In a groundbreaking initiative that merges agriculture with rehabilitation, over 300 inmates at Dubai Central Jail are participating in an innovative agricultural project known as Hasad, which translates to “harvest” in Arabic. This programme, which commenced last year, extends across a significant 9,600 square metres and aims to provide prisoners with essential skills for reintegration into society through the cultivation of various fruits and vegetables.
The scale of Hasad marks a notable leap from previous initiatives, which often operated on a much smaller scale. The facility now boasts 14 greenhouses, a dedicated classroom, and extensive fields where inmates learn modern farming techniques. Lt Col Mohammed Al Obeidli, director of the inmate education and training department at Dubai Police, explained that participants are trained in sustainable practices that conserve water and lessen carbon emissions. “The inmates learn how to run a farm and can use their management skills after their release,” he stated.
Since its inception, the farm has yielded impressive results, producing a variety of crops including 294 kilograms of hot peppers, 1.5 tonnes of capsicum, 15 tonnes of tomatoes, and an astonishing 67 tonnes of cucumbers—generating revenue of Dh900,000 (approximately $245,030). This income is reinvested into both the farm and wider rehabilitation initiatives within the correctional system. Lt Col Al Obeidli elaborated that about 2% of the revenue is earmarked for farm maintenance and supplies, while the remainder aims to support inmates upon their release, particularly those seeking to start their own agricultural ventures.
The psychological transformation experienced by inmates engaged in this project is profound. One participant, serving a nine-year sentence for bribery, expressed newfound motivation through farming. “I never thought I’d find purpose again,” he said, adding that learning about sustainable agriculture had reshaped his outlook on life. Another inmate, serving 15 years for murder, shared similar sentiments: “I’m a new person now. I deeply regret my sin, but this project has given me hope that I can return to society as a productive person.”
Endorsed by Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, the Hasad Project also aligns with the national vision for food security encapsulated in the Plant the Emirates programme, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural output and local food production. Dr Al Dahak praised the project as a “practical model for supporting national food security” while also utilising human resources effectively in modern agriculture.
As part of a larger strategy, Hasad aims to train 200 inmates annually in advanced agricultural techniques, with a target annual production exceeding 56 tonnes. The project not only cultivates crops but also cultivates new perspectives on life within the prison system, highlighting the transformative power of rehabilitation through education and skill acquisition.
Ultimately, Hasad stands as a testament to how innovative approaches to rehabilitation can create pathways out of the cycle of crime, emphasising the role of sustainable practices in shaping a new future for those who have lost their way.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/05/23/dubai-inmates-sowing-the-seeds-of-rehabilitation-on-prison-farm/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/03/27/uae-minister-lauds-dubai-polices-agricultural-project-training-200-inmates-annually – Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, praised Dubai Police’s ‘Hasad’ agricultural project, which spans 9,600 square meters and aims to train 200 inmates annually in modern agriculture. The initiative supports the ‘Plant the Emirates’ program, aligning with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. Funded by a charitable endowment of AED 3 million, the project is expected to produce over 56 tonnes of crops annually, generating approximately AED 1 million in revenue. ([gulftoday.ae](https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/03/27/uae-minister-lauds-dubai-polices-agricultural-project-training-200-inmates-annually?utm_source=openai))
- https://focus.hidubai.com/dubai-polices-hasad-project-sets-new-standard-for-sustainable-agriculture-and-inmate-rehabilitation/ – The ‘Hasad’ agricultural project, launched by Dubai Police, is a pioneering initiative supporting national food security while integrating modern agriculture into rehabilitation programs. Spanning 9,600 square meters, the project aims to train 200 male and female inmates annually in advanced agricultural practices. To date, 371 inmates have been trained in the pilot phases. With a total investment of AED 3 million, funded through charitable contributions, ‘Hasad’ is expected to produce over 56 tonnes of crops annually, generating approximately AED 1 million in revenue. The initiative aligns with the ‘Plant the Emirates’ program, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to food security and sustainability. ([focus.hidubai.com](https://focus.hidubai.com/dubai-polices-hasad-project-sets-new-standard-for-sustainable-agriculture-and-inmate-rehabilitation/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.pakistanpoint.com/en/story/1952143/hasad-agricultural-project-a-model-for-food-security.html – Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, affirmed that the ‘Hasad’ agricultural project, implemented by Dubai Police over an area of 9,600 square meters, represents a practical model for supporting national food security and utilizing human resources in modern agriculture. She praised the project for its role in enhancing local production and contributing to sustainable development. The project, launched by the General Department of Correctional and Penal Institutions, aims to train and qualify 200 male and female inmates annually in modern agriculture. So far, 371 inmates have been trained during the pilot phases. The total cost of the project is AED 3 million, funded through charitable contributions, with expectations to produce more than 56 tonnes of crops annually, and to generate an annual revenue of AED 1 million. Dr. Amna Al Dahak clarified that the project supports the national programme ‘Plant the Emirates’, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen the country’s food security. ([pakistanpoint.com](https://www.pakistanpoint.com/en/story/1952143/hasad-agricultural-project-a-model-for-food-security.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/dubai-central-jail-inmates-try-hands-on-organic-farming-1.96373153 – Inmates at Dubai Central Jail are engaging in organic farming as part of the facility’s ‘Innovation Clubs’, which encourage inmates to propose and implement ideas. The project includes 14 greenhouses, each measuring 30 meters by 8 meters, allowing for year-round cultivation. The first phase covers a 9,600-square-meter area, with potential for expansion. The initiative aims to train more than 200 inmates per year, providing them with practical skills in organic farming. The farm produces over 38 varieties of crops, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and papayas, with the produce distributed among inmates and staff. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/dubai-central-jail-inmates-try-hands-on-organic-farming-1.96373153?utm_source=openai))
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/organic-farm-flourishes-inside-dubai-central-jail-1.2105261 – An organic farm inside Dubai Central Jail is part of Dubai Police’s strategy to educate inmates and develop their skills for reintegration into society. The farm utilizes aquaponics and hydroponics systems, allowing inmates to produce organic food efficiently. The project has been supported by Dubai Police, providing tools and training to inmates in organic farming techniques. Brigadier Ali Al Shamali, Director of Correctional and Punitive Establishments Department, emphasized the importance of supporting inmates’ ideas and projects to aid their rehabilitation. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/organic-farm-flourishes-inside-dubai-central-jail-1.2105261?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9330878/dubai-prison-inmates-develop-green-fingers-on-thriving-organic-farm/ – Inmates at Dubai Central Jail are cultivating a variety of crops, including lemons, cucumbers, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes, chilies, aubergines, corn, papayas, and figs, as part of a thriving organic farm. The farm is part of Dubai Police’s strategy to empower prisoners and develop their skills. The main purpose of the farm is training, not commercial production, equipping inmates with skills that can aid in their reintegration into society. ([hortidaily.com](https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9330878/dubai-prison-inmates-develop-green-fingers-on-thriving-organic-farm/?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, dated May 23, 2025. However, similar reports have appeared in the past, notably in June 2023 and March 2025, indicating that the core information has been previously covered. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/dubai-central-jail-inmates-try-hands-on-organic-farming-1.96373153?utm_source=openai), [gulftoday.ae](https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/03/27/uae-minister-lauds-dubai-polices-agricultural-project-training-200-inmates-annually?utm_source=openai)) The report includes updated data, such as the participation of over 300 inmates and the project’s expansion, which may justify a higher freshness score. Nonetheless, the recycled nature of the content warrants a moderate freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from Lt Col Mohammed Al Obeidli and inmates, as well as Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak. Similar quotes have appeared in earlier reports, suggesting potential reuse of content. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/dubai-central-jail-inmates-try-hands-on-organic-farming-1.96373153?utm_source=openai), [gulftoday.ae](https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/03/27/uae-minister-lauds-dubai-polices-agricultural-project-training-200-inmates-annually?utm_source=openai)) Variations in wording are present, but the core messages remain consistent. The presence of these quotes in earlier material raises concerns about the originality of the content.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The National, a reputable news organisation. The inclusion of quotes from Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, adds credibility. The report also references other reputable outlets, such as Gulf News and Focus HiDubai, enhancing its reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the Hasad agricultural project align with previously reported information, including the project’s scale, objectives, and the involvement of over 300 inmates. The report provides specific figures, such as the production of 67 tonnes of cucumbers and revenue of Dh900,000, which are consistent with earlier reports. The inclusion of direct quotes from inmates and officials adds authenticity. However, the recycled nature of the content and the reuse of quotes from earlier reports raise questions about the originality of the narrative.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative provides updated information on the Hasad agricultural project, including increased participation and production figures. However, the reuse of quotes and content from earlier reports suggests a lack of originality. The involvement of reputable sources and the inclusion of specific data points support the plausibility of the claims. Given the recycled nature of the content and the reuse of quotes, the overall assessment is ‘OPEN’ with medium confidence.
