Dubai home gardens where fruits, vegetables are grown win Dh100,000

Dubai home

Three Dubai residents have collectively won Dh100,000 for their impressively green home gardens, where they cultivate a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and plants. These residents emerged as the top three winners in Dubai Municipality’s ‘Best Homegrown Produce Competition,’ which encourages residents to engage in home-based agriculture.

Dr. Sultana Osman Yousef Suleiman secured the first prize of Dh50,000 for her innovative garden in Jumeirah’s District 1. Her garden employs aeroponic systems, where plants’ roots hang suspended in the air and receive nutrients via a fine mist, eliminating the need for soil. Additionally, her garden features an advanced cooling system for greenhouses, a water treatment and recycling system, and bacteria that enhance irrigation water quality. Dr. Sultana also incorporates a drying system for agricultural products and a distillation system for aromatic plants. "I’ve had a passion for farming since childhood," she shared, attributing her inspiration to her mother’s dedication to cultivating vegetables, fruits, and flowers in their backyard.

Naeema Mohammed Al Amiri won Dh30,000 for her garden in Al Garhoud. Her garden impressed the judges with its innovative aquaponic system and the wide variety of plant species. The garden features a lake inhabited by fish, whose nutrient-rich water is used as fertilizer for the plants. An advanced underground irrigation system minimizes water wastage and evaporation. Moreover, her garden includes beehives, crucial for pollination and honey production. Among her diverse produce are bananas, bougainvillea, lettuce, rosemary, and carrots. "From beekeeping to fish farming, I expanded my interests and gradually embraced modern farming techniques," she explained. Naeema also established a community garden for her neighborhood and encourages everyone with space to plant, emphasizing the soul-nurturing aspect of agriculture and the family bonding it fosters.

Jamal Abdullah Almuheiri earned Dh20,000 for his green space that produces a wide range of fruits and vegetables. His garden is notable for cultivating Azolla, a feed source for poultry and livestock. Utilizing a gravity-powered hydroponic system, Almuheiri produces high-quality dried produce while conserving energy. 

Announced in March this year, the contest saw 109 participants, showcasing the growing interest in home-based agriculture in Dubai. These innovative gardens not only highlight the residents' agricultural skills but also underscore the potential for sustainable farming practices in urban settings.