Dubai planted 500 trees per day on average in 2023
In a significant step towards environmental conservation, Dubai Municipality made remarkable strides in its afforestation efforts during 2023, planting over 185,000 trees across the emirate. This achievement translates to an impressive average of 500 trees daily, marking a substantial increase in Dubai's green coverage.
The ambitious initiative saw the total green area in Dubai expand to 234 hectares, a significant rise from the 170 hectares recorded in 2022. The extensive tree-planting campaign covered 210 different locations, including agricultural projects, nature reserves, and along both main and secondary roads in the regions of Deira and Bur Dubai, as well as within the Municipality's own parks.
Diversity in vegetation was a key focus, with the introduction of various tree species well-adapted to the local environment. This included indigenous species like Ghaf and Sidr, which are notably resilient to the region's soil salinity. The planting initiative also incorporated other species such as Sumar, Neem, Olive, Samorova palm, Indian jasmine, and various palm-like trees. The inclusion of evergreen plants like Washingtonia, Bismarckia, Pseudobombax, Poinciana, Bougainvillea, Acacia farnesiana, and Darsina added further diversity.
Dubai Municipality's efforts extend beyond mere planting. The authority is dedicated to expanding green spaces across residential and urban areas, main roads, secondary roads, and bridge intersections. This initiative is also strategically designed to improve air and soil quality, while simultaneously enhancing the city’s aesthetic appeal.
Dawoud Al Hajri, the Director-General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized that the Green Dubai initiative is a continuous endeavor that aligns with comprehensive engineering and planning standards. The initiative aims at enhancing the quality of life and overall wellbeing of the city's residents.
"Green Dubai is a pivotal element of our strategic drive towards sustainability," Al Hajri explained. "It is geared towards effectively utilizing natural resources, significantly reducing carbon emissions in the emirate, and aligning with the national goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050."
The initiative plays a crucial role in creating and augmenting green spaces for leisure, relaxation, and connecting with nature. It also contributes to improving the cultural and aesthetic charm of Dubai, ensuring the preservation of the environment for future generations.