While the falaj (the traditional water conveyance system) was being dug, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- wasn’t observing men working on digging process, but rather was actively participating in such activity. He also went underground where he reached 100 feet deep in order to guide them to the right direction of digging.
The next step taken by the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- was to radically reform irrigation method adopted as far as aflaj are concerned. According to such method, the irrigation system entailed to distribute water to farms, depending on programmed periods. Moreover, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan went through harder battles requiring strenuous efforts when scientists came from all parts of the world to study Abu Dhabi land. According to such studies, they confirmed that Abu Dhabi land suffered from desertification and sand erosion towards farms as well as accumulation of sands around plants, which eventually buried them and wiped them out. Of course, this threatened the agricultural development as a whole.
However, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- didn’t give up, but rather he exploited his old agricultural experience that enabled him to be more aware of the nature of such lands than foreign scientists. Therefore, he flattened sand dunes where sand blows and spread a new layer of mud on its surface. Then, he distributed them to UAE nationals who started cultivating them after he set up green belts including trees to serve as windshields, fix soil and prepare it for cultivation. He even ordered that forests around cities and towns be cultivated to serve as a natural hedge that would protect plantations, and towns against sand loaded desert storms.
In 1972, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- was interested in granting loans to farmers and supplying them with agricultural machineries and providing them with counseling services. He also used to supervise Al Dekdaka and Kalba stations, Maliha agricultural project and counseling centers in the area of nursery production. In addition, he also ordered that seeds and fertilizers be provided and sold to farmers by cheap cost prices. Furthermore, he also supplied fishermen with marine machineries purchase loans with low prices. In 1972, work on establishing the biggest fruits, vegetables, fish and meat market in Al Ain started.
The late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- also strived to provide veterinary services to farmers by building specialized centers in the country, controlling slaughterhouses, and conducting experiments for increasing animal production. This was also achieved by establishing glasshouses for irrigation purposes and resisting agricultural pests by providing pesticides, sprinklers and conducting agricultural censuses or surveys.
By so doing, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- was an expert who set the main objectives for tree planting plans and stopping desertification spread. Below are some of such major objectives:
- Providing the suitable temperature
- Providing a moderate climate
- Spreading the greenish color and landscaping that would give beauty to the environment
In 1972, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- planted the first tree of hibiscus Rosa Senatoz in Al Butain area in Abu Dhabi. He also divided the agricultural activity between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain municipalities. In fact, he brought all palm tree nurslings to Al Ain city and then exported the first consignment of such palm tree siblings from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- ordered that palm tree be planted along the first street, which is the old airport street. The total number of such palm trees amounted to 600 of “Khalas and Lulu type”. Then, he ordered that other trees and roses be planted where trees reached Al Bahar palace. After that, tree planting surrounded Al Shate Palace where Al Qarm tree was the first type that was grown at the time. In addition, tree planting also reached Al Butain Palace.
During the period of 1972-1975, the number of farms in Al Ain totaled 319 where he ordered that the private department be established. The ultimate purpose of doing that was to promote the agricultural sector. Therefore, such private department planted lots of agricultural crops such as coffee beans, apple, spices, ordinary nabk (lotus jujube or Christ’s thorn), almonds, Papai, Hemba, olive trees, blackberry, figs, grapes, pomegranate, banana, local lemons, sweet orange, Santa Rosa, grapefruit, quince and several other types of plants.
The late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- ordered that center for environment research be established. The purpose of setting up such a center is to focus on desert and marine environment researches. It also contributes to preparing environment researches and studies, and establishing scientific cadres in the country and raise awareness of the UAE nationals about the importance of environment. Above all, it also focuses on conducting studies on natural and pastures plants. He also ordered that several plantations and farms be set up for producing some fruits that don’t bear environmental conditions prevailing in the country and some types of unseasoned fruits. In addition, he also ordered that tens of agricultural experiments stations and agricultural counseling centers be established, which would provide the necessary consultations and expertise to farmers for free. Above all, he also ordered that palm trees agriculture be developed where he paid special attention to this activity. This included his concern with spreading mechanized systems of agriculture, setting up pollen seeds centers, manufacturing surplus quantities of such materials and distributing production requirements and supplies with reduced costs.
In 1974, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- introduced a pioneering experiment, which was wheat cultivation. He also ordered that Al Sadiyat Island be established where he found it the right place for conducting several agricultural experiments. He also inaugurated the agricultural exhibition in Al Ain where he talked about the high expenses problem when he said that the government would strive to import the essential foodstuff to be sold in the market for discounted prices by 30%. He also said that the government would bear the difference in price as far as some essential foodstuff are concerned as a contribution to reduce burdens of the living incurred by high standards of living around the world. Moreover, he also issued a law regarding the incorporation of Al Ain Vegetable Production Company with the total capital of AED 10 million and 138 thousand where government of Abu Dhabi had the share of 60%. In addition, there was also the French Finlo Company where the government of Abu Dhabi had the share of 40%.
In 1975, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- also ordered that the first typical livestock farm be established. He also issued his directives to expedite implementing such a project on 100 hectare area. He also ordered that wheat be grown in an area totaling 300 denims in Al Ain city where such an experiment, which was conducted by Department of Agriculture was a success.
1980-1983
As a result of the personal follow-up on the part of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- in relation to agriculture development and the innovative solutions and approaches, the agricultural volume production and crops such as grains and palm kept increasing from one year to another. He wasn’t only concerned with implementing national projects, but also made individual efforts that contributed to doubling the agricultural production. In 1980, he paid a visit to the farm belonging to the UAE national, Awad Humaid in Maliha Area where he emphasized that knowledge and production would be the basis of any progress and development.
In 1980, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- ordered that agricultural soil sample analysis be conducted to identify its characteristics and salinity grade. He also ordered that agricultural meteorology movement be monitored by using 10 stations and 40 devices for measuring rainfall quantities for agricultural purposes.
In the same year above, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- also ordered that an international conference on plants bearing salinity be organized in order to study the possibility of using saline water in cultivation and the use of modern genetic engineering sciences. When this conference ended, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan held a prolonged meeting with the scientists attending such a conference to inquire about the possibilities of using saline water in agricultural land irrigation. That is because this would provide a solution to the food problem for the whole world. He also ordered the municipalities to carry out several projects of setting up forests and widespread plantations and dispose waste in a scientific manner where it can be utilized in the area of fertilizers manufacturing in addition to water treatment stations belonging to drainage stations.
In the same year above, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- also ordered that an experimental farm be established in Dalma Island. Such a farm included various kinds of fruits and vegetables as well as palm trees. He also ordered that the arable land of this Island be quickly prepared, transformed into farms and distributed to the UAE people living there. In addition, he also ordered that the necessary water be supplied to irrigate such farms before delivered to UAE nationals for the purpose of investing in them. Above all, he ordered that 130 farms be distributed to UAE nationals living in the western area and that agricultural lands in Al Dafra area be reformed, roads and wells be built.
To develop agriculture, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- ordered in 1980 that modern irrigation systems be introduced, lands be reclaimed, modern agricultural such as glasshouses and protected agriculture methods be adopted. In addition, he also ordered that new kinds of fruits and vegetables be grown,
In 1982, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- ordered that nurslings be distributed for minimal charges to farmers, agricultural machineries be introduced and maintained, and pests be combated. Therefore, he ordered that agricultural counseling and marketing department be established at Abu Dhabi Municipality in order to raise the awareness of farmers, supervise their farms, market their products and provide seeds and fertilizers for free with the aim of encouraging farmers to continue being involved in such activity.
The late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace-oversaw the implementation of agricultural projects at Seer Baniyas Island that he ordered to enhance the agricultural development of the area. He participated in the efforts of growing Al Qarm trees along the beach and issued his directives to adopt the best methods of planting such kind of trees. He also made a tour to the western region where he inspected the farms built in Zayed City and distributed to UAE nationals. Moreover, he also inspected the sand dunes leveling project along the road connecting Zayed City.
In 1983, upon the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace, forest trees planting such as the lotus jujube, Salm, Samar and Al Ghaf was extended where the total number of such kind of trees amounted to 5 million. These forests are regarded as the main source of food for wild animals and a fertile environment for attracting many species of birds, especially the migrating ones.
In 1984, he ordered that 60 farms be established in Al Marfah and Ghiyathi cities and distributed to the UAE nationals. He also inspected the green belt project connecting Leoa and Zayed City. Moreover, he ordered that palm and vegetables farms be developed in Mahdar Al Muziaraa in Leoa and the related plans be devised to provide the permanent irrigation to the area farms. Above all, he also ordered that 65 farms be distributed to Leoa to the UAE nationals and a number of agricultural and architectural projects be carried out.
1987-1984
In 1984, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace-was keen on growing wheat, considering the fact that it constitutes a large relative importance of the total volume of food. Therefore, he ordered that new strains of high productivity, which would bear hard climate conditions, be grown. In addition, he ordered Agriculture and Animal Production Department to form the green belt along roadsides, residential and agricultural areas in order to reduce sand expansion, wind blowing, provide shade, increase landscaping, make climate more moderate and augment pastures and wild birds’ reproduction. Moreover, trees would increase food for bees and make more reproductive, which would increase honey production and pollen crops.
As part of his concern with agricultural development and tree planting projects in the country, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- planted a palm tree in Al Khatm area in Al Ain city on the occasion of tree planting celebration Day in the UAE. He also decided to ban the import of all kinds of camels in order to preserve animal resources and protect them against infections and diseases.
In 1985, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- ordered that public parks with the total area of 50 denims along Abu Dhabi and Al Ain road such as Remah, Al Mukam and Al Khazna rest area be established. Moreover, the total area of 53 km of which was grown with palm trees. Furthermore, a forest with the total area of 215 denims along al Ain-Abu Dhabi road was planted with certain trees such as lotus jujube, Al Ghuwaif and Al Urta. Due to this concern, agricultural production increased over days. Therefore, Department of Agriculture thought that it would be necessary to manufacture agricultural production upon the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace.
In the same year, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- made a tour around the western region. During such a visit, he inspected the agricultural and architectural projects and Zayed city farms fruit production as well as Leoa area dates produced from the UAE nationals farms as part of his concern with developing remote areas agriculturally.
In 1986, Vegetables Marketing Head Office was opened in Zayed City-Abu Dhabi upon the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace. He also ordered that taxes be levied on the agricultural crops import to protect the local agricultural production. Moreover, he also ordered that tree planting and forestry project included in the green belt be implemented. Then, Al Ain Vegetables Manufacturing and Canning Factory was established. In 1987, this factory started production where it had 3 production lines; the first of which was dedicated for tomatoes production, the second one for pickles production and the third one for frozen food production. In fact, there was a big demand for the factory products within the UAE, markets of the Gulf region countries and some Arab markets.
1991-1988
The late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace-also strived to develop studies on local agriculture and expand the cultivation of salinity resistant trees, which consume less quantity of water.
In 1990, under the patronage of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace-an environmental initiative was launched under the theme of Abu Dhabi International environmental data initiative sponsored by the UAE. It is worth noting that such an initiative was launched by the emirate of Abu Dhabi on the fringes of the permanent development summit held in South Africa. He also ordered that 600 farms be distributed to the UAE nationals in Al Ain city through the Animal Production and Agriculture Department. Moreover, he also inspected the agricultural development projects and forests in Al Dafra and Baynona. In addition, major tree planting projects over the total area of 900 hectares were carried out in the western region. He also ordered that a new vegetables canning factory be established in the western region. Above all, Abu Dhabi Municipality started to implement agricultural projects including 21 new public parks over the total area of 1.5 million square meters within the emirate of Abu Dhabi and outside it.
Under the patronage of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace-, Animal Production and Agriculture Department gave support and paid attention to animals. In 1991, a veterinary hospital that included various sections of surgical operations, delivery, inpatient and outpatient clinics and a veterinary lab receiving the various samples to be tested. In addition, this hospital included a camel fold with the aim of looking after camels and increasing their reproduction.
1995-1992
In 1992, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- received a Japanese delegation to conduct a comprehensive survey for developing water resources and utilizing them in the agricultural expansion. In the same year, he also made a tour to the western region in which he inspected the agricultural reclamation projects in Al Dafrah. Moreover, he also called for reinforcing the set plan for achieving the agricultural development and addressed a letter to the concerned officials in which he urged them to make greater efforts for the sake of development.
In 1994, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- ordered that Al Marfah Vegetables and Dates Canning Factory be established as a first phase provided that new production lines of tomatoes, potatoes and Mulokhiya be opened. The cost of such a factory amounted to AED 114 million.
1996-1999
In 1996, Zayed Agricultural Centre for the Handicapped Rehabilitation was opened. The aim of this Centre is to harness the agricultural potentials and resources to rehabilitate the disabled and employ them. This Centre was a success since its inception due to the cooperation between the Centre and UN Development program as well as the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. That is because this Centre managed to produce plenty of quantities of vegetables and fruits and market them through agricultural marketing centers across the country. This Centre consists of conference hall, mosque, clinic, restaurant, big store, and water tank. Its agricultural area totals 11,2 hectares including two glasshouses.
Under the patronage of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace, Al Wathba Tissues Culture Company for producing palm tree nurslings by using developed technologies was established. It also contributes to the researches that are aimed at improving means of palm production, as it produces 300,000 palm nurslings per year. This quantity is marketed within the UAE and the surplus of the same is exported to several Arab countries.
In 1997, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- ordered all farmers in Al Ain to grow 400 palm tree in each farm. Moreover, Dates Factory was also established in Al Sad in Al Ain with the total cost of AED 170 million and 19,000 ton was produced in the same year. He also ordered that water suitable for agricultural irrigation be supplied and agricultural production be increased in Al Ain city.
2004-2000
The conviction of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- of the importance and vitality of agriculture in the country despite the hard climate conditions resulting from high temperature in summer season and paucity of rain in winter would direct the policy of the government to promote this sector and make all the areas green. This was achieved by granting financial loans to UAE nationals to purchase equipment, fertilizers and seeds and providing them with the necessary consultation and technical assistance.
Moreover, great international rates of establishing forest belts were achieved, as the total area of the planted forests amounted to around 300,000 hectares where the number of trees reached 60,0000 in 2000. UN Food and Agriculture Organization granted the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- the medal of the World Food Day in 2001 in recognition of his efforts and great positions in serving the entire humanity. This Organization lauded the achievements made by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace- in the area of combating desertification and protecting rare species of animals and plants. Thanks to Allah and the efforts made by Sheikh Zayed, the UAE has made great environment achievements, especially in the area of agricultural expansion. It is worth noting that the total area of public parks within the emirate of Abu Dhabi is over 2400 hectares and the number of palm trees across the UAE till 2001 over 40 million and 700 thousand, covering the total area of 93 thousand hectares.
Planting palm trees in the UAE was given adequate attention of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace. In 2002, the total number of palm trees in the UAE reached 41 million, covering the total area of 1.9 denims with the production of 750 thousand ton of dates. Therefore, the UAE has achieved self-sufficiency of dates and dates canning factories were established in the country for export purposes.
In 2002, the UAE participated in the world efforts by offering several environment initiatives including the Abu Dhabi International environmental data initiative at the international summit conference on permanent development. In 2003, UN Agreement for Desertification Combating Conference was held in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, the UAE managed to export its vegetables and fruits products to markets of USA and Britain and its dates to markets of Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia. It also exports fresh flowers to the markets of the GCC states, Lebanon, Britain, Australia and Japan due to the efforts of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan-May Allah rest his soul in peace.
In 2004, he issued a federal decree that the UAE joins the International Treaty regarding plant genetic resources. In addition, the UAE joined the world network of palm that is aimed at strengthening technical cooperation among dates producing countries and mustered the joint efforts and energies to achieve food sufficiency among producing countries. Moreover, it developed cultivation and industry of palm. In the same year, the UAE also joined the Arab Water Council in Cairo, which is concerned with conservation and protection of Arab water resources against waste. It is also aimed at formulating plans and programs on developing and utilizing water sources as well as offering suitable recommendations and solutions for the related problems.