Dubai: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has introduced the ‘Our Green Emirates’ initiative under the ‘Plant the Emirates’ National Programme. This initiative aims to organize national events and competitions to motivate individuals, families, government institutions, and the private sector to participate in planting activities in collaboration with various stakeholders across the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, ‘Our Green Emirates’ was launched alongside the annual ‘Planting Week’ initiative. This effort seeks to raise awareness about the importance of planting to preserve and expand green spaces, enhance community involvement in greening the UAE, and disseminate sustainable agricultural practices nationwide. The ‘Planting Week’ began with events in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.
The initiative is part of the larger ‘Plant the Emirates’ National Programme, initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of D
ubai. The programme aims to support the UAE’s agricultural development goals, enhance sustainable national food security, foster partnerships with the private sector, and ensure the expansion and sustainability of green spaces nationwide.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized that the ‘Our Green Emirates’ initiative encourages everyone in the UAE to embrace planting as a lifestyle. It aims to increase green spaces and foster a deeper connection with nature. ‘Planting Week’, a pioneering initiative launched over 40 years ago, honors the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who advocated for the expansion of planting practices to green the UAE and boost local agriculture.
She further stated that ‘Planting Week’ underscores the UAE’s commitment to the ‘Plant the Emirates’ National Programme. By promoting community involvement in sustainable agriculture practices and adopting modern technologies, the program aims to build a resilient agricultura
l sector that meets local food needs through innovative techniques and best practices in planting and aesthetic agriculture.
In Fujairah, school students collaborated with the Fujairah Environment Authority to plant local tree species in the UAE Flag yard area, learning essential planting and care techniques. The event witnessed the presence of Asilah Al Mualla, Director-General of Fujairah Environment Authority, and Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi, Assistant Undersecretary for Sustainable Communities Sector at MOCCAE.
In Ras Al Khaimah, a new park was inaugurated in Wadi Isfani in collaboration with the Public Services Department and the Emirates Red Crescent. Local residents and school students participated, and the event was attended by Eng. Khalid Fadel Al Ali, Director General of the Public Services Department in Ras Al Khaimah, and Alia Abdul Rahim Al Harmoudi.
More ‘Planting Week’ events are planned across the UAE, involving community members in planting local tree seedlings and providing training on t
ree care and propagation techniques. ‘Planting Week’ has been dedicated to promoting community involvement and highlighting the importance of green spaces in advancing climate and environmental sustainability in the UAE.
