriculture in every school, home and within the new generations.

Talking about the initiative's sustainability goals, the Ruler wrote: "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."

"Within this program, 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," the leader wrote, giving more details of the new centre.

Sheikh Mohammed praised the UAE's agricultural scene as a result of Sheikh Zayed's achievements. "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."

Coinciding with the "Year of Sustainability 2024," the programme also supports enhancing fresh, local agricultural products, and their contribution to reducing the carbon footprint.

In the true spirit of the name, 'Plant the Emirates,' the programme will partner with institutions across the country, including federal and local government entities, municipalities' teams, private sector organisations, and community members.

Under a unified identity, crops and agricultural products will be displayed and marketed in events, campaigns and exhibitions. Volunteer programmes and competitions for students and the public will be organised.

The 'World's Coolest Winter' campaign will also be launched under the slogan of “Green Tourism”, and the programme will offer advisory and specialised services for farmers and the private sector.

Goals over next 5 years (2025-2030)

• Raising the number of productive farms in the country by 20 per cent
• Increasing the number of organic farms by 25 per cent.
• Adopting climate-smart solutions across 30 per cent of farms
• Reducing agricultural waste by 50 per cent
• Increasing the use of local agricultural products in restaurants and hotels throughout the UAE by 25 per cent
• Increasing the number of workers in the sector by 15 per cent

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