In one of the UAE's most ambitious moves to strengthen domestic food security, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the Plant the Emirates initiative — a national programme designed to increase agricultural production, expand green spaces, and build a lasting farming culture across the country.
The announcement came on October 6, 2024, following a UAE Cabinet meeting held at the Al Marmoom farm in Dubai.
What Is the Plant the Emirates Initiative?
The Plant the Emirates initiative is a comprehensive national agriculture programme with five-year targets aimed at transforming the UAE's farming sector. Sheikh Mohammed framed the effort as a continuation of the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who dedicated his life to greening the UAE's land and desert.
"The national programme Plant the Emirates aims to continue the legacy of Zayed and his will to plant trees, green and develop the land," Sheikh Mohammed said.
A central pillar of the programme is the establishment of a National Agriculture Centre, which will provide technical and technological support to local farmers, foster public-private partnerships, and work to improve the quality and global competitiveness of UAE-grown produce.
Five-Year Targets for UAE Farming
The Plant the Emirates initiative sets the following specific targets to be achieved within five years:
- 20% increase in production from local farms - 25% increase in the number of organic farms - 30% increase in farms adopting climate-smart solutions - 50% reduction in agricultural waste - 15% expansion of the agricultural workforce - 25% increase in locally grown products used by hotels and restaurants - 85% of local farms to achieve quality classification seals
These figures reflect the UAE's drive to reduce import dependency and create a more resilient food supply chain.
Encouraging a Farming Culture at Home and in Schools
Beyond industrial-scale targets, the Plant the Emirates initiative aims to make agriculture part of everyday UAE life. The programme encourages residents to grow produce at home — including paddy, beans, vegetables, fruits, and dates — and promotes locally sourced food through national campaigns, seasonal markets, and public exhibitions.
Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted the importance of instilling farming values in schools and among younger generations, building on the environmental ethos championed by the late Sheikh Zayed.
Technology and Sustainability at the Core
The initiative incorporates advanced agricultural technology — including drones and artificial intelligence — to help farmers adopt climate-smart practices and expand vertical farming, which is particularly suited to the UAE's desert climate. The programme also targets a reduction in the country's carbon footprint by encouraging the consumption of fresh, locally grown produce.
Launched during the UAE's Year of Sustainability, Plant the Emirates aligns with the nation's broader environmental commitments and long-term food security strategy.
