The village of Qidfa in Fujairah receives a certificate of international recognition from the “FAO”

The village of Qidfa in the Emirate of Fujairah received a certificate of international recognition within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations initiative to recognize villages to join the network of the Food and Agriculture Museum and Forum “FAO MuNe”, in appreciation of the country’s efforts in preserving natural heritage and biodiversity, preserving food traditions, linking food culture and rural heritage with education, hospitality and tourism, and promoting rural development through innovative scientific and digital solutions.

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, confirmed that this international recognition comes as a culmination of the efforts of the UAE, its rational policies, and its effective development initiatives and projects aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development whose positive effects extend to various regions of the country.

His Highness praised the pivotal role played by national institutions and their integrated efforts and effective coordination in implementing development strategies and initiatives, which reflects the efficiency of institutional work and embodies the UAE’s vision of consolidating balanced development.

His Highness pointed out that the Emirate of Fujairah pays special attention to preserving heritage villages and the natural environment and empowering local communities in a way that contributes to strengthening national identity and achieving a balance between economic and social development and preserving natural resources for future generations.

The Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al-Dahhak, said that the village of Qidfa’ joining the “FAO MuNe” network and obtaining the international recognition certificate reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural and food systems, protecting biodiversity, and preserving food heritage and local knowledge, stressing that this achievement is consistent with the National Strategy for Food Security and enhances the role of Emirati villages as innovative development models based on environmental and economic sustainability.

The Secretary-General of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, Mohammed Al Kaabi, said that this achievement is the result of integrated national efforts aimed at developing rural areas and Emirati villages and empowering them economically and socially, noting that the Council is working to implement qualitative initiatives that contribute to improving the quality of life, supporting local activities, and transforming villages into tourist and cultural attractions based on innovation while preserving their heritage specificity.

Qidfa is considered one of the ancient villages in the Emirate of Fujairah, as it is distinguished by its geographical location that combines a mountainous and coastal environment, which has contributed to the diversity of traditional lifestyles, especially in the fields of agriculture, fishing, and handicrafts.

The village preserved its urban and heritage character and its food traditions associated with local products, in addition to agricultural practices that reflect human harmony with the environment, making it a model of balance between preserving natural resources and achieving development.

In recent years, the village has witnessed development efforts that included improving infrastructure, supporting community initiatives, employing modern technologies to document heritage, and promoting cultural and environmental tourism, which contributed to highlighting its historical and economic value.

The international recognition certificate falls within the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ Village Recognition Initiative, which aims to highlight the pivotal role of rural villages in promoting sustainable agricultural and food systems, preserving biodiversity, preserving food heritage and local knowledge, and supporting comprehensive rural transformation.

This international recognition embodies clear harmony with the “We Are the Emirates 2031” vision, which places sustainable development, quality of life, consolidating national identity, and empowering communities at the core of its priorities, in addition to promoting the knowledge economy and innovation.

The achievement also reflects the national trend towards balanced and comprehensive development that ensures the sustainability of natural resources, supports local communities, and links cultural and food heritage with economic and tourism development paths, thus enhancing the UAE’s position as a global model in smart rural development and serving the goals of the next centenary.