DUBAI // Two Mediterranean olive trees each more than a millennium old have found a new home on The World islands.
The trees, dated between 1,300 and 1,400 years old, are being planted on the Heart of Europe chain of man-made islands off the Dubai coast by the UAE-based real estate developer Kleindienst Group.
In all, 58 trees comprised of more than 10 varieties native to the Mediterranean will be planted. The developer hopes they will form the centrepiece of the islands and become one of the oldest attractions in the UAE.
“The olive tree is a symbol of timeless European tradition and agriculture, and including the trees as part of this project is a demonstration of our commitment to bringing the best of Europe to The Heart of Europe,” said Josef Kleindienst, chief executive of Kleindienst Group.
The trees also highlight the lengths the developer will go to create a unique experience on the islands, he said.
“We have ensured the best experts in the field of arboriculture are monitoring the development of the trees, which can live for centuries in hot climates if given the right care.”
The trees were specifically selected because they thrive in hot conditions in the Mediterranean, making it easier for them to survive in Dubai. A team of arboriculturalists from Europe will monitor their progress as they get used to their new surroundings.
The aged trees arrived in the emirate a week ago from the Alicante/Elche and Andalusia regions of Spain.
“The trees’ growing conditions in the Mediterranean mean they can easily adapt to Dubai’s climate and are happy in hot regions, with the correct assistance and care by specialists,” said Peter Kiekebos, horticultural specialist and chief executive of Mediterranean Landscape Solutions, which helped transport the trees.
“We are working closely with Kleindienst Group on new techniques in irrigation, fertilisation and cleaning, which form the basic elements for every tree and plant.
“We are already testing existing as well as new varieties in Spain under extreme conditions, which we hope to introduce to the region.”
The Heart of Europe is a group of six islands, which the developer said would capture the different aspects and character of the continent for visitors.
“The Heart of Europe aims to bring together the very best of European design, architecture, heritage and culture to the Middle East, and I am confident that, once complete, it will bring a unique holiday experience to Dubai,” said Mr Kleindienst.
Building work on the islands began in January.
Once complete the Heart of Europe will feature villas, hotels and marketplaces inspired by the architecture and lifestyles of Europe.
The ambitious development will also be the first climate-controlled area in the world allowing for rain, snow-lined streets, floating villas, the world’s largest open aquarium and a five-star Mont Royal hotel.
The project will include Mainland Europe, the largest of the islands and inspired by Austrian, Italian, Spanish, German and French architecture and heritage.
The other islands will take inspiration from Monaco, Sweden, Switzerland, and Russia’s Saint Petersburg.
The 58 trees being planted on the Heart of Europe are made up of the following varieties; Olea europea trees (Olive trees); Ceratonia siliqua; Ficus nitida and Ficus australis; Dracaena Drago; Ficus carica; Yucca elephantipes; Punica granatum; Chamaerops humilis multi trunk; Schinus molle; Tipuana tipu; and Chorisia speciosa.
In October last year, the owner of Lebanon island, which covers an area of 39,000 square metres, submitted plans to master developer Nakheel to build a Maldives-style resort, complete with villas built over water and a spa.
The complex is planned to be up and running by October.
nhanif@thenational.ae
TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENCE (THAAD)
What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US's most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out ballistic missiles as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 150 kilometres above the Earth's surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then stationed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
MATCH INFO
Asian Champions League, last 16, first leg:
Al Ain 2 Al Duhail 4
Second leg:
Tuesday, Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium, Doha. Kick off 7.30pm
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
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