Dubai, UAE – Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has lauded Dubai Police’s “Hasad” agricultural project for its role in promoting sustainable agriculture, rehabilitating inmates, and supporting the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051.
During a visit to the 9,600-square-metre agricultural facility located within Dubai’s correctional institution, Dr. Amna was accompanied by His Excellency Expert Major General Khalil Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Investigation Affairs, and other senior officers.
A Model for Sustainability and Rehabilitation
The “Hasad” project, initiated 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. The programme encourages sustainable agricultural practices in both public and private sectors to enhance local food production and reduce reliance on imports.
Dr. Amna praised the project as an example of sustainable innovation, emphasizing its dual purpose—advancing modern agricultural practices and equipping inmates with practical skills for their reintegration into society.
“We are committed to supporting agricultural projects that adopt modern, climate-smart practices,” Dr. Amna said. “This initiative not only promotes sustainable local food production but also empowers inmates with economic opportunities post-release.”
Equipping Inmates with Agricultural Skills
According to Major General Marwan Abdul Karim Jalfar, Director of the General Department of Correctional and Punitive Institutions, the project was launched under the directives of Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police. It is funded by a charitable endowment of AED 3 million, dedicated to rehabilitating inmates through education and training.
The Hasad project utilizes climate-resilient agricultural technologies designed to reduce water consumption, land use, and the carbon footprint of traditional farming, aligning with the UAE’s broader sustainability objectives.
“This initiative offers inmates the opportunity to gain practical agricultural skills while contributing to the UAE’s vision of a sustainable food system,” said Maj. Gen. Jalfar.
Structure and Training Capacity
The Hasad farm is divided into three sections, comprising greenhouses, classrooms, and traditional farming plots:
- Section 1: Seven structures, including a classroom and six greenhouses.
- Section 2: A 4-metre-high covered traditional farming plot.
- Section 3: Seven 30 x 8-metre greenhouses, each standing 6.5 metres high.
A separate 20 x 8-metre section is designated for female inmates, ensuring inclusivity across the rehabilitation programme.
The initiative trains 200 inmates annually, with 50 participants completing a three-month agricultural training cycle. To date, 371 inmates have been trained during the project’s pilot phase.
Economic Impact and Future Goals
The Hasad farm is projected to produce 56 tonnes of fresh vegetables annually, focusing on tomatoes, cucumbers, and other crops. With 6,508 seedlings currently planted, the farm is expected to generate approximately AED 1 million annually, depending on market conditions.
The revenue will be reinvested to fund inmate education and vocational training, creating pathways for employment and facilitating post-release entrepreneurship.
“The project is a meaningful use of inmates’ time, offering them future job opportunities while advancing national sustainability goals,” said Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Al Obaidli, Director of the Inmate Education and Training Department and Manager of the Hasad Project.
A National Commitment to Sustainability
The Hasad initiative reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and community engagement. Major General Khalil Al Mansouri emphasized that the project not only enhances food security but also fosters economic empowerment for inmates.
“This project integrates social responsibility with sustainability, empowering inmates to contribute to local food production while preparing for a productive future,” Al Mansouri said.
With its scalable model and commitment to modern agricultural technologies, Dubai Police’s Hasad project stands as a transformative example of how innovation can drive rehabilitation and sustainability in the UAE.
