Latest news with #PlanttheEmiratesNationalProgramme
Gulf Today
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE minister lauds Dubai Police's agricultural project training 200 inmates annually
Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, accompanied by His Excellency Expert Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs at Dubai Police, and a number of senior officers, visited Dubai Police's 'Hasad' agricultural project, located within Dubai's correctional facility and spanning 9,600 square metres. The initiative, launched by the General Department of Correctional and Penal Institutions, supports Plant the Emirates National Programme, which was introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote sustainable agricultural development and national food security. Empowering Inmates and Supporting Food Security Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak praised the agricultural project by Dubai Police, describing it a significant advancement in promoting best practices in sustainable agriculture within the UAE. HE highlighted its role in leveraging human resources for modern agricultural development and making a meaningful impact on strengthening national food security in a sustainable way. Dr. Amna said: 'Plant the Emirates National Programme serves as a cornerstone for promoting agricultural practices in farms, facilities and within homes by engaging the community in growing their own food. The agricultural project by Dubai Police reflects this ethos in an innovative manner. It is aligned with our efforts to cultivate a robust and resilient agriculture that contributes to enhancing local crop production, reducing reliance on imports.' Dr. Amna added: "We are committed to providing all possible support to agricultural projects in the UAE, especially the ones that adopt modern, climate-smart agricultural practices. We encourage entities including the private sector, and the community to engage in agriculture and work towards creating more green spaces in the UAE, while also ensuring a food-secure and sustainable future for all.' A Strategic Step Towards Sustainability Major General Khalil Al Mansouri emphasised that the 'Hasad' (Arabic for Harvest) project aligns with the UAE's sustainability goals, integrating innovation and social responsibility by training inmates in meaningful trades while also promoting environmental sustainability through local food production. 'This project equips inmates with practical agricultural skills and provides them with economic opportunities to start their own initiatives upon release, creating a pathway for sustainable reintegration into society.' Modern Agricultural Technologies at the Core According to Major General Marwan Abdul Karim Jalfar, Director of the General Department of Correctional and Punitive Institutions, the project was launched per the directives of Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. Jalfar explained that the initiative represents a model of cooperation between the Dubai Police and society, funded by a charitable endowment of AED 3 million, which is dedicated to rehabilitating inmates. 'The project relies on smart, climate-resilient agricultural technologies that reduce water consumption, land usage, and the carbon footprint of traditional farming. It is a promising solution to agricultural challenges and supports the UAE's goal of transforming farming into a sustainable system aligned with the National Food Security Strategy 2051.' A Sustainable and Scalable Model Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Al Obaidli, Director of the Inmate Education and Training Department and Manager of the Hasad Project, highlighted that agricultural training has been a key part of Dubai's rehabilitation programmes since 2016. The Hasad initiative, however, represents a significant expansion as a sustainable and results-driven model. The 9,600-square-metre farm is divided into three sections: • Section 1: Contains seven structures, including one classroom and six greenhouses. • Section 2: A covered traditional farming plot, 4 metres high. • Section 3: Features seven additional greenhouses, each measuring 30 x 8 metres with a height of 6.5 metres. In addition, a separate 20 x 8-metre area has been allocated for female inmates. Training and Production Capacity The project aims to train 200 inmates annually, with 50 trainees every three months, a period sufficient to master modern farming techniques. So far, 371 inmates have been trained in the pilot phase. The farm is expected to yield over 56 tonnes of produce annually, focusing on tomatoes and cucumbers, with 6,508 seedlings currently in the ground, along with other vegetables. The project is also projected to generate AED 1 million in annual revenue, depending on market prices. This revenue will be dedicated to supporting the rehabilitation of inmates by funding their education and training across various fields. Lt. Col. Al Obaidli concluded: 'The Hasad project is a powerful use of inmates' time, providing them with future job opportunities or the ability to start their own businesses while contributing to national sustainability goals.'
Mid East Info
05-03-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
EtihadWE Enhances Agricultural Sustainability and Supports Food and Water Security with Innovative Solutions and Reduced Water Tariffs
Eng. Yousif Al Ali: 'We aim to create a sustainable environment for farmers through smart solutions that reduce costs and preserve resources.' H.E. Eng. Ahmed Al Kaabi: 'We are committed to supporting national efforts to enhance food and water security by providing sustainable solutions.' H.E. Dr. Mohamed Salman Al Hammadi: 'Protecting our groundwater resources contributes to maintaining ecological balance.' Dubai,March 2024: Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) continues to support the UAE's efforts in strengthening food and water security by providing sustainable solutions for the agricultural sector. These initiatives improve water consumption efficiency, alleviate pressure on groundwater resources, and ensure sustainable agricultural production. This aligns with EtihadWE's commitment, in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, to the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, the National Water and Energy Demand Management Programme 2050, the UAE Centennial 2071 objectives, and the Plant the Emirates National Programme. Desalinated water has emerged as a reliable and sustainable irrigation option, enabling cost savings for farmers while reducing reliance on groundwater. To support this transition, EtihadWE introduced a revised tariff structure, offering three pricing tiers: up to 600,000 gallons per month at 1.5 fils per gallon, between 600,001 and 1.5 million gallons per month at 2 fils per gallon, and consumption exceeding this level at 2.5 fils per gallon. Since the introduction of these reduced tariffs in January 2022, over 1,300 farmers have benefited, reflecting a strong positive response from the agricultural community in the Northern Emirates. Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, stated: 'Aligned with the UAE's vision for sustainability, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance water consumption efficiency and support the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector. By investing in advanced technologies, we ensure a reliable water supply and promote responsible resource management.' He added: 'Through collaboration with our strategic partners, primarily the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, we empower farmers with tangible financial savings while reinforcing their role in preserving natural resources. Investing in sustainable water practices secures the future of agriculture and upcoming generations.' H.E. Eng. Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, stated: 'We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting the UAE's food and water security objectives by providing sustainable solutions that improve water consumption efficiency in the agricultural sector and promote reliance on alternative water sources to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.' He added: 'The introduction of reduced water tariffs for farmers reflects our commitment to enabling them to benefit from innovative solutions that generate financial savings while supporting national strategies, including the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and the National Food Security Strategy 2051. We will continue working closely with our strategic partners to provide advanced solutions that ensure the sustainability of the water and agricultural sectors, which are essential pillars of sustainable development.' H.E. Dr. Mohamed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said: 'Our groundwater resources are invaluable, and conserving them is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.' He explained that making desalinated water more accessible encourages more farmers to use it for irrigation instead of groundwater, adding: 'EtihadWE's initiative is a significant step in supporting farmers and the agricultural community. Raising awareness about the benefits of desalinated water and promoting efficient water consumption will play a key role in fostering sustainable local agricultural production.' Beyond the economic benefits, this initiative supports the transition to modern agricultural systems, such as vertical farming and hydroponics, which enhance production efficiency and promote sustainable practices. It also enables local farmers to contribute to national sustainability goals, particularly in preserving groundwater, a critical strategic reserve. Through this initiative, EtihadWE reaffirms its commitment to supporting the agricultural community, advancing sustainable water solutions, and contributing to a more resilient future for the UAE's agricultural sector.
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EtihadWE enhances agricultural sustainability
Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) continues to support the UAE's efforts in strengthening food and water security by providing sustainable solutions for the agricultural sector. These initiatives improve water consumption efficiency, alleviate pressure on groundwater resources, and ensure sustainable agricultural production. This aligns with EtihadWE's commitment, in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, to the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, the National Water and Energy Demand Management Programme 2050, the UAE Centennial 2071 objectives, and the Plant the Emirates National Programme. Desalinated water has emerged as a reliable and sustainable irrigation option, enabling cost savings for farmers while reducing reliance on groundwater. To support this transition, EtihadWE introduced a revised tariff structure, offering three pricing tiers: up to 600,000 gallons per month at 1.5 fils per gallon, between 600,001 and 1.5 million gallons per month at 2 fils per gallon, and consumption exceeding this level at 2.5 fils per gallon. Since the introduction of these reduced tariffs in January 2022, over 1,300 farmers have benefited, reflecting a strong positive response from the agricultural community in the Northern Emirates. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, stated, 'Aligned with the UAE's vision for sustainability, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance water consumption efficiency and support the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector. By investing in advanced technologies, we ensure a reliable water supply and promote responsible resource management.' He added, 'Through collaboration with our strategic partners, primarily the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, we empower farmers with tangible financial savings while reinforcing their role in preserving natural resources. Investing in sustainable water practices secures the future of agriculture and upcoming generations.' Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, stated, 'We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting the UAE's food and water security objectives by providing sustainable solutions that improve water consumption efficiency in the agricultural sector and promote reliance on alternative water sources to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.' He added, 'The introduction of reduced water tariffs for farmers reflects our commitment to enabling them to benefit from innovative solutions that generate financial savings while supporting national strategies, including the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and the National Food Security Strategy 2051. We will continue working closely with our strategic partners to provide advanced solutions that ensure the sustainability of the water and agricultural sectors, which are essential pillars of sustainable development.' Dr. Mohamed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said, "Our groundwater resources are invaluable, and conserving them is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability." He explained that making desalinated water more accessible encourages more farmers to use it for irrigation instead of groundwater, adding, 'EtihadWE's initiative is a significant step in supporting farmers and the agricultural community. Raising awareness about the benefits of desalinated water and promoting efficient water consumption will play a key role in fostering sustainable local agricultural production.'
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EtihadWE enhances agricultural sustainability and supports food and water security
Eng. Yousif Al Ali: "We aim to create a sustainable environment for farmers through smart solutions that reduce costs and preserve resources." H.E. Eng. Ahmed Al Kaabi: "We are committed to supporting national efforts to enhance food and water security by providing sustainable solutions." H.E. Dr. Mohamed Salman Al Hammadi: "Protecting our groundwater resources contributes to maintaining ecological balance." Dubai: Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) continues to support the UAE's efforts in strengthening food and water security by providing sustainable solutions for the agricultural sector. These initiatives improve water consumption efficiency, alleviate pressure on groundwater resources, and ensure sustainable agricultural production. This aligns with EtihadWE's commitment, in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, to the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, the National Water and Energy Demand Management Programme 2050, the UAE Centennial 2071 objectives, and the Plant the Emirates National Programme. Desalinated water has emerged as a reliable and sustainable irrigation option, enabling cost savings for farmers while reducing reliance on groundwater. To support this transition, EtihadWE introduced a revised tariff structure, offering three pricing tiers: up to 600,000 gallons per month at 1.5 fils per gallon, between 600,001 and 1.5 million gallons per month at 2 fils per gallon, and consumption exceeding this level at 2.5 fils per gallon. Since the introduction of these reduced tariffs in January 2022, over 1,300 farmers have benefited, reflecting a strong positive response from the agricultural community in the Northern Emirates. Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, stated: "Aligned with the UAE's vision for sustainability, we are dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance water consumption efficiency and support the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector. By investing in advanced technologies, we ensure a reliable water supply and promote responsible resource management." He added: "Through collaboration with our strategic partners, primarily the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, we empower farmers with tangible financial savings while reinforcing their role in preserving natural resources. Investing in sustainable water practices secures the future of agriculture and upcoming generations." H.E. Eng. Ahmed Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Electricity, Water, and Future Energy Sector at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, stated: "We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting the UAE's food and water security objectives by providing sustainable solutions that improve water consumption efficiency in the agricultural sector and promote reliance on alternative water sources to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations." He added: "The introduction of reduced water tariffs for farmers reflects our commitment to enabling them to benefit from innovative solutions that generate financial savings while supporting national strategies, including the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and the National Food Security Strategy 2051. We will continue working closely with our strategic partners to provide advanced solutions that ensure the sustainability of the water and agricultural sectors, which are essential pillars of sustainable development." H.E. Dr. Mohamed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said: "Our groundwater resources are invaluable, and conserving them is essential for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability." He explained that making desalinated water more accessible encourages more farmers to use it for irrigation instead of groundwater, adding: "EtihadWE's initiative is a significant step in supporting farmers and the agricultural community. Raising awareness about the benefits of desalinated water and promoting efficient water consumption will play a key role in fostering sustainable local agricultural production." Beyond the economic benefits, this initiative supports the transition to modern agricultural systems, such as vertical farming and hydroponics, which enhance production efficiency and promote sustainable practices. It also enables local farmers to contribute to national sustainability goals, particularly in preserving groundwater, a critical strategic reserve. Through this initiative, EtihadWE reaffirms its commitment to supporting the agricultural community, advancing sustainable water solutions, and contributing to a more resilient future for the UAE's agricultural sector.
Hi Dubai
27-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Innovates 2025 Exhibition Highlights 10 Impactful Innovations
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI) hosted the UAE Innovates exhibition at Emirates Towers Boulevard in Dubai as part of UAE Innovates 2025, which ran throughout February. The exhibition showcased ten standout innovations from federal and local government entities, reflecting the country's dedication to fostering innovation. Abeer Tahlak, Director of MBRCGI, emphasised the UAE government's commitment to cultivating a culture of innovation. She noted that the exhibition not only raised awareness about the importance of innovation in government but also celebrated top innovators shaping the future through transformative projects. The 10 impactful innovations featured in the exhibition included: Plant the Emirates National Programme by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment – Enhancing local agriculture with smart technologies. National Digital Platform for Monitoring Essential Commodity Prices by the Ministry of Economy – Real-time price tracking of consumer goods. Digital Twin by Emirates Health Services – Optimising hospital operations through data insights. Smart Examiner by the Ministry of Interior – AI-powered autonomous car for driving tests. Smart and Fast Travel System by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security – Faster passenger processing with facial recognition. LiDAR Technology for Road Assessment by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority – Accurate and efficient road condition assessments. Smart Aircraft Diversion Monitoring System by Dubai Airports – Enhancing aircraft operations through AI. Drone Delivery System by Dubai Civil Aviation Authority – Supporting smart transport solutions. Building X by Dubai Municipality – Real-time building data for energy efficiency. Smart System for Mapping Water Resources and Managing Flood Risks by Fujairah Environment Authority – Addressing environmental challenges. UAE Innovates 2025, held under the theme 'The Power of Innovation 10 – Where Does Your Strength Lie?', aligns with the Year of Community, reaffirming the UAE's commitment to putting people at the centre of progress. News Source: Emirates News Agency
