In 2024, 216,500 trees were planted — an average of 600 per day — bringing total green space to 391.5 hectares, up from 234 hectares in 2023
Dubai Municipality has planted over 300,000 trees and seedlings, alongside 222,500sqm of ground covers and flowers during the first half of 2025, as part of its landscaping and afforestation initiative.
The initiative, valued at Dh190 million and spanning more than 3 million sqm, covers key intersections and roadways, including the intersection of Al Khail Road with Latifa bint Hamdan Street; the intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street with Tripoli Street; Sheikh Rashid Street from the junction with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street to Al Mina Road; Sheikh Zayed Road from the 7th Interchange (entry point to Dubai from Abu Dhabi); and Al Khawaneej Street at the intersection with Al Amardi Street.
To promote sustainability, the Municipality installed smart irrigation systems featuring underground pump designs to optimise surface space. These systems are connected to remote-control networks supported by Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, enabling real-time monitoring and water-use efficiency to ensure sustainable irrigation practices.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the new landscaping projects form part of the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to enhance the urban and aesthetic appeal of Dubai and increase the sustainability and attractiveness of public spaces.
“Our aim is to reinforce Dubai’s distinctive urban and aesthetic identity and solidify its position as a leading sustainable global city. We seek to offer a vibrant and healthy living environment that upholds the highest standards of quality of life for residents and visitors, while maintaining a harmonious balance between the urban, architectural, and environmental landscape,” Marwan explained.
Meanwhile, Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “The landscaping projects were developed in accordance with specific urban and environmental criteria, with a focus on selecting diverse plant species adapted to the local climate. This enhances the beauty and unique character of public spaces.”
“We also increased the planting of native and ornamental species cultivated in Dubai Municipality’s nurseries. In addition, we unified the aesthetic of Dubai’s main entry points by installing similar decorative fencing, using carefully selected colour schemes that reflect the emirate’s identity and provide visitors with a welcoming sense of arrival,” he further explained.
The projects incorporated the planting of native trees such as sidr, ghaf, and neem, alongside ornamental varieties including chorisia, washingtonia, royal poinciana, millingtonia, albizia, and bougainvillaea.
In addition to greenery, aesthetic enhancements were made, including vertical lighting at Al Khail and Latifa bint Hamdan Street, designed to evoke traditional Arabic architecture and change colours for national celebrations.
These efforts build on earlier milestones: by the end of Q1 2025, the Municipality managed over 5.5 million trees, 8.7 million m² of green space, 2 million m² of seasonal flowers, 6.3 million sqm of ground cover, and 1.3 million linear metres of plant fencing. In 2024 alone, 216,500 trees were planted — an average of 600 per day — bringing total green space to 391.5 hectares, up from 234 hectares in 2023.
Source: Khaleej Time
Published: 14 July 2025
