Abu Dhabi: Al Ain Oasis date plantations, a Unesco World Heritage Site in the UAE, are saving 75 per cent of the natural resources used in date palm farming thanks to sustainable agricultural practices.
Covering 3,000 acres and more than 184,000 date palms, the Al Ain Oasis has always been following green practices to preserve a treasured piece of the UAE heritage while embodying the UAE’s 2021 Vision, according to Al Naboudah Group Enterprises (ANGE) that manages the oasis.
For years, the Al Ain City Municipality has entrusted ANGE with maintaining the oasis. The group has reduced pesticide use from 140,000 litres per day to just 18,000 litres, and minimised wastage by reusing portions of trimmed leaves for livestock feed, said a press release issued by ANGE on Tuesday.
Almost every part of fallen or trimmed date plants is reused. Trunks are used for furniture and planters for flowers, and leaves repurposed into ropes or used to create fencing and roofing for traditional buildings. Additionally, leaves are also upcycled to create ornaments, baskets and furniture, preserving traditional Emirati handicraft techniques.
Buti Al Naboudah, deputy CEO — Commercial for ANGE, said: “Our passion to preserve Emirati culture is demonstrated throughout Al Naboudah Group Enterprises’ operations, and we are proud to protect the culturally significant Al Ain Oasis date plantations. We cultivate the land to pay homage to our heritage while ensuring this legacy for many future generations to come. Through these initiatives, we seek to enhance the community we live in and work towards establishing a sustainable future for us all.”
The group’s agriculture business is in strategic partnerships with several other municipalities across the UAE — Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Dhaid — and it assists in protecting agricultural resources.
