Dubai plants 216,500 new trees, expanding green spaces
5.3 million seedlings introduced and 45 million flowers replaced in 2024
Dubai Municipality has achieved a remarkable milestone by planting 216,500 new trees in 2024, a 17 percent increase compared to the previous year.
This translates to an impressive average of 600 trees planted daily.
The effort aligns with the emirate’s ambitious Urban Environment pillar under the ‘Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033,’ reflecting Dubai's ongoing commitment to sustainability and urban beautification.
Expanding green spaces
In addition to tree planting, Dubai’s afforestation and landscaping efforts expanded green spaces by 391.5 hectares (equivalent to 3.9 million square metres), marking a significant 57% increase over 2023. This expansion enhances accessibility to green areas for residents and visitors, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in sustainable urban planning.
Making Dubai Greener and More Sustainable
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 27, 2025
Dubai Municipality's Efforts in 2024 pic.twitter.com/5KPAOjZZIJ
Dubai Green project
A cornerstone of these achievements is the Dubai Green Project, under which 165 beautification initiatives were implemented. These projects spanned a variety of locations, including residential areas, main and secondary roads, bridge intersections, and recreational spaces such as parks and family squares. Collectively, these measures aim to balance modern urban growth with ecological preservation, while boosting the city's aesthetic appeal.
Ornamental and native planting
Beyond trees, Dubai Municipality planted 5.3 million seedlings of flowers and ornamental plants and replaced 45 million seasonal flowers across three cycles. This meticulous landscaping included indigenous tree species such as Ghaf, Sidr, and Samar, as well as decorative varieties like neem, olive, and Indian jasmine. Evergreen species such as Washingtonia and Bismarckia added further diversity, enriching Dubai’s green canopy.
Key locations for greening
The Municipality's greening efforts targeted iconic locations and thoroughfares, including Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Al Jamayel Street, and Latifa Bint Hamdan Street.
Residential areas such as Al Barsha, Nad Al Sheba, and Oud Al Muteena also benefited from the afforestation projects, improving the quality of life for residents across the emirate.
Dubai Municipality plants 216,500 new trees in 2024, boosting sustainability and enriching the city’s urban environment. pic.twitter.com/L6WcpBpxZT
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 27, 2025
Innovative irrigation technology
A major highlight of these efforts is the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. Dubai Municipality developed a sustainable irrigation system relying entirely on recycled water, significantly reducing freshwater consumption. This innovative system exemplifies Dubai’s commitment to conserving environmental resources while expanding urban greenery.
Production at Warsan Nursery
Dubai’s greening projects received substantial support from the Municipality’s Warsan Nursery, which produced 48.13 million seedlings in 2024. Of this, 98% were allocated to greening initiatives across the emirate. The nursery’s output included a mix of seasonal flowers, ornamental plants, and native species, catering to the diverse ecological and aesthetic needs of the city.
Doubling Green Spaces since 2011
Since 2011, green spaces under Dubai Municipality's supervision have doubled, exceeding 52 million square metres by the end of 2024. This exponential growth underscores the emirate’s dedication to urban sustainability. Tree planting figures have also surged from 35,666 in 2017 to an impressive 216,500 in 2024, setting global benchmarks for urban afforestation.
Sustainability at the forefront
The Municipality’s greening initiatives reflect a dual focus: enhancing Dubai’s aesthetic appeal and promoting sustainability. According to Badr Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency, these projects aim to improve air and soil quality, combat climate change impacts, and preserve biodiversity. The result is a thriving urban environment that seamlessly integrates modernity with greenery.