Dubai Municipality has announced the completion of large-scale landscaping and afforestation projects worth Dhs190 million ($51.7 million) across key road intersections in the emirate during the first half of 2025. This initiative forms part of Dubai’s broader Green Dubai strategy and aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, focusing on enhancing public spaces, sustainability, and the overall quality of life.
Scope and Scale of the Projects
The newly completed projects span more than 3 million square metres, featuring:
- Over 300,000 trees and seedlings
- 222,500 square metres of ground cover and flowers
- Smart irrigation systems powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology
According to Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, these developments aim to strengthen Dubai’s unique urban identity while promoting environmental sustainability:
“We seek to offer a vibrant and healthy living environment that upholds the highest standards of quality of life while maintaining harmony between the urban, architectural, and environmental landscape.”
Strategic Locations Enhanced
The landscaping and afforestation efforts focused on several key intersections and roads, including:
- Al Khail Road with Latifa bint Hamdan Street
- Sheikh Zayed Road’s 7th Interchange from Abu Dhabi
- Al Khawaneej Street at Al Amardi Intersection
Enhancements also included:
- Decorative fencing
- Vertical lighting installations inspired by traditional Arab design
Focus on Native and Ornamental Species
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, noted that the projects prioritised climate-resilient plant species native to the UAE:
- Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi)
- Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria)
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
- Bougainvillaea
Many of these trees and plants were cultivated in municipal nurseries, supporting local agriculture and biodiversity initiatives.
Smart Irrigation Systems
To ensure sustainable water usage, Dubai Municipality integrated advanced irrigation technologies, including:
- IoT-powered underground pump systems
- Remote-control monitoring networks
- Real-time water consumption tracking
This system optimises irrigation schedules, reduces water waste, and improves operational efficiency, aligning with Dubai’s environmental sustainability goals.
Green Dubai Initiative and Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan
The landscaping projects are key components of the Green Dubai initiative, which supports the broader Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. These plans aim to:
- Increase green spaces across the emirate
- Enhance public spaces and recreational areas
- Promote sustainable urban development
Growing Dubai’s Green Footprint
- As of Q1 2025, Dubai Municipality manages:
- 5.5 million trees and seedlings
- 8.7 million square metres of green areas
- 2 million square metres of seasonal flowers
- In 2024 alone:
- 216,500 trees were planted—averaging 600 new trees per day
- Total green space reached 391.5 hectares, up from 234 hectares in 2023
These figures underscore Dubai’s rapid progress in expanding urban greenery, supporting both aesthetic goals and environmental resilience.
Why This Matters
Dubai’s investment in landscaping and afforestation delivers multiple benefits:
- Environmental: Improves air quality, reduces urban heat, and enhances biodiversity
- Social: Offers residents more green recreational spaces, improving wellbeing and lifestyle quality
- Economic: Increases the appeal of Dubai as a global destination for tourism, business, and residency
Conclusion
The completion of Dhs190 million worth of landscaping projects in the first half of 2025 represents a major milestone in Dubai’s journey toward becoming a leading sustainable global city.
By integrating smart irrigation, focusing on native species, and aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Dubai Municipality continues to set regional benchmarks for green urban development.
For ongoing updates on Dubai’s sustainability projects, residents and visitors can follow Dubai Municipality’s official channels.
0 comments