In the heart of Dubai’s arid landscape, the Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) stands as a symbol of sustainability and life. As the national tree of the UAE, it has a special place in the culture and environment. The Bedouins have long valued it for its shade and nourishment, and it still plays an important role in supporting local wildlife and the ecosystem.

With all the urban development and environmental challenges in Dubai, the Ghaf tree is more important than ever. At Companies for Good, we think using nature to bring back ecological balance is crucial, and the Ghaf plays a big part in that effort.

The Resilient Ghaf Tree – Nature’s Desert Survivor

The Ghaf tree is special because it can survive in places where most plants wouldn’t stand a chance. It lives for over 120 years and can send its roots as deep as 30 metres into the ground to find water that other plants can’t reach. The Ghaf is drought-tolerant, capable of surviving in dry environments, and doesn’t need much water to survive, even in extreme conditions.

The special features of the Ghaf tree don’t just help it survive; they make it important in fighting desertification and dealing with climate issues.

Biodiversity Benefits of the Ghaf Tree

Beyond its physical resilience, the Ghaf tree plays a keystone role in the desert ecosystem. It helps a wide range of species, creating small habitats that enable biodiversity to thrive even in such a harsh climate.

There’s not a lot of specific information about how many bird species live in Ghaf trees in urban Dubai. But in places like the Ghaf Nazwa Conservation Reserve, they’ve found 19 different bird species, as well as a variety of other animals like mammals, reptiles, and insects.

Ghaf trees help make the soil more fertile by teaming up with bacteria that fix nitrogen. This process allows the trees to turn nitrogen from the air into a form that plants can use. As a result, it improves crop yields and supports the growth of nearby plants. 

Environmental Impact Beyond Biodiversity 

The benefits of Ghaf trees extend far beyond biodiversity:

  • Carbon Sequestration: The Ghaf tree helps fight climate change by taking in carbon dioxide each year, which helps cut down on our carbon footprint.
  • Soil Conservation: Their deep roots help keep the soil in place, stopping erosion and fighting desert spread.
  • Air Quality Improvement: In cities with a lot of concrete, Ghaf trees clean the air by filtering out dust and producing oxygen.

How Companies for Good Supports Ghaf Tree Conservation

  • Ziehl-Abegg Middle East: CFG teamed up with the Ziehl-Abegg Middle East Team for a meaningful tree planting event focused on Ghaf trees. This effort showed the company’s commitment to the environment and helped build teamwork and awareness about eco-friendliness among employees.

A group in blue shirts stands outdoors, holding shovels and gardening tools, ready to plant a young tree in a sandy area.

  • Ejadah Team: The Ejadah team teamed up with CFG for a great day of planting Ghaf trees. This event was all about helping the environment and giving back to the community while also encouraging the team to get involved in making the UAE greener. 

  • Trelleborg Group: Trelleborg Group teamed up with CFG for a tree planting activity in Dubai. This activity was a great way to boost local biodiversity and matched their aim of creating a greener and more responsible future.

A diverse group of volunteers wearing matching white shirts and yellow gloves poses joyfully outdoors with gardening tools and pots, ready for a project.

Ghaf Trees in Dubai’s Sustainability Strategy

and that’s why they’ve become a part of Dubai’s green policies. Since the UAE Federal Law No. 24 was introduced in 1999, these trees have legal protection, which helps keep them safe for the future. In 2024, Dubai Municipality planted 216,500 new trees, which is 17% more than last year. This effort added 391.5 hectares of green space, mainly in neighborhoods, along roads, in parks, and other public areas.

Be Part of the Change

The Ghaf tree is more than just a symbol; it really helps our environment and supports biodiversity. As Dubai continues to grow, taking care of native plants like the Ghaf is important for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

At Companies for Good, we’re happy to take the lead in responsible tree planting and caring for the environment. With your business, we can make our cities greener and create a better future together.

Contact us to learn how your company can support Ghaf conservation and create lasting environmental impact.

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