- and so does the desert

Al GHARBIA // Al Gharbia may be mostly desert but it will be a little greener by the end of this week. As part of 30th Plantation Week, during which initiatives will be held across the UAE to beautify communities, the municipality will open North Park for women, children and families. The park, due to open in Ghayathi tomorrow, will boast pedestrian paths to encourage walking and jogging, umbrellas for picnickers, and jungle gyms for youngsters.

The desert city's newly landscaped and beautified southern entrance will also be unveiled. Hamoud al Mansouri, the director of Al Gharbia Municipality, said plans were under way to significantly increase the amount of green space in the arid region and create a network of free public parks. "This will develop tourism in the Western Region, as well as give the community a natural place to go to for some fresh air."

He said the municipality will be organising campaigns for residents and schools focusing on the importance of the environment and how to preserve it. He added that more announcements concerning agricultural projects and environmental awareness would be made this week. The launch of a magazine, Friends of Nature Parks and Gardens, as well as an association of the same name, will also be announced tomorrow as part of the activities planned.