Flame Tree planting in Dubai expands under Hamdan bin Mohammed’s directive to enhance urban beauty, shade and environmental sustainability.
DUBAI: Flame Tree planting in Dubai is set to expand significantly after H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum directed authorities to increase its presence across streets, homes and public parks.
The Crown Prince shared a video celebrating the Flame Tree, known for its wide canopy, lush green foliage and striking orange-red blossoms that bloom from May through July. The initiative aims to enhance the city’s visual appeal while improving environmental conditions during the summer months.
Speaking during a meeting with Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Future Foundation, he highlighted the tree’s role in shaping the city’s atmosphere. He said the seasonal bloom brings life to homes, majlis spaces and public areas, adding vibrancy and beauty across Dubai.
As part of the initiative, residents will also be encouraged to take part in Flame Tree planting in Dubai through the distribution of seedlings for homes and farms. This move is designed to strengthen community engagement while supporting the emirate’s wider sustainability goals.
The Flame Tree is particularly suited to Dubai’s climate. It grows rapidly in its early years and naturally forms a wide canopy without requiring intensive maintenance. Its branches can spread up to 15 metres, offering substantial shade and reducing ground temperatures by around five degrees.
In addition, the tree thrives in well-drained sandy or clay soil, making it adaptable to various landscapes across the city. It can live for up to 60 years and typically reaches full maturity within a decade, growing as tall as 12 metres.
Officials say Flame Tree planting in Dubai will contribute to greener urban spaces, improved liveability and a more visually distinctive environment for residents and visitors alike.
About the Flame Tree
The Flame Tree, scientifically known as Delonix regia, is a tropical tree famous for its bright orange-red flowers that bloom in summer, making it look like it is on fire. It has soft, fern-like green leaves and a wide, umbrella-shaped canopy that provides excellent shade. In India, it is commonly called Gulmohar, and is widely planted along roads and in gardens for its striking beauty.
The tree originally comes from Madagascar, although it is now widely grown in tropical and hot climates around the world, including the UAE. It grows quickly in its early years and can spread up to 15 metres wide, helping cool the area underneath by several degrees. This makes it not just beautiful, but also very practical for reducing heat in cities.
