ABU DHABI GREENING

A City Case Study

Regional Outlook Study, Urban and Peri-Urban Forestry and Greening in West and Central Asia

FAO Workshop UF in WECA, Rome, 5-7 April 2006.

Prepared by Dr.AbdulSattar S. Al-Mashhadani

Mohamed Rasheed

PUBLIC GARDENS DIRECTORATE ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY, UAE

- - 2

Table of Contents

1.0 OVERVIEW OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

1.1 Location 1.2 Topography 1.3 Climate 1.4 Desertification 1.5 Natural Vegetation and Wild Life Reserves 1.6 Water Resources 1.7 Economy 1.8 Social Development

2.0 THE GREENING OF THE EMIRATES

2.1 Distribution of Greenery 2.2 The Scale of Greening

3.0 ABU DHABI GREENING

3.1 Development & Management 3.2 Afforestation Projects Achievements

3.3 Urban Landscape Developments

3.4 Other Green Areas

3.5 Associated Facilities

3.6 Governance

3.7 List of Achievements

4.0 LIMITATIONS FOR GREEN DEVELOPMENT

4.1 Physical Limitations

5.0 RECOMMENTATIONS

REFERENCES APPENDICES

- - 3

1.0 OVERVIEW OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

1.1 Location

The United Arab Emirates lies in Southwest Asia, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Arab Gulf, between Oman and Saudia Arabia.It is located between an altitude of 51 and 56 degree Eastern and latitude of 20.5 to 26 degree Northern along the south – at the eastern tip of Arabian Peninsula. The UAE extends for about 420 km from north to south. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) federation was founded on 2 December 1971 and is composed of seven members. In size the UAE is comparable to Austria. The seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qiwain, Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah) of the UAE enclose a total area of about 83,600 km2 (including the islands). Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is also a city of the same name within the Emirate that is the Capital of the country, in north central UAE. The city lies on a T-shaped island jutting into the Arab Gulf from the central western coast. Its strategic location along southern approaches to the Strait of Hormuz makes it a vital transit point for world crude oil. The UAE is considered to be one of the fifteen states that comprise the so-called “ Cradle of Humanity”.

- - 4

1.2 Topography

Emirates are a flat, barren coastal plain merging into rolling sand dunes of vast desert wasteland; with mountains in the east. Most of the country is desert, with a flat coastal plain consisting mostly of tidal salt flats. The land slopes down from the mountains in the country's northeastern extremity to an elevated desert plateau. The plateau then slopes gently northward to the coast and westward to the Sabkhat Matti, a huge salt flat that spreads into Saudi Arabia.

The majority of land (around 74%) consists of sandy soil extending from Ras Al Khaimah at the north to the extreme south end of LIWA in Abu Dhabi emirate. The soil is sandy-to-sandy silt and with gravel contents in some areas, with low organic matter and high content of Calcium Carbonate (24-40%). The Emirates may be divided into two geographical regions: a rural farming area in the north and east, and a rural Bedouin area in the south and west. The latter area coincides for the most part with the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which comprises 88 per cent of the entire area of the Emirates. Therefore, development measures for rural farming areas apply mainly to the northern emirates, and measures for rural Bedouin area apply mainly to Abu Dhabi.

- - 5

1.3 Climate Lying astride the tropic of Cancer, the UAE has an arid, subtropical climate, in which the

high temperatures of the summer months often reach 45-50 C, while in winter

temperatures can be as low as 0 C. Temperature change throughout the seasons and the coastal zones are much more buffered, whereas high differences are found in the southern areas. In winter (Dec, Jan, Feb) coastal areas are slightly warmer (>20 °C) than terrestrial areas, and the eastern mountains (18-20 °C). In spring (Mar, Apr, May) the mountains and Gulf Coast are still relatively cool (<27 °C), but temperature in the southern terrestrial areas and the East Coast are relatively high (27-29 °C or higher). This is even more obvious in the summer months (Jun, Jul, and Aug) .In autumn temperatures all over the country are very similar (27-29 °C), except for some location in the mountains, where it is slightly cooler (<27 °C), and for the northeastern coastal areas, where it is slightly warm (>29 °C). Generally the average annual rainfall is considerably higher in the mountain region (140-200 mm), and the East Coast (100-140 mm), in comparison to the gravel plains (100-120 mm) and the lowest average records are from the West Coast (<60 mm). Thus, there is a continuous gradient of increasing precipitation from the southwest towards the Northeast. However, due to the average precipitation regime we can expect more rainfall towards the mountains, and towards the northeast.

1.4 Desertification Desertification is a global problem and dry lands occupy about one third of the earth's surface. The UAE is also among the arid land countries on the Arabian Peninsula and has been engaged in the fight against desertification for several years.

- - 6

The issue of desertification is a priority in UAE due to the fact that there are vast areas of desert land. An early interest in the desertification issue was reflected at all levels through forestation and reclamation of large areas of land as well as distribution of reclaimed land to UAE nationals for agricultural purposes and adoption of the best methods of irrigation. The UAE faces problems in agriculture due to the scarcity of water resources and arable land. Another hurdle is the soil salinity due to which a large area of the country is not suitable for agriculture and considered as wasteland. The country, however, has injected huge funds into agricultural development. Lying in the heart of the world's arid zone, the UAE has little rainfall and one would expect it to be a barren place. Barren places there certainly are, but the process of desertification has very largely been arrested in the country. It is now possible to see forests, fields of grass and wheat where once there were only desert sands and winds. Besides the greening of the cities and towns there has also been a massive program in the desert and it is here that most of the trees have been planted. Flying over the desert, one now see great patches of green where formerly there was only sand. All kinds of arid region plants, both local and imported, have been planted and as they grow to maturity, their roots reach down to the natural water supply. When this happens, they will be able to survive with little care and attention. The council of Ministers in its Decree No. (4/452) for the year 1997 authorized the Federal Environmental Agency to represent the country at the United Nations Convention to combat Desertification. The UAE became the party to the convention on 19/1/1999 after its accession on 21/10/1998. In accordance with article 4 & 5 (general obligations & obligations of the affected country parties) of the convention, the UAE is obliged to adopt a comprehensive approach to deal with physical, social and economic aspects for management of desertification and drought, and is committed to give priority to combating desertification and to allocate adequate resources, establish strategies and priorities within the framework of sustainable development plans and policies to combat desertification processes.

- - 7

The United Arab Emirates has seen the transformation of significant areas of the country's desert environment into green landscapes, with enormous resources devoted to agricultural development, park landscaping and nature reserves. In addition, recent years have also seen the creation of a number of social institutions dealing with environmental issues. The UAE was never purely and simply a desert. Today it has become a place where greenery can be seen in both urban and rural areas. Twenty years of dedicated commitment have made the point that the process of desertification is reversible. And given time and money, that is exactly what has happened and is continuing to happen.

1.5 Natural Vegetation & Wildlife Reserves The high fluctuation in temperatures, coupled with the aridity of the UAE coast, partially explains both the widespread occurrence of carbonates and evaporates, and the current restricted character of the vegetation in the region. Diurnal dews associated with onshore late afternoon and evening winds support vegetation at the shoreline and near shore hillsides. The flat areas ('subkha') along the coast are completely devoid of vegetation. Mangrove vegetation consisting of Avicennia marina mostly is present on inundated muddy flats along the coast and coastal islands. Mangrove growth has been considerably destroyed and degraded on account of past over-exploitation.

- - 8

In the comparatively elevated transition belt from subkha to sand dunes, the most commonly found species are Zygophyllum spp. ('harm'), Haloxylon salicornicum ('rims') and H. persicum ('ghadha'). In the interior sandy dune areas the sparse clump vegetation consists of trees such as Prosopis spicigera ('ghaf'), Acacia tortilis ('samar'), Acacia raddiana ('salam'), Phoenix dactylifera ('nakhal' the date palm), Zizyphus spinachristi ('sidr') and bushes and grasses such as Calligonum comosum ('arta'), Leptadenia pyrotechnica ('markh'), Tribulus terrestris ('zahra'), Cyperus longus ('khadram'), Pennisetum divisum ('haad'), Panicum turgidum ('thamam'), and Aristida spp. Whereas H. persicum is a plant indicator of highly saline subsoil water, C. Comosum indicates 'sweet' underground water. The natural vegetation has been considerably damaged and in some places completely destroyed on account of over use and lack of proper management. But it could be predicted that all the coastal lagoons along the coast of the UAE will eventually be filled naturally or by man driven reclamation. A concurrent change in microclimate will occur and will lead to the potential further demise of the current halophyte cover of the coastal dunes paralleling the interaction of the current dune vegetation, and microclimate as it responds to the evolving morphology of the coast the UAE. To avoid the accelerated degradation of the natural systems (flora and fauna) the government nominates and declares many wild reserves in UAE. One of the biggest one is Sir Bany Yass wild life sanctuary in Abu Dhabi besides Al-Sammalih Island, Abu Al-Abyadh Island and two other formally declared Marine Protected Areas (MPA). The Island of Qarnein, along with its surrounding waters, was so designated in early 2003, following the designation of the c4250-square-kilometre Marawah-Bu Tina MPA, in 2002. Qarnein was also declared by WWF as a „Gift to the Earth‟. Also there are Wild Life Sanctuaries in Dubai like: Ras Al-Khawr, Jabal Ali and other nature reserves such as: Al-Khawanij, Al-Awir, Nadd Al-Sheba & others. There are many others in Fujairah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm Al-Qaiwain Emirates. In those reserves several hundreds of wild fauna and flora have been reported that includes corals, marine molluscs, fish and birds among the native plant species.

- - 9

The wildlife reserves in UAE have cultural, aesthetic, ecological, educational and scientific importance. They represent globally significant important biodiversity areas and support high species concentration and diverse ecosystems. The sanctuaries in general help purifying the water, recycling oxygen, carbon and other essential elements; maintaining the fertility of the soil; yielding medicines; safeguarding the genetic richness on which we depend in the ceaseless struggle to improve our crops and livestock.

1.6 Water Resources The average annual precipitation in UAE is around 100 mm, therefore totaling an annual amount of rainfall of about 8.36 billion cubic meters of which only 10% is recharged into the ground. The rest either evaporated or is lost to the Arabian Gulf Sea. The total water demand in the UAE has risen from 789 million Cubic Meter in 1980 to 2108 million Cubic Meter in 1995. Approximately, 90% of the water demand in 1980 was consumed on agriculture, while the reminder was used domestically or by the industry. Agricultural share as a percentage, not quantity, dropped to 65% in 1995 as higher percentage of water is consumed domestically and by newly established industries. The share of agriculture is expected to remain the same at present with an anticipated total water consumption of 2456 million cubic meters in year 2010. Considering the water demand in the UAE during 1995 (i.e. 2108 million Cub. Meter) and using a population of 2.38 million, the per capita water consumption in the country would be 2426 liter/capita/day. This is approximately 4 times higher than the reported value in the USA. However, per capita water consumption should not include water withdrawn through private wells for agriculture and that produced by some major industries for their own use. Therefore, for estimating the rate of water consumption in

- - 10

the UAE, the amount of water produced by the government through desalination and that portion of ground water that is pumped and treated in each Emirate. Water resources in the UAE can be categorized

1. Conventional resources (including deep-aquifer ground water) 2. Surface water 3. Non- conventional resources (including desalination and the treated waste water)

Irrigation in the UAE has increased dramatically over the last 30 years. However since agriculture does not require high quality water, many farmers in the UAE have constructed private wells and directly used ground water for irrigation. In this case, the per capita water consumption will not be significantly affected by agriculture. Industry is probably the largest single factor influencing per capita water use. Small rural and sub-urban communities use less water per person than industrialized communities. Some major industries in the UAE produce their own water and do no depend on Municipalities for water supplies. The water consumed by these industries is not common in the per capita water use. Ground water in rural farming areas is limited both in quantity and quality and the same is true of arable land. Agricultural development depends upon these two primary factors. There are three aquifer systems constitute the primary ground-water sources: The first is a shallow alluvial aquifer system, which extends beneath the gravel plain and the areas at the edge of the desert. This system lies to the west of the Oman Mountains and extends from the northern territory of the emirate of Ras al-Khaima to al-Ain. The system is not spread over a wide area but extends in long fingers which become closer together in the area of the Jiri plain ( Ras al-Khaima) and northwest of there to the coast.

The second of the aquifer systems also alluvial is on the Batinah coast. This system is found between mountain ridges that reach down to the coast and receives inflow from precipitation that falls on the mountains and, to a limited extent, from under-flow from mountain valleys. The water table is very close to the surface. The third is the deep carbonate aquifer system that extends into the southern part of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. While the ground water in this system is very salty and brackish in the northern emirates and in the Al-Ain area, its quality improves toward the south. UAE has great concern of ground water depletion and hence a project is under study by the Technical Committee to introduce the modern technology of injecting desalinated water into aquifer to enrich the resource. The idea of the project is to utilize extra water during periods of peak requirements or for area expansions. ERWDA (Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency) shall be monitoring the whole project for its viability. The amount of desalinated water has risen from 469 million Cubic Meter in 1995 to 772 million Cubic Meter in 2000. While the percentage of desalinated water is relative to the total water demand in year 2000 is 35%, it constituted about 92% of the domestic and industrial demand. Agricultural demand in the Middle East countries commonly falls in the range of 60-80% of the total water consumed.

- - 11

Studies have shown that much of the country's soil can be cultivated provided there is water and as a result, there has been an extensive program to drill water wells.

In an attempt to conserve and use as much water as possible in as many ways as possible, the government has embarked on a three-part program designed to make the most advantageous use of this scarce resource.

First, farmers are given advice on how to reduce their consumption of water, mainly through advanced irrigation techniques such as trickle irrigation. Desalinated water as well as recycled and purified sewage effluent is used. Second, with the help of the United States Geological Survey, the government is searching for new aquifers and monitoring current rates of extraction. Third and last, to prevent the waste of valuable rainwater, retention dams have been constructed in many areas. These store the water until it can be used for irrigation. Tens of millions of gallons of rainwater are being retained by the dams already built throughout the Emirates.

In the long run, of course, it is realized that desalinated water will provide the bulk of agricultural water.

1.7 Economy With the exception of the sea trade of Dubai, the economies of the Emirates were dominated until the 1960s by fishing, boat-building, agriculture, and nomad animal husbandry. Development in the oil-rich Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai is financed to a large extent by their own budgets, and their own governments determine the organization and operations. However, in the other emirates socio-economic developments are financed through the federal budget, 90 per cent of which is supplied by Abu Dhabi and responsibility rests with the federal government. The UAE economy continued to grow rapidly, due to both to high oil prices and to the success of other sectors, including manufacturing, other industries and tourism. The UAE's wealth is largely based on oil and gas output, some 33% of GDP. It is the third largest oil producer in the Arabian Gulf. Since 1973, the UAE has undergone a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities to a modern

state with a high standard of living. The country's per capita GDP is not far below with

the GDPs of the leading West European nations. Its generosity with oil revenues and its moderate foreign policy stance have allowed it to play a vital role in the affairs of the region. In recent years the government has sought to diversify its sources of income and lessen its dependence on finite oil reserves. One result of these efforts is a steadily developing tourism industry, centered on coastal, desert and sporting resorts and infrastructure. The success of these ventures, along with other factors like the relatively low price of commodities, the warm temperatures that prevail for most of the year, the engineering marvels such as Burj Al Arab and The Palm Islands in Dubai, Abu Dhabi Corniche and friendliness to the West have led many to call it the Singapore or Hong Kong of the Middle East.

- - 12

1.8 Social Development 1.8.1 Population UAE population at the end of 1997 was 862,000. The demographic structure of UAE society has been altered considerably by the sharp rise in population since the foundation of the state. Population grows by 75% over last 10 years. The UAE population is 4,104,695, of which 20.1 per cent are UAE Nationals in last year's census compared with 2,411,041 in the last census conducted in 1995. This rapid growth is attributed to an improvement in life expectancy, a sharp cut in infant mortality and a steady influx of expatriate workers.

Ministry of Planning statistics indicated that just over one million people were less than 15 years of age at the end of 2003, a rise of nearly 50,000 in one year. Approximately half of UAE‟s population, or about 2.2 million, were between 15 and 40 years of age, while 742,000 were aged between 40 and 60. The rest were over 60. Abu Dhabi remains the most populous emirate, with Dubai in the second place, while Ajman recorded the highest growth rate and Ras Al-Khaimah the lowest. Ministry of Planning statistics also reported that the population remained dominated by males who numbered 2.75 million, in contrast to 1.29 millions females. The UAE's population consists of over 3.23 million non nationals. Religious beliefs are mostly Muslim (Islam is the state religion). However, there are sizable minorities of Christians, Hindus and other faiths. Arabic is the country's official language and is used in the government and bureaucracy, while English is increasingly important commercially and as the lingua franca for non-Arab expatriates. Around 90% of the population can read and write (2005 estimate).

1.8.2 Human resources The majority of nationals work in a public sector that has reached saturation point and therefore, incapable of absorbing the nationals expected to enter the job market. The figures are expected to rise from 13361 (2004) to 16187(2006) and 19610(2010). UAE nationals acount for only 2 per cent of the total workforce in the private sector, while private sector employment acounts for 52.1 per cent of the jobs in the UAE. By 2006, 107,087 secondary school graduates, 47,887 HCT graduates and 22,889 university graduates are expected to be in search of jobs. According to the report of National Human Resource Development and Employment Authority (TANMIA) the UAE, perhaps is the only country in the world where foreigners dominate the private sector, both as employers and employees. This is a situation that the government is anxious to address.

1.8.2 Social welfer In July 1999, the Federal National council approved new legislation regulating social security benefits. Under the law, those entitled to monthly social benefits include widowed national and divorced women, the disabled and the handicapped, the aged, orphans, single daughters, married students relatives of jailed dependants, estranged wives and insolvents. The rapid growth in population coupled with the demands of modern living has necessitated government intervention at federal level to ensure that the housing needs

- - 13

of nationals are met with throughout the Federation. In 2004, Dh 640 million (US $174 million) was allocated to the Sheikh Zayed Housing Project to facilitate the process. There are a lot of Social Welfare Associations such as Non-government social welfare associations (there are more than 100) also assist those in need in the UAE, like The UAE Red Crescent Society. The Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation finances projects with precise objective to benefit large communities both within the UAE and overseas. The Abu Dhabi-based Zayed Higher Foundation for Humanitarian Welfare of Special Needy People and Minors was formed in 2004. Eighty per cent of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation‟s budget of Dh 25 million in 2003 was allocated to projects within the UAE. The Bait Al Khair Charity Society, established in 1989 was recently awarded ISO 9001:2000 certification. Other organizations include The Women‟s Associations in each emirate, Charity Associations in Sharjah, Fujairah and Dubai, Ajman Care Society, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, The Handicapped Guardians Association and Taryam Omran Establishment for Cultural and Humanitarian Services.

1.8.3 Education The Ministry of Education‟s policy document outlining a strategy for further educational development in the UAE up to the year 2020. Education 2020 is a series of five-year plans, designed to introduce advanced education techniques and improve innovative skills and the self-learning abilities of students. Government expenditure on education increased from Dh247 million (US$67.3 million) in 1994 to Dh5.38 billion (US$1.465 billion) in 2003. This increase was due to a large extent to the rising population, with a consequent demand for more educational institutions. In 2002/2003, there was a total of 595,040 students in 1208 public and private primary and secondary schools staffed by 40,278 teachers. Government schools numbered 744, whilst 290,032 primary and secondary students at 464 private schools. The Ministry of Education and Youth (MoE) is initiating a switch from instruction-oriented education to self-education, along with a programme for student care, covering their social, psychological and career needs. The major challenge facing any system undergoing such a fundamental change is how to re-educate a teaching population that has itself been educated and trained under the old regime. Part of the Vision 2020 strategy is to allow the educational zones more autonomy to pursue their own development projects, within set guidelines. Emiratisation (Nationalization) of teaching staff in government schools is scheduled to reach 90 per cent by 2020, making continuous in-service training all the more imperative. The course, „The UAE New Parade‟ developed by Longman, has already been tested in the Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah educational zones with encouraging results. One of

- - 14

the advantages of the new curriculum is that teachers who may themselves have weak language skills can benefit from its ongoing training. An important initiative by the MoE in activating the process of self-education has been the setting up of an interactive, bilingual website (www.moeya.ae) for school students. In a dynamic move to make its schools „electronically connected, culturally oriented educational institutions of comprehensive quality and regional impact‟, the Abu Dhabi Educational Zone has entered into an InfoTech agreement with the UNESCO-backed ICDL UAE to implement the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) programme in all faculties of the zone‟s schools. By 2008 all faculties under the zone will be required to complete the ICDL certification to verify their computer skills. A review of registered student in government and private school at all levels shows that the number of female student increased from 187,069 in the 1990/1991 academic year to 291,213 in 2002/2003. the percentage of female children in primary schools reached 98.7 per cent in 1995/1996, rising to 100.8 per cent in 2002/2003. In the secondary sector, the percentage of females at school is higher than that of males. In addition, women constitute over 65 per cent of those continuing on to higher education, and they are outperforming males at every educational level. It is clear from the above that the UAE has provided full educational rights to women. This, in turn, will make it possible for women to exercise their right to participate in the labour market and in the decision-making process. Admissions to higher education in the UAE continue to rise. Out of 14,151 eligible students, a record 10,459 registered at tertiary level for the academic year 2004/2005. a total of 3874 students were approved for admission at UAE University, 5644 to the Higher Colleges of Technology and 941 to Zayed University (ZU). Female students continue to outnumber their male counterparts in higher education in the UAE, comprising 62 per cent of those seeking further education. The twenty-third batch of graduates, comprising 517 students, emerged in May 2004 from the UAE University (UAEU) in Al Ain. Zayed University (between now and 2017, student numbers are expected to increase to 7000. A major expansion, to encompass a total area of 711,000 square metres and comprising six colleges, departments and laboratories) and other Institutions that offer a wide range of tertiary-level opportunities include the American Universities of Sharjah and Dubai, Sharjah University and the Ajman University of Science and Technology. Two other universities are the British University of Dubai (BUD) in Dubai‟s Knowledge Village and Abu Dhabi University (ADU) located on two-campuses – in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The UAE telecoms operator Etisalat, operates the Etisalat College of Engineering, an independent university-status institution educating the national workforce in telecommunications and related technology. Etisalat has also launched the first phase of the Dh 120 million Etisalat University being built at University City, Sharjah. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is responsible for the accreditation of institutes and degrees and its websites (www.uae.gov.ae/mohe/) provides a comprehensive list of recognized institutes and programs.

- - 15

1.8.4 Environment The United Arab Emirates has made significant progress in the sphere of environmental protection, with the passing of new environmental legislation, an increase in the number of protected areas across the country and, perhaps most significantly, the commencement of steps to introduce environmental education as an integral part of the curriculum in government schools. The UAE government‟s interest in environmental protection is evidenced by: A natural history museum is now planned for the capital; captive breeding

programs of threatened wildlife have built on previous years‟ success and environmental research is at an all-time high.

Unleaded fuel was introduced in 2003, the government bearing most of the cost

of the overnight switch over, while the oil and gas industry has continued to innovate and introduce cleaner technology impressively faster than anticipated – all good news for the environment. The economic viability of clean renewable energy is also being widely investigated.

Developing and marketing wind power in Al-Fujairah. Seven sites have been

chosen for evaluation, four of them on inconspicuous, exposed ridges in this predominantly mountain emirate.

An integrated waste management system, with recycling, composting and landfill

reduction, has been developed in Abu Dhabi and some of the other emirates. A UAE national environmental strategy panel formed under Cabinet Decree No

17 for 2002 continues to work to fulfill its mandate, with a „National Committee for Environmental Strategy and Sustainable Development‟ based at the Federal Environment Agency (FEA). Twenty federal and government agencies and other institutions are represented on the Committee.

The different centers of the Environmental Research & Wildlife Development

Agency (ERWDA) developed an environmental strategy for Abu Dhabi Emirate for 2003-2007, in collaboration with the relevant local government departments and federal ministries. Resource regulatory and monitoring systems, fisheries and freshwater resource management regimes and wildlife management and rehabilitation programs are all included in this strategy. In late 2004, work got under way on a review of the strategy, to determine the progress being made towards the set goals.

UAE-based West Indian Ocean Marine Turtle Specialist Group received a grant

in 2003 for Turtle research. Noteworthy for its support for environmental work has been the country‟s oil and gas sector, including both national companies and foreign firms like Shell, BP and Total. ERWDA has also continued to carry out research on an international scale, with a particular focus on the vast Central Asian range of the Houbara bustard.

The world‟s richest environment prize, the Zayed Prize, was presented to the

BBC in Dubai in early 2004. The US$500,000 award recognized the BBC for its

- - 16

coverage of issues related to the environment and sustainable development. The prize was launched to honor the Late President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for his campaign to „green‟ the UAE through irrigation, desalination and tree-planting, and for his sponsorship of programs to preserve a number of the region‟s endangered species. Two additional prizes worth UN$300,000 each went to the founders of the UN-led Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and to two leading environmental activist.

1.8.5 Greening Culture The concentrated development of the towns has led to a socio-cultural discrepancy between town and country. Urban occupations and urban life enjoy high status among the population of the rural farming area; agriculture and life on the land on the other hand have low esteem. The abandonment of farms and a flight from the land are the result. In order to realize its agricultural and political goals, the federal government attempts to improve the standard of living on the land and the conditions for agricultural production. Streets, schools, medical centers, businesses, and new settlements, in which the dwellings (low-cost housing) are granted to the population free of charge, are being built; supply systems for electricity and water are being constructed. An Extension Service has been established for the improvement and expansion of agriculture as well as for the improvement of conditions for agricultural production; through this service the government provides farm-owners with comprehensive and, for the most part, free help and support. Agriculture today is characterized by an intensity of capital; this capital is provided essentially by the state by way of the Extension Service. The capital investment that must be provided by farm-owners is limited; where personal capital is lacking, the government provides liberal long-term credit. The material and non-material help of the government has increased production and decreased the amount of labour involved in agriculture, with little investment of private capital. The UAE‟s unique experience in forestry and greening of rural and city areas have been well received and appreciated by its local and expatriate populations and by regional and international organizations. This is primarily because of the high success of plant growth despite harsh environmental factors.

- - 17

“…Give me cultivation (agriculture) and I’ll warrant you a civilization…”

The Emirate‟s efforts may have never succeeded without a special attention and unconditional support of the Late President H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan. He was a role model as a human and ruler, keen to preserve and sustain the environment and natural resources. His view is very well reflected in his sayings: “…Our interests in environmental protection, plant and animal conservation are not delivered at this hour. It is our deep rooted interest that we called and applied before any such international interest had begun..” Ancient people that contributed the early „seeding‟ of environmental developments very well substantiate this when we think about the greening in several oases in deserts and the utilization of „Falaj‟ systems.

Sheikh Zayed‟s life long dedication to improving the environment in the UAE has its roots in the country‟s Bedouin tradition of living in balance with nature. Long before conservation was a buzzword in the West, it was a fundamental part of Arabia.

2.0 THE GREENING OF THE EMIRATES

2.1 Distribution of Greenery The areas suited to agriculture in the United Arab Emirates are determined by the availability of water and cultivable soil. Wide areas are covered by salt marshes and sterile desert sands and, like the mountain regions, have very limited potential for agricultural use. It is primarily the gravel and coastal plains that are suited to such use.

- - 18

The soil and arid climatic conditions do not provide an ideal ground for the development of agriculture in the UAE. Coastal soils have a high salt concentration, making them unsuitable for agriculture except for high salt-tolerance crops. Nevertheless, using modern technology, the agriculture sector has made considerable progress in the past two decades. Many new areas those such as Ras Al-Khaimah, Dhaid, Falaj Al-Mu‟alla and Fujairah where desert has been transformed into land that sustains trees, crops and livestock have complemented traditional farms. Vast fields of cereals cultivated around the Liwa Oasis bear testament to the country's readiness to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself in the area of food production. Large areas in the UAE, and in particular within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, have been first irrigated and then planted with trees, and finally used for agriculture. Major greening projects may now be seen at Bani Yas, Al-Ajban, Al-Rahba, Al-Baheya, Rawdat Al-Reef and Al-Jurf, and at other western and eastern regions of Abu Dhabi Emirate. Like the other major farms in which the President's Private Department plays an important role, Al-Jurf is a prime example of what can be achieved in terms of combating desertification. The late President, H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan has paid particular interest to improving the quality of life in rural areas and in the equitable redistribution of wealth. Land has been granted, which, together with attractive financial grants, loans to purchase equipment and the provision of technical expertise and practical assistance, has resulted in over 100,000 hectares more land being brought under cultivation. Now more than 37,500 farms are sprung in the UAE, covering 273,300 hectares, according to a report by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Farm production has soared and a high degree of self-sufficiency including production of vegetables, fruit, dairy and other farm products. As a result of H.H. Sheikh Zayed's initiatives, the inexorable move from rural settlements to the main cities has been stemmed, in part at least, by schemes to provide modern housing and other facilities in proximity to new farming areas. The UAE's agricultural development has been well documented. From a situation of subsistence farming in the early 1970s, the food sector has grown rapidly to become one of the most sophisticated in the region, in the process transforming the country into a fruit and vegetable exporter. UAE government has three basic aims to develop the Rural Farming Areas: To adopt measures to prevent a flight from the land by the farming population;

To optimize native food production while preserving soil and water resources;

and To diversify the farmers‟ sources of income.

Agricultural development was controlled by the government and, at great cost both financially and technically, was related to the urban centers.

- - 19

2.2 The Scale of Greening

The country‟s progress and its economic development commenced with the exploration and utilization of oil wealth during the 1960s. This growth and the resultant financial rewards enabled agriculture and greenery developments to flourish. Contributing to this was better utilization of water and land resources in a more scientific way. The UAE has a long tradition of agriculture in its oases where crops have been grown for 5000 years. Underground water was channeled to palm groves and small fields and the technique is still used today. Since the formation of the UAE in 1971, this small-scale traditional farming has been complemented by investment that has seen thousands of hectares being cultivated. With advancement of scientific developments, UAE has reached the pinnacle of afforestation programs by extending huge acreages of desert land and sand dunes into „green oasis‟. These developments happened when protective land in other parts of world has been subjected to degradation. Contrary to this, unsuitable desert areas were made useful by greening in the UAE.

- - 20

The number of the taxa registered in the flora of UAE belongs to 75 families, 343 genera and 582 species. This number may vary according to the different taxonomic treatment of certain systems. The presence of trees and gardens in the UAE is always noticed and commented upon by visitors. Over 10 million trees have been planted in addition to more than 18 million palm trees. In all the cities and towns of the UAE, there have been beautification campaigns with the creation of parks and gardens for the local people. Any householder, even those in flats, can get free plants from the Municipality under a programme that distributes thousands of plants annually. In the past 25 years, the country's population has increased ten-fold and agricultural production has kept pace with this growth. The country is self-sufficient in salad crops and poultry for much of the year and even exports crops to markets in Europe. Most of the UAE's agricultural production comes from four areas: from in and around Al Ain, from a narrow but fertile strip along the east coast, from the oasis of Dhaid east of Sharjah and from the gravel plains in Ras al Khaimah. According to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, agricultural production stands at over Dh 2 billion per year. An average crop season yields over 600,000 tons of crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergines, lettuce, cabbage and animal feed. The statistical indications, relating to agricultural development are the best proof of the great achievements in the agriculture, animal and fisheries fields.

- - 21

Indicators of Agriculture Wealth Development

PARTICULARS 1977 1987 1997 2001

Number of Farms 7,759 18,330 23,930 37,550

Crops areas (dounom) 150,503 416,200 661,388 2,414,425

Vegetable areas (dounom) 15,999 71,203 184,484 106,596*

Vegetable production(MT) 40,353 148,076 1,023,554 579,094*

Fruit trees area (dounom) 46,788 29,897** 390,816 1,876,270

Fruit production (MT) 8,022 28,703** 330,769 794,716

Areas for field crops (dounom)

6,870 73,017 86,088 431,559

Field crop Production (MT) 23,966 352,495 512,900 2,176,187

One dounom = 1,000 Sq.meters, * The area and quantities reduction for the year 2001 was due to the increase in the figures for field crops. ** The figures do not include palm tree productions.

The statistics show an increase in the number of palm trees from approximately 1.7 million in 1977 to some 40.7 million; an actual increase 0f 2363 %; and the date production increase by 2512%.

Development of Palm Tree plantation

PARTICULARS 1977 1987 1997 2001

Number of palm trees 1,722,717 10,750,000 25,000,000 40,700,000*

Dates production (MT) 30,159 - 288,190 757,601

Date palm area(dounom)

- - 365,313 1,853,295

One dounom = 1,000 Sq.meters, * Of which 14.5 Million, are along the 800 km of road in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain

- - 22

The determination of UAE authorities to conquer the very difficult adversities of nature to extract the best available resource from it became evident. Consequently the bio-diversity of the entire region has transformed leading to a most enriched flora and fauna, characteristic and unique to the region.

The total area of forest plantation projects in UAE has been reached 337,000 hectares in 2002 as shown below.

EMIRATE AREA (1000 HECTARES)

1 Abu Dhabi 332.75

2 Dubai 1.52

3 Sharjah 0.08

4 Ajman 0.20

5 Ras Al Khaima 0.02

6 Umm-Al-Qwuain 2.36

7 Al Fujaira 0.074

Total 337

The area (337000 ha.) represented around 4% of the whole UAE land area. According to the FAO published data (Year 2000) the annual increase in forest area is 8000 hectares (2.84% yearly). Among all the Emirates, Abu Dhabi has the highest increase (98%) as against other Emirates (2%) due to the vast extent of land area available in Abu Dhabi.

- - 23

3.0 ABU DHABI GREENING

3.1 Development & Management

The majority of achievements in the field of afforestation and greening are results of works and plans of many sections of the Abu Dhabi Municipality including:

Well drillings

Extending of water distribution pipes

Construction of water reservoirs

Sand leveling & Earthworks

Construction of latest irrigation systems

And many other architectural and planning works in urban landscape

The recent restructure of government places the authorities for the development and management of these areas with the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities & Agriculture. Greening still remains within three areas of this department and consolidation of resources and outsourcing plans are continuing.

The groups are: 1. The Public Gardens Directorate

Newly formed (2005) incorporating the former Agriculture Section and Irrigation & landscape Sections of Sewerage Directorate The Directorate covers the Abu Dhabi Island, Mainland and Western region managing all:

Public Gardens

Urban Landscape

Roadside Forestry Belts

Selected larger Forest areas i.e Bainoona Forest. 2. The Forestry Section

Managing the remaining afforestation 3. The Agricultural Guidance Section

Managing Farms and Livestock

Note: The Eastern Region has a separate government authority based in the city of Al Ain and their departments are not listed above.

- - 24

3.2 Afforestation Projects Achievements The government has established afforestation projects in the Western and eastern regions (Al Ain) of Abu Dhabi Emirate and established many gardens, parks, public amenity areas, street landscape works etc. All these are developed for the primary purposes of public recreation. A summary of the achievements of the Abu Dhabi Government in this regard are represented as follows: Rehabilitation of the natural resources is the combination of the compound operations that are at creating orientated productivity and usefulness of marginal lands such as sandy, saline and destroyed land. Different mining processes may also affect these areas. The poor sandy soil of low productivity found in the Abu Dhabi which represents the majority of the country can be rehabilitated biologically by forced cultivation to improve it‟s environmental conditions. The sandy soil needs to go through two stages: 1. Technical stage.

2. Biological stage.

- - 25

- - 26

Forest area development in the Western Province, Emirate of Abu Dhabi

The number of projects of protective forest plantations in the Western province reaches 166, which are distributed on the area of three main sectors.

Ghayathi

Al Wathba

Zayed and Liwa cities The areas in Km2 of these sectors are represented in the following chart.:

Total areas of those sectors are extended to 204.4 Km2 (204,400 hectares) by the year 2002 managed now by the Public Gardens Directorate. The figures include the forestry sections responsibly which is in the order of an additional 200 Km2 of forestry.

- - 27

Forest area development in the Eastern Province, Emirate of Abu Dhabi Besides, the development of forest plantation area in the Eastern Emirate of Abu Dhabi that reaches 54401 hectare (2001), one of the more important and ideal forest projects was established on Alhlyseely location (occupied around 10000 hectare;2003) to stop the sand encroachment , protect Al-Ain city and its villages and the main road from Swaihan city to Al-Ain.

FOREST AREA EXPANSION

784

2824

10624

15407

24453

39177

46989

54401

0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000

1970

75

80

85

90

95

00

01

YE

AR

S

AREA (Ha)

AREA (Ha)

So, the total forest area of Abu Dhabi Emirate around 259000 hectare (2001).

3.2.1 Fauna development

A trail to release Ghazella spp.was successful within the forest protected plantations (Such as in West Region: Great Baynuona, Al-Hydhwania, Al-Mayduor and Al-Muogeera in Al-Marfa that occupied more than 10700 hectare) under the supervision of municipal administration. From few numbers of these animals have multiplied into hundreds beside the birds, reptiles such as snakes and lizards and rabbits, foxes etc. The face of the land and the environment has been changed as a result and wildlife flourishes with native plants.

- - 28

3.3 Urban Landscape Developments

EARLIER CORNICHE DEVELOPMENT

(Now removed due to expansion)

A RECENT CITY VIEW

- - 29

PART OF ABU DHABI ISLAND - AN AERIAL VIEW

SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE – UNDER CONSTRUCTION

(It will have extensive gardens when completed)

- - 30

3.3.1 Major Projects Completed

Abu Dhabi municipality has completed several prestigious projects in urban landscape development. Most recently completed projects are: The expanded Corniche development including 80 million AED in soft landscape

& Irrigation works.

- - 31

The Emirates Palace

- - 32

All these projects are equipped with state of the art landscape materials, irrigation and control systems and some additional horticultural diversity reflecting modern practices.

3.3.2 Projects in the Pipeline

Emirates Pearl

An ambitious project is on the way in Abu Dhabi. A massive residential and tourist city, Emirates Pearl will be built at a cost of Dh35 billion on an island belonging to Abu Dhabi under an agreement signed between the government of the emirate and a consortium of three companies according to a report published in "Arab News.' Encompassing an area of five million square meters, Emirates Pearl will be built on Abu Al Sh'oom Island northeast of Abu Dhabi. The consortium includes Malaysia-based BBM, Al Ain based Al Rayan Investment and Abu Dhabi-based National Company for Property Investment. Emirates Pearl will have luxury hotels, hospitals, and university and family entertainment facilities within a modern city managed by the latest technologies, some of which would be used for the first time in the UAE. A bridge will connect the island with Abu Dhabi city. The project would make a quantum leap in the field of highly developed residential projects, business centers, tourist resorts and family entertainment at the regional and international levels and would add a new dimension to the concept of 21st century cities, (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)

Shams Abu Dhabi Very recently Abu Dhabi has witnessed the launching of „Shams Abu Dhabi‟, one of the large projects involving property development with a capital of Dh. 25 billion that would put the Emirate forefront of the global urban development map.

- - 33

It would be a modern and independent town in itself, where all amenities of life like hospitals, schools, shopping malls, hotels, entertainment centers and mosques all available to the 100,000 residents. Advertising states,” Shams Abu Dhabi will be comprised of a series of themed neighborhoods linked by waterways and the newest ideas in urban transportation networks. It will be the ideal environment in which to live, work and play and will provide yet another face of the capital”. The project will be carried out in phases on an estimated area of 1.32 million square meters having an integrated infrastructure and network:

• There will be a central park of one million square feet development

• Al Reem Island is 300 metres offshore and will be linked to Abu Dhabi by two bridges

• The entire project is scheduled for completion by 2011

These proposed mega projects and many others supported by landscaping designs harmonize their architectural styles and could raise the Abu Dhabi capital to one of the most modern cities in the world.

3.4 Other Green Areas Besides above developments, there is an area of 40,000 hectares planted with different species of palms, trees, shrubs and lawns distributed in different locations of Abu Dhabi Emirate excluding the Eastern Region & Al Ain. These are distributed along urban roadsides, shelterbelts and farm areas. The following chart gives an indication of such greenery area expansion in hectares from the year 1995 to 2002

19

95

19

96

19

97

19

98

19

99

20

00

20

01

20

02

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

- - 34

In spite of all sorts of adversities for greenery developments in the Emirate, the future is hopeful due to the determination to utilize the available positive advantages of the locality. The Bio-diversity of Abu Dhabi Emirate is very well distinguishable to any visitor as it is characteristic to the region. Even under the harsh climatic and unfavorable soil conditions, there are many plants; both indigenous and exotic origin, grow satisfactorily. This bio-diversity encourages further studies to introduce more exotic plants close to those successful species in the Emirate. The success of majority of these species is due to many positive factors of the location where they are grown. Among those, water area surrounding or close to the location that effect on increasing the relative humidity for majority period. It also helps to decrease the high temperature especially during the summer season. This also influences the total evapo-transpiration percentage. Under such conditions, by providing required irrigation and nutrients plant life could be sustained well. Success of such plants create an environment for further growth of other herbs and plants and also helps to provide an ideal living condition for birds, butterflies, rabbits, micro organisms etc. thus creating more bio-diversity. The biotic interaction relationships (plants and animals) and their different exchangeable effects could support the stability of the well-managed protected area.

3.5 Associated Facilities

There are several associated activities that helped the “Green Revolution” in Abu

Dhabi as mentioned below. Nursery establishments – There are seven main nurseries (in Abu Dhabi city &

West Region) under the Gardens Directorate administration that cater for the needs of plants for greenery expansion in urban and suburban areas..

Farm establishments – The Government has established around 11,000 farms

extending an area of more than 27500 hectares and distributed the farmland among farmers by extending all kinds of agricultural marketing assistance.

3.6 Governance

The Abu Dhabi Government has co-operation with its brotherly Arab and Gulf countries such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Egypt in greenery and landscape developments. The Government has also taken part in several International and Regional Exhibitions (Japan, U.K, France, Morocco, Syria, and Egypt) and won many coveted prizes. One of the most outstanding achievements was winning the overall first prize as well as twenty other medals including four gold medals in Osaka International Exhibition for Agriculture and Afforestation in 1990.

- - 35

Sheikh Zayed‟s exhibit entitled „Hortus Conclusus‟ was awarded a gold medal and chosen as the Best Show Garden at the 2004 Chelsea Flower Show in London. Designed by Christopher Bradley-Hole, this was a contemporary work inspired by the traditional enclosed Islamic gardens that brought order and serenity to an otherwise barren environment. With the growing importance of urban landscape and greening, the Abu Dhabi government has set up a specialized Directorate, The Public Gardens Directorate, to govern all activities related to landscape works in Abu Dhabi. The directorate has set about outsourcing and privatizing its entire day-to-day works as apposed to financing its own workforce. The urban landscape has “tired” in recent years and requires rejuvenation via redevelopment and implementation of modern irrigation delivery and monitoring systems.

3.7 List of Achievements To support all the greenery operations, the Government has taken many measures in UAE such as:

Construction of dams

Adopting modern water consumption methods

Establishment of water desalination projects

Establishment of sewage treatment plants

Recharging / Feeding of underground water storage

Establishing Fertilizer Manufacturing Factories

Establishing Research Centers for related studies

Besides those mentioned above, the Abu Dhabi Government has adopted many measures in cooperation with other Regional and International organizations of similar interests.

Some of them are:

Biological Protection Project with Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD)

International Center for Bio-Saline Agriculture (ICBA) with Islamic Development Bank (IDB)

Arab Peninsula Program with International Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)

Water Desalination Project with Japanese Companies (KUBOTA and MITSUBISHI)

Other complementary inputs are present including: Agricultural Research Laboratory with modern analytical devices. Installation of modern water- saving irrigation systems.

- - 36

Establishment of Agricultural Research & Experiment Station Well drilling and water reservoirs. Agricultural and Veterinary Extension activities such as training programs,

Meetings, Symposiums, Field visits. Annual Plant Protection Programs.

4.0 LIMITATIONS FOR GREEN DEVELOPMENT

4.1 Physical limitations

In spite of severe local environmental factors there are many problems associated with greenery developments.

A. The quality and quantity of irrigation water The irrigation needs of plants are affected by many factors as below:

Quality and productivity of water resources Irrigation system design Land topography Irrigation seasons Absence of detailed scientific study and/or research on specific water

requirements for plant species and soil types. B. Level of water table increase

In certain areas due to an increased level of water table, especially in coastal areas, landscape needs proper and modern subsoil drainage systems to attain suitable planting conditions.

5.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

The main target of the following recommendations and suggestions are to maintain and develop the successful achievements in the fields of forestry and greenery. Creating the best measures to manage and orient the overall natural processes for flora and fauna can be beneficial. These have an exchangeable effect on the elements of environment such as climate, soil, water, bio-organisms etc. Some of our recommendations include the following:

1. Applying and creating standard methods in dealing with the sandy soil of the Emirate according to it‟s specific characteristics so as to attain an ideal planting medium depending upon the agricultural processes.

- - 37

2. Adopt the most common improvement measures for poorly drained areas such as coastal areas, interior saline areas and in afforested areas with high ground water (Natural level or affected level due to over-irrigation). It is necessary to confirm and control the follow up for annual maintenance for irrigation systems from the point of origin (resource) to the feeding points with high accuracy. Such measures oriented for the following targets.

3. Increase soil aeration and its thermo systems that could help stimulation and

activation of micro organisms (helps in decomposing the organic materials)

4. Improving the soil water system by soil washing with drainage systems (open & closed) that assist in improving the growth conditions at site reflected in an increase in qualitative and quantitative plant production.

5. Adopting more dry and saline tolerant plants.

6. It is necessary to execute experiments that can create the ideal mix of species to

design and construct suitable forest shelter belts in different locations according to the species appraisal, their functions and their specificity of micro-environmental conditions such as coastal areas, saline, high water table areas, plain lands around farms and fields, desert areas and urban areas. (gardens and public amenities)

7. Establishing future integrated projects to utilize the secondary products of the

forest shelterbelts such as honey, medicinal plants, forage etc. and other traditional flora and fauna delicacies.

8. To adopt study and field survey for all plant species tolerance and adaptability to

local severe conditions (temperature and salinity) and eventually establish programs for breeding and propagation methods.

9. Conduct serious studies based on biotic and abiotic local environment outputs for

large-scale projects by establishing a large reserve in a suitable environment beside other conditional factors. This could include all the native and exotic species (trees, shrubs, herbs etc.) that is adapted and tolerated to the local conditions for different wild life animals. This reserve should be adopted as Biotic Establishment for collecting the genetic banks for both flora and fauna in the region.

10. Studying the effect of seedling ages of different selected species on their survival

percentage on plantations to decrease the cost of production and replanting assuming that other required measures are well prepared and followed. This could make the determination of production for each species easier according to prepared plans.

11. Under the conditions of poor soil it is vital to adopt scientific experiments that

dealing in mixing the nitrogen fixing forest species to improve the soil fertility.

12. With the expansion in forest area it is necessary to make proper rules and legislations that regulates and protect the periodical risks of forests, reserves, plantations etc. (Felling, Forest fires, Uncontrolled grazing, Hunting etc.)

- - 38

13. Prepare and develop employee‟s training programs to help them improve their

job skills.

14. It is advisable to restrict the usage of plant protection chemicals and recommended to adopt integrated plant protection programs against the pests according to environmental guidelines.

15. Support the role of agricultural extension activities by the use of the media to

make farmers aware of the scientific approach for better agricultural management practices. Also it is highly recommended to encourage the social role of the educational institutions to include the importance of environmental issues in the study syllabus.

16. Enhance the awareness of the public of the importance and value of greening, its

great role in minimizing the severity of local environmental conditions and how it could create a protective habitat for an individual, society and all other living organisms in general.

- - 39

REFERENCES:

Abdelouahhab Zaid"UAE Date Palm Culture: Situation & Future Challenges" Al-

Murshid Magazine, No.26, 2004, Abu Dhabi Municipality, UAE.

Al-Mashhadani, A.S., 2000.”Establishing Forest Shelterbelts enrich the Environment".

Environmental page, Al- khaleej J., No.7646, UAE.

Al-Mashhadani, A.S., 2001"Soil salinity & Desertification". Al-Asimma Mg., No.60,

Abu Dhabi Municipality, UAE.

Al-Mashhadani, A.S., 2001"The optimum way to protect the stands in our environment".

Al-Asimma Magazine, No. 65, page36, Abu Dhabi Municipality, UAE.

Al-Mashhadani, A.S., 2001"The environmental amelioration of land productivity". Al-

Asimma Magazine, No.66, Abu Dhabi Municipality, UAE.

Al-Mualla, Mooza A., 2000.Climatical risks on cultivation in UAE.Ministry of

Communication, United Arab Emirates.

Chris Kendall & et.al, 2000. Changes in microclimate Tracked by the evolving vegetation

cover of the Holocene beach ridges of the UAE.Dubai International Conference on

Desertification 12-16 February 2000,Dubai, UAE.

“ Committee for study for artificial water injection to ground water reservoirs in Abu

Dhabi”, 2005. Al Khaleej newspaper, No. 9452, UAE.

“Cultivation is the aspect of civilization”, 2000. The General Directorate of

Municipalities, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Desert & Desertification (Part 1)& Greening the Desert (Part 2). Desert development in

UAE” The challenge and the achievement. Federal Environmental Agency (FEA), Abu

Dhabi, UAE.

Emirates Experience in Desert Greening, 1999. Al-Asimma Mg., No.46, Abu Dhabi

Municipality, UAE.

Fawzi, M.Karim, 2000.The concise flora of the UAE.Dubai International conference on

desertification 12-16 February 2000, UAE.

Ideal Alhlyseely project, 2003.Forest management, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

- - 40

Maraqa, Munjed, 2001, Water resources and Consumption in the UAE. Mg.

Environmental Issues, No.15, Environment Friends Society

Marine Environment & Sanctuaries Unit, 2000.Wild life Sanctuaries in Dubai.

Environment Dept. of Dubai Municipality, UAE. (Leaflet)

Rainer Cordes& Fred Scholz, 1980.Bedouins, Wealth and Change, Study of Rural

Development in the UAE.UN University, printed in Japan.

Statistical book for 1995-1999. Statistics & Studies Section, Abu Dhabi Municipality,

UAE.

Statistical data for Agriculture, Forestry&Agricultural Extension Depts.2000. Statistics

& Studies, Abu Dhabi Municipality, UAE.

The environment in Arab Nation (Zayid Centre study), 2001. Al-Asimma Mg., No.64,

Abu Dhabi Municipality, UAE.

“ United Arab Emirates Year Book 2005” Ministry of Information & Culture, UAE.

“West Region Forests Overcome the Desert “, 1999. Al-Asimma Mg., No.49, Abu Dhabi

Municipality, UAE.

APPENDICES

-http://www.alhewar.com/habeeb_salloum_uae_flowering_agriculture.htm

-http://www.ameinfo.com/67468.html

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Oman

- http://www.arab.net/uae/ue_agriculture.htm

-http://www.datadubai.com/agri.htm

-http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=104493

-http://www.hridir.org/hri/upd?action=vc&c=united_arab_emirates

- http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/arn/cg/2002/00000009/00000003/art00005

-http://www.khaleejtimes.com/.../business/2005/September/business_September

314.xml&section=business&col=

-http://www.uaeinteract.com/news/default.asp?ID=49

- - 41

APPENDIX

Satellite Images of Greenery Expansion

For the years 1999, 2002 and 2005

- - 42

1999(GIS-AIMS, ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY)

- - 43

2002(GIS-AIMS, ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY)

- - 44

2005(GIS-AIMS, ABU DHABI MUNICIPALITY)