In line with its continuous efforts to enhance green spaces, ensure the sustainability of vegetation, preserve trees, and improve the overall aesthetic appearance, the Abu Dhabi City Municipality, through the Sub-Municipal Operations Sector represented by the Al Wathba Municipality Center, launched the initiative titled ‘Ghaf: The Symbol of Our Environment.’ This initiative aimed to enhance the appearance and beauty of Ghaf trees by pruning and trimming their branches, giving them a more appealing look while preserving this tree, which holds significant cultural and heritage value in the UAE.
As part of this initiative, specialized teams from the Al Wathba Municipality Center pruned and maintained 250 Ghaf trees within the center's geographic scope, adhering to these trees' sustainability and preservation requirements.
The Ghaf tree, belonging to the legume family, is native to the Arabian Peninsula. It is slow-growing, requires little water and minimal maintenance, and is evergreen, with leaves that do not shed. The tree can reach a height of 5 meters and a width of up to 6 meters. It can be planted throughout the year, with winter being the most suitable season for planting. The Ghaf tree is highly adaptable to desert environments and can live up to 120 years. Its newly grown leaves are edible and palatable to grazing animals, making it ideal as a windbreak.
Notably, in 2008, the Ghaf tree was declared a national and cultural symbol of the United Arab Emirates due to its cultural and environmental significance. In 2019, the Ghaf tree was chosen as the UAE’s Year of Tolerance symbol.