Native plants, the ghaf tree and community gardens

The plants that grow wild in the UAE have survived heat, drought and salt for thousands of years. Learning about them, protecting them and growing them in schools and communities is one of the most meaningful ways to garden here.

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Why native plants make sense

• As a general rule, native plants are adapted to the local climate, so once established they usually need less water than many imported ornamental plants.
• The UAE Year of Sustainability planting guide highlights the ghaf, the samr (umbrella thorn tree), the date palm, the sidr and the hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa), a salt-tolerant shrub used in landscaping.
• The same guide notes that the samr is drought tolerant and provides shade and food for wildlife, and that the sidr is an edible native with fruit high in vitamin C.
• BBC Good Food Middle East also mentions the date palm as suited to the hot, arid climate.
• The guide warns that invasive species can disrupt the natural balance and threaten native plants and animals, so choose local species where you can.

The ghaf: the UAE's national tree

• The official UAE Year of Tolerance site describes the ghaf (Prosopis cineraria) as the national tree of the UAE and indigenous to the Arabian desert.
• It says the ghaf's roots reach deep into otherwise unforgiving ground, and that settlements have tended to follow where ghaf trees grow.
• Its shade has long hosted meetings and conversations, and it provides food for people, livestock and wildlife. The ghaf was also the emblem of the UAE's Year of Tolerance in 2019.
• Dubai Municipality officials quoted by Gulf News describe ghaf trees as a key weapon against desertification because they help fight shifting sand dunes and live for a long time.

Protected by law

• The Year of Tolerance site says the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan gave the ghaf legal protection, banning its felling nationwide.
• Gulf News reported in 2021 that Dubai Municipality had numbered and tagged around 10,000 ghaf trees, with plaques saying they must not be damaged, cut or relocated without permission.
• The same 2021 report said harming these trees could attract fines from Dh1,000 up to Dh50,000, depending on the tree's size and age and the damage done.
• In practice: never cut branches, carve into trunks, drive over roots, light fires underneath or remove plants from the desert. Enjoy them where they grow.
• If you see a protected tree being damaged, tell an adult, who can report it to the local municipality.

Growing native plants yourself

• In 2019 the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment launched 'Gheras', a microsite listing 72 indigenous species and contact details for 54 government and private nurseries, Gulf News reported.
• Species named in that report include ghaf, acacia, henna, sidr and caprifig.
• Buy native plants from a reputable nursery; never dig up wild plants.
• Young trees still need regular deep watering until established. The Year of Sustainability guide suggests higher-volume drip for trees to reach deep roots.
• Emirates Nature-WWF suggests succulents such as aloe vera as low-water choices for small spaces.

School and community gardens

• Khaleej Times (via WAM) reported in 2023 on a July 2018 decision by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum calling for residential areas, building roofs and schools to be used for growing food.
• The same report mentions a community gardening guide from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority with instructions for homes, schools and rooftops.
• The RHS says four in five teachers in its Campaign for School Gardening reported a significant positive effect on pupils' health and wellbeing.
• As general advice, to start a school garden: find a teacher sponsor, choose a shaded, accessible spot near a tap, start with a few large containers, agree a watering rota (including holidays) and plan for the cool season.
• Share the harvest: use it in a school cooking session, give it to staff or families, or swap seeds and seedlings with other schools.