Dubai, UAE, 20 March 2023:  Dubai Municipality concluded the second edition of Farmers’ Souq Initiative with a total of 33,921 visitors. The event, which was organised at the Nakheel Park between November 19, 2022, and March 18, 2023, served as an agricultural and investment platform that brought together all the Emirati farmers under one roof to sell locally produced farm products directly to consumers. Through this initiative, Dubai Municipality aimed to boost customers’ trust and confidence in local agricultural products as well as draw attention to the development achieved by the local agricultural sector.

Ahmed Al Zarooni, Director of the Department of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities in Dubai Municipality, highlighted the crucial role of Emirati farmers and small and medium-enterprise owners (SMEs) in making the second edition of the Farmers’ Souq Initiative successful. 

Al Zarooni emphasised that this initiative reflects the Municipality’s efforts to support the agricultural sector by offering diverse opportunities for the participants to trade. 

“The initiative further aimed at raising awareness on the agricultural diversity in the Emirate, significance of food security of the city of Dubai, as well as the need to work continuously to achieve it and support it on the widest scale. This comes in light of the wise leadership's continuous support for agriculture and local production in the emirate, in order to enhance the sustainability of the sector, and increase the farmers' contribution to increasing the market share of local products,” he said. 

“The Municipality is committed to developing the agricultural sector by offering a distinct platform for Emirati farmers to introduce their diverse local products to consumers and provide the opportunity for visitors to learn about local agriculture in the Emirate of Dubai. We have been supporting the local farmers by providing all the logistic assistance and other requirements, which would help them in their projects and encourage them to continue to be sustainable, in order to enhance the attractiveness of the local agricultural sector in Dubai, and to provide the best services and all the elements of luxury and quality of life for its residents and visitors, which make Dubai a sustainable city.” Al Zarooni added.

A total of 50 farmers and SME owners participated in the event and displayed their goods which included vegetables, fruits, dairy products, honey, dates, and other household products. The Souq also featured around 30 kiosks to sell food and beverages.

Furthermore, the initiative held 69 workshops and activities throughout the four months of the Souq, including musical and other entertainment performances.