emirates7 - Dubai Municipality has launched the second edition of the Hatta Farming Festival, part of the ‘Dubai Farms’ programme initiated by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs.
The festival, running at Leem Lake until January 22, features 25 Emirati farmers, homesteaders, and local agricultural companies. It aims to showcase agricultural products and services, encourage collaboration, and bolster the UAE's expanding agricultural sector.
Held under the Hatta Winter initiative, guided by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the festival is overseen by the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta and implemented by Brand Dubai. Hatta Winter invites residents and visitors to experience the unique charm of the mountainous region during the cooler months.
The Hatta Farming Festival highlights the region’s potential as a leading agri-tourism destination, leveraging its rich environmental, social, and cultural heritage. It aligns with Dubai’s goals to support Emirati farmers, promote sustainability, and elevate Hatta's status as a hub for agriculture and tourism.
The event supports the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan and initiatives led by the Supreme Committee, which aim to enhance economic and tourism opportunities, support local businesses, and celebrate the area’s agricultural traditions.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dhahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the festival's alignment with the UAE’s efforts to strengthen sustainable national food security, a critical priority for the country. She highlighted the importance of increasing local production of strategic crops to reduce reliance on imports and noted the festival’s role in embedding agriculture as a valued cultural activity within the community.
She remarked, “Our efforts to advance agriculture include launching the Plant the Emirates National Programme, which seeks to expand agricultural practices and engage society in sustainable farming. The Hatta Farming Festival plays a pivotal role in establishing agriculture as a key activity and reflects the vision of the ‘Dubai Farms’ programme.”
She added that Hatta’s agricultural heritage holds special significance for Dubai and the UAE, contributing to the nation’s broader sustainable development goals. Upcoming projects under the Plant the Emirates National Programme and the National Agriculture Centre will enhance support for Emirati farmers and modernize the sector.
Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, noted that the festival is held in one of Dubai’s most historic agricultural areas. It serves as a key component of the ‘Dubai Farms’ programme, which supports sustainable local agriculture and aligns with the national ‘Grow UAE’ initiative to establish the UAE as a leader in agriculture.
“Our aim is to transform the Hatta Farming Festival into a comprehensive platform that empowers farmers, strengthens Dubai’s agricultural ecosystem, and drives sustainable development,” he stated. “We seek to support Emirati farmers in achieving self-sufficiency, enhance Dubai’s food security strategy, and improve quality of life in the emirate.”
Dubai Municipality has provided extensive support to Hatta farmers, including training, pest control programmes, and resources like 24,550 bags of fertilisers, 2,440 bags of seeds, and 1,350 traps for pest control. Farmers also benefited from over 1,250 field visits, 12 training courses, and four agricultural forums.
This year’s festival offers a diverse programme, featuring exhibitions of agricultural and livestock products, workshops, and dialogue sessions with agricultural experts. Visitors can learn about modern farming techniques, hear success stories from local farmers, and participate in competitions like livestock auctions and awards for outstanding farmers.
Additionally, Dubai Municipality has established the Strawberry Model Farm, the region’s first tourist farm showcasing sustainable practices. Other services include an agricultural extension platform, the Dubai Smart Mobile Laboratory for testing produce and irrigation water, and mobile public health services providing veterinary consultations.
These initiatives have empowered Hatta’s farmers to adopt modern methods, enhance productivity, and support Dubai’s Food Security Strategy. The festival reflects Dubai Municipality’s dedication to sustainability, community development, and celebrating Hatta’s agricultural identity.
The festival, running at Leem Lake until January 22, features 25 Emirati farmers, homesteaders, and local agricultural companies. It aims to showcase agricultural products and services, encourage collaboration, and bolster the UAE's expanding agricultural sector.
Held under the Hatta Winter initiative, guided by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, the festival is overseen by the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta and implemented by Brand Dubai. Hatta Winter invites residents and visitors to experience the unique charm of the mountainous region during the cooler months.
The Hatta Farming Festival highlights the region’s potential as a leading agri-tourism destination, leveraging its rich environmental, social, and cultural heritage. It aligns with Dubai’s goals to support Emirati farmers, promote sustainability, and elevate Hatta's status as a hub for agriculture and tourism.
The event supports the Hatta Comprehensive Development Plan and initiatives led by the Supreme Committee, which aim to enhance economic and tourism opportunities, support local businesses, and celebrate the area’s agricultural traditions.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dhahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the festival's alignment with the UAE’s efforts to strengthen sustainable national food security, a critical priority for the country. She highlighted the importance of increasing local production of strategic crops to reduce reliance on imports and noted the festival’s role in embedding agriculture as a valued cultural activity within the community.
She remarked, “Our efforts to advance agriculture include launching the Plant the Emirates National Programme, which seeks to expand agricultural practices and engage society in sustainable farming. The Hatta Farming Festival plays a pivotal role in establishing agriculture as a key activity and reflects the vision of the ‘Dubai Farms’ programme.”
She added that Hatta’s agricultural heritage holds special significance for Dubai and the UAE, contributing to the nation’s broader sustainable development goals. Upcoming projects under the Plant the Emirates National Programme and the National Agriculture Centre will enhance support for Emirati farmers and modernize the sector.
Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director-General of Dubai Municipality, noted that the festival is held in one of Dubai’s most historic agricultural areas. It serves as a key component of the ‘Dubai Farms’ programme, which supports sustainable local agriculture and aligns with the national ‘Grow UAE’ initiative to establish the UAE as a leader in agriculture.
“Our aim is to transform the Hatta Farming Festival into a comprehensive platform that empowers farmers, strengthens Dubai’s agricultural ecosystem, and drives sustainable development,” he stated. “We seek to support Emirati farmers in achieving self-sufficiency, enhance Dubai’s food security strategy, and improve quality of life in the emirate.”
Dubai Municipality has provided extensive support to Hatta farmers, including training, pest control programmes, and resources like 24,550 bags of fertilisers, 2,440 bags of seeds, and 1,350 traps for pest control. Farmers also benefited from over 1,250 field visits, 12 training courses, and four agricultural forums.
This year’s festival offers a diverse programme, featuring exhibitions of agricultural and livestock products, workshops, and dialogue sessions with agricultural experts. Visitors can learn about modern farming techniques, hear success stories from local farmers, and participate in competitions like livestock auctions and awards for outstanding farmers.
Additionally, Dubai Municipality has established the Strawberry Model Farm, the region’s first tourist farm showcasing sustainable practices. Other services include an agricultural extension platform, the Dubai Smart Mobile Laboratory for testing produce and irrigation water, and mobile public health services providing veterinary consultations.
These initiatives have empowered Hatta’s farmers to adopt modern methods, enhance productivity, and support Dubai’s Food Security Strategy. The festival reflects Dubai Municipality’s dedication to sustainability, community development, and celebrating Hatta’s agricultural identity.