From Nursery to Neighborhood: Ghaf Woods Grows Dubai’s First Forest Community

Majid Al Futtaim's vision for Ghaf Woods, a pioneering forest living concept in Dubai, is steadily coming to fruition with two major developments: the creation of a specialised tree nursery and the appointment of Innovo Build as the chief contractor for the initial phases. This initiative underscores a commitment to sustainable living, integrating biophilic design principles to foster an environment where nature and humanity thrive in harmony.

The nursery currently nurtures over 10,000 trees, with plans to expand this number to 20,000, alongside 105,000 shrubs by May 2026. Ultimately, the nursery will house up to 30,000 trees. These will be transplanted to enrich the Ghaf Woods landscape, elevating the area's biodiversity and environmental health. The selected tree species, including the emblematic Ghaf, are chosen for their resilience and adaptability to the local climate, sourced from various regions including Egypt's Nile Delta, India, Thailand, and the UAE.

Barari Natural Resources, under Mawarid Holding Investment, has been entrusted with a AED 49 million contract to oversee the nursery, ensuring the growth and health of this diverse botanical collection. This partnership aims to cultivate a robust forest ecosystem within Ghaf Woods.

Ghaf Woods is poised to redefine urban living by embedding nature at its core. The development's lush landscape is expected to provide residents with cleaner air, cooler temperatures, and shaded green spaces, emphasizing the importance of a 'Green Lung' in urban areas.

Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, highlighted the project's long-term vision for sustainable living, noting the increasing demand for communities that offer a deeper connection with nature. The collaboration with Barari Natural Resources and Mawarid Holding Investment for the nursery and Innovo Build for construction marks a significant step towards realizing this eco-centric living space. El Shamy expressed pride in these partnerships, aiming to set new standards for integrating nature, lifestyle, and premium living.

With the award of the AED 1.7 billion construction contract, Innovo Build will take on the responsibility of bringing the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters to life. Their expertise in sustainable development aligns with Ghaf Woods' mission to harmonize modern architecture with the natural environment, creating a unique living experience in Dubai. Sameh Fam, CEO of Innovo Build, emphasized the project's innovative approach, requiring construction practices that respect and incorporate natural elements.

Stretching over 738,000 square metres, Ghaf Woods promises a wealth of amenities designed to promote wellness and community engagement. Residents will have access to extensive walking and biking trails, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, and serene gardens. Additionally, the development will feature Distrikt, Majid Al Futtaim's signature hub, offering a variety of retail and dining options focused on sustainability and local produce.