Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, has announced a directive to expand the planting of Flame Trees across the city. The expansion will see these vivid trees planted in streets, homes, recreational spaces, and public parks throughout Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed recently shared a celebratory video of the Flame Tree, highlighting its striking fiery-orange blossoms that transform the cityscape from May to July each year. In a meeting with representatives from Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Future Foundation, he emphasized the tree's significance, stating, "In summer, when the Flame Tree blooms in Dubai, it brings life to every home, every majlis, every street, and every park. With it, our city blooms, full of life and beauty."
Furthering his commitment to this initiative, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has also instructed the distribution of Flame Tree seedlings to residents interested in cultivating the trees in their personal spaces. This effort aims to encourage community involvement in enhancing Dubai's green landscape.
The Flame Tree, recognized for its rapid growth in the initial years, forms an expansive and elegant canopy. The tree offers significant benefits, such as a canopy spread reaching up to 15 metres, which provides ample shade and contributes to reducing ground temperatures by about 5 degrees. Its resilience to Dubai's hot and humid climate makes it an optimal choice for urban greenery projects.
Ideal for planting in well-drained sandy or clay soils, the Flame Tree supports robust root development, reaching maturity in approximately 10 years and achieving heights of up to 12 metres. With a potential lifespan of up to 60 years, the Flame Tree is poised to be a lasting addition to Dubai's cityscape.