Schools, universities and educational universities in Dubai have been invited to join an initiative to plant 20,000 trees across the city to mark the 20th anniversary of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, assuming leadership of Dubai.
The initiative, launched by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Dubai Municipality, reflects His Highness’s vision of sustainability as a core element of the development journey and a shared national and community responsibility. The larger tree plantation drive will include parks and residential neighbourhoods as well.
Calling upon educational institutions, the KHDA said in a social media post: “Be part of this initiative and help us instill environmental responsibility in our students, as we build a greener and more sustainable future for Dubai together.”
Participating schools and universities will be invited to register the varieties and actual number of trees they plan to plant. KHDA will then coordinate with Dubai Municipality to deliver the saplings, ensuring smooth implementation and the achievement of the initiative’s goals, a press statement said.
Her Excellency Aisha Abdulla Miran, Director General of KHDA, said that the initiative reflects His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of maintaining a green, thriving environment and fostering a forward-looking approach to education and community development.
She added that the drive ushers in gratitude from future generations and the wider community for His Highness’s 20 years of visionary leadership. Every seed or sapling planted in schools today will grow into a lasting legacy, showcasing how Dubai and the UAE have become global models of development and sustainability. She noted that the initiative also aims to instil values of environmental responsibility, cooperation, and belonging.
Apart from education institutions, Dubai Municipality has designated several parks for tree planting, including Al Barsha South, Al Barsha Pond Park, Nakheel Park in Al Aweer, the Quranic Garden in Al Khawaneej, Al Mizhar Second, Blossoms Park at Nad Al Sheba, Al Safa Park in Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Al Quoz Pond Park, and Al Warqa’a 3.
His Excellency Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said that the initiative honours the development journey led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and reflects his enduring impact, serving as a model for transforming national milestones into sustainable projects that create a lasting legacy for future generations.
He noted that the initiative aims to expand green spaces across Dubai, foster community participation in tree planting and environmental protection, and advance the Urban Environment pillar under the ‘Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033’.
To mark the beginning of the 20,000-trees initiative, a tree-planting ceremony was held at the Quranic Garden in Al Khawaneej in Dubai that saw the participation of a number of Directors General and CEOs from Dubai Government entities. The event also featured the participation of students and community members
In a social media post, the Dar Al Marefa School in Al Khawaneej said it was honoured and proud to see their students participate in the event.
The initiative supports the Dubai Green Project, aiming to expand landscaped and green areas across the emirate, increase per capita access to greenery, and promote a healthier environment that enhances quality of life, in line with the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040.
