More than 2,000 ghaf trees will be planted in Abu Dhabi to form Sheikh Zayed’s fingerprint.
The environmental and heritage initiative was announced by Maitha Bint Ahmed Al Nahyan Foundation for Community and Cultural Initiatives on Wednesday to mark the UAE’s 49th National Day.
The 2,082 trees, which are native to the Emirates, will be planted on 36,000 square metres of land near Al Dhafra Camel Festival site, south-west of Abu Dhabi city.
Sheikha Maitha bint Ahmed, the foundation’s chairwoman, said she chose to commemorate the UAE Founding Father in this way because of his passion for the environment.
Sheikh Zayed launched large programmes of tree planting in the 1970s and had hoped to turn the desert green to provide shade, and improve the appearance of the villages and make them more habitable.
The ghaf was chosen because it is the national tree of the UAE. It can live for 120 years, on average, and has historic and cultural significance to the Emirates.
Ghaf leaves and pods provided food and its nutritious branches were used to feed livestock. It is also said to have medicinal properties and the Bedouins would use ghaf trees for navigation.
The trees are particularly environmentally friendly because they are able to survive on very little water and help sustain other plant and animal life.
Sheikha Maitha called on all public and private institutions to take part by each planting a single tree.
The shape of the plantation was designed by Al Reef Design Company to symbolise Sheikh Zayed’s positive mark on the country.
Once complete, the site will be open to visitors from around the world.
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Sheikh Zayed, seen here attending an early book fair in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Al Ittihad -
The true genius of a culture and a society lay, Sheikh Zayed believed, in their capacity to adopt and thrive in a changing world. Courtesy: Al Ittihad -
Sheikh Zayed raising the flag at Union House in Dubai. December 2, 1971. Courtesy: Al Ittihad -
Sheikh Zayed attending the first UAE National Day celebrations on December 2, 1972. Courtesy: Al Ittihad -
Sheikh Zayed attending the first session of the National Consultative Council in Abu Dhabi in October 1971. Courtesy: Al Ittihad -
Sheikh Zayed meets Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit 40 years ago. Courtesy: Al Ittihad -
Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE. Courtesy: Al Ittihad -
Sheikh Zayed was a man of the people. Courtesy: Al Ittihad -
The old souq in Abu Dhabi shot at some point in the 1970s. Courtesy Al Ittihad -
Sheikh Zayed's leadership is not just remembered for all that he built, but for all he did for others. Courtesy: Al Ittihad -
Sheikh Zayed walking past supporters Fujairah during his in January 1972. Wam -
Men dance while holding khanjars in Al Ain, 1959. Getty Images -
Oil sustained the development of the UAE. And this, a petroleum tank being built in Dubai Creek in 1970, was a familiar sight. Getty Images -
Ships unloading their goods on the creek for the Customs Department in Dubai in 1967. Getty Images
