Dubai Municipality Plants 216,500 New Trees In 2024 To Enhance Urban Green Spaces

Dubai Municipality has achieved a significant milestone by planting 216,500 trees in 2024, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. This effort translates to an average of 600 trees planted each day. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance green spaces, aligning with the Urban Environment pillar of the ‘Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033’.

The emirate's green areas have expanded by 391.5 hectares, or 3.9 million square metres, reflecting a 57% growth compared to 2023. These efforts are complemented by the planting of 5.3 million seedlings of flowers and ornamental plants and replacing 45 million seasonal flowers over three cycles throughout the year.

Under the Dubai Green Project, 165 beautification projects were executed to increase cultivated green areas and improve access to these spaces for residents. These projects cover residential and urban zones, roads, intersections, parks, recreational facilities, and family squares, enhancing Dubai's sustainability and urban charm.

Badr Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, stated: "The beautification and planting projects implemented by Dubai Municipality reflect our commitment to enhancing Dubai’s sustainability and aesthetic appeal." He further explained that their vision is to balance modern agricultural practices with Dubai's unique character.

Key Landscaping Initiatives

In 2024, landscaping efforts focused on key intersections and bridges such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. Other targeted areas included Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Road and various internal roads in residential districts like Al Mizhar and Mirdif.

A diverse range of trees was planted, including native species like Ghaf and Sidr alongside ornamental varieties such as neem and olive trees. Evergreen species such as Washingtonia and Poinciana were also introduced to enrich the emirate’s green canopy.

Sustainable Irrigation Practices

Advanced agricultural technologies have been integrated into a sustainable irrigation system that uses recycled water exclusively. This approach significantly reduces water consumption while preserving essential environmental resources.

In addition to tree planting, Warsan Nursery produced 48.13 million seedlings in 2024. Nearly all these seedlings supported greening projects across Dubai, contributing to the expansion of green spaces under municipal supervision.

Since 2011, green spaces overseen by the Municipality have more than doubled, surpassing 52 million square metres by the end of 2024. The annual number of trees planted has increased from 35,666 in 2017 to the current figure of 216,500.

These initiatives underscore Dubai's dedication to sustainability while maintaining its distinctive urban identity. Through innovative urban planning and sustainable practices, Dubai aims to improve air quality, mitigate climate change impacts, and preserve biodiversity for both residents and visitors alike.

With inputs from WAM