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.”