Dubai Government Entities Lead Planting 20,000 Trees To Mark Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's 20th Anniversary

The Dubai Municipality and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority are running a large tree-planting initiative that aims to add 20,000 trees across Dubai. The campaign marks the 20th anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assuming leadership of Dubai and supports the Urban Environment pillar of the ‘Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033’.

The initiative treats sustainability as a shared duty among government, education and residents. It seeks to expand green spaces, improve streetscapes and create healthier surroundings. By targeting parks, residential neighbourhoods and educational institutions, it links environmental planning with everyday life and underlines sustainability as a long-term element of Dubai’s development model.

A central planting event for the Dubai Municipality tree-planting initiative took place at the Quranic Garden in Al Khawaneej. The gathering was held with ‘Furjan Dubai’ as community partner. Directors General and CEOs from several Dubai Government entities joined, together with students and residents from nearby communities who helped place the saplings.

Participants included Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai. Also attending were Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al-Falasi, Ahmed Abdul Karim Julfar, Mishal Abdul Karim Julfar, Dr. Alawi Alsheikh Ali, Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani and Omar Bushahab.

The event also saw the participation of Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita and Aisha Abdulla Miran. Senior officials stated that the Dubai Municipality tree-planting initiative shows Dubai’s ongoing commitment to a healthier environment and expanded greenery. They highlighted cooperation between government bodies and the community, and the contribution to Dubai’s distinctive urban identity and environmental legacy.

Dubai Municipality provides a wide mix of plant species for the initiative, including ornamental trees, fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. This mix is designed to create visually appealing and ecologically resilient landscapes. To accommodate the 20,000 trees, the municipality has earmarked multiple public parks spread across different districts of the emirate.

To ensure the long-term success of the Dubai Municipality tree-planting initiative, the municipality uses smart irrigation systems and Internet of Things technologies. These tools control water use and support healthy growth in Dubai’s climate. Long-term maintenance plans, routine monitoring and a dedicated hotline for schools and residents help maintain both environmental benefits and social engagement.

Education and community in Dubai Municipality tree-planting initiative

KHDA coordinates participation from schools and universities by arranging sapling deliveries with Dubai Municipality and guiding planting activities. Safety and organisation are central to these efforts. Students and education staff are encouraged to plant trees, observe growth and discuss sustainability, linking classroom learning with practical environmental stewardship across campuses and nearby areas.

Furjan Dubai serves as the main community partner within the Dubai Municipality tree-planting initiative. The organisation manages sapling collection points for neighbourhoods, organises residents’ involvement and supports promotion of associated events through digital platforms. Volunteers from different communities help with planting sessions and share environmental messages across local areas, strengthening awareness at a neighbourhood scale.

Across parks, residential districts and educational sites, the initiative’s target of 20,000 trees directly supports afforestation efforts. It aims to strengthen quality of life, encourage collaboration between sectors and deepen a sense of environmental responsibility. By engaging institutions and residents together, the campaign seeks to embed sustainability practices across Dubai’s urban fabric.

The Dubai Municipality tree-planting initiative aligns with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s view of sustainability as a core element of Dubai’s progress and a collective duty. Through smart planning, diverse planting sites and active community involvement, the initiative is expected to leave a long-term environmental and social imprint on the emirate.

With inputs from WAM