New UAE logo attracts more than 10 million votes

International campaign will trigger a commitment to plant millions of trees in areas vulnerable to climate change

The 7 Lines map logo. Courtesy Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and The Future

An international vote to select a new logo that will represent the UAE for the next 50 years has attracted more than 10.6 million votes from 185 countries.

A pledge to plant a tree in Nepal and Indonesia for every vote submitted has resulted in a substantial commitment to help tackle climate change in projects around the world.

The campaign will result in the planting of 10 million trees, including mangroves and tropical rainforests to promote food security, protect biodiversity and safeguard communities most vulnerable to climate change.

Votes were cast on three logos displayed on the UAE Nation Brand's official website designed by 49 Emirati artists.

The logos are titled: 'Emirates in Calligraphy', 'The Palm' and '7 Lines’.

“The unique call to global audiences reinforces the humanitarian and global aspect that distinguishes the UAE and reflect its deeply-rooted values of openness, coexistence and tolerance,” a statement published on state news agency Wam said.

The UAE will focus on planting millions of trees in Numfoor Island, one of the most disadvantaged areas of Indonesia where subsistence farmers and fishers make up approximately 75 per cent of the population.

West Papua, Indonesia, situated in the Coral Triangle, is an area recognised as the global centre of marine biodiversity and a global priority for conservation because of the broad range of species it supports, including at least 500 species of reef-building corals.

In Nepal, the UAE will plant millions of mangroves at the Amaltaari planting site in Nawalparasi, home to endangered species including leopards and the elusive Bengal tiger.

The tree plantations are expected to empower thousands of local people, mostly farmers, and improve their lives.

UAE residents were able to submit their votes at shopping malls across the country, including Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, Global Village and City Walk in Dubai, City Centre Sharjah and Matajer Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Ras Al Khaimah and City Centre Fujairah.

The campaign was announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in November.

The voting campaign attracted more than 500 million social media views

The UAE Nation Brand aims to create a symbol that distinguishes the UAE globally and presents its achievements and humanitarian values with the world.

The winning design has not yet been announced.