Sheikh Hamdan’s vision has brought 15-metre-tall scarlet canopies to streets and parks.
Dubai is set to become greener as 1,200 additional flame trees will be planted across the emirate, adding to the city’s streets, parks, and communities with its signature red-and-orange canopies.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with Dubai Municipality, will be rolled out over the coming months as part of a broader vision inspired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, who has championed the expansion of the flame tree as a symbol of a vibrant and beautiful city.
Sheikh Hamdan has described the flame tree as emblematic of Dubai’s identity and has directed its wider planting across streets, residential areas, recreational spaces, and public parks, while also making seedlings available for residents to grow at home or on farms.
Earlier this month, Dubai Municipality completed the planting of 1,000 flame trees along Amman Street, including six roundabouts and a 10-kilometre central median, as well as Street 15 in Mirdif.
More than 50,000 flame trees already line the city’s roads, parks, and public spaces, including key locations such as Jumeirah Street, Airport Road, Safa Park, and the Dubai Canal.
VFS Global has pledged to plant the new batch of 1,200 flame trees, with the initiative’s timing aligning with Eid Al Adha, a season associated with generosity and sharing.
The trees, sourced from Wadi Dafta Plantation—an Emirati-owned agricultural enterprise run by farmer Ahmed Al Hafeiti—are flame trees (Delonix regia) that can grow up to 15 metres tall, according to organisers.
Often described as “nature’s air conditioning,” the trees are originally from Madagascar but have adapted well to the UAE’s climate. In addition to their vivid red blossoms, they offer natural shade, enhance pedestrian comfort, and support biodiversity by attracting birds, butterflies, and pollinators during the flowering season.
According to Al Hafeiti, the trees also help reduce heat exposure and create cooler microclimates within urban areas.
The new planting initiative forms part of VFS Global’s broader sustainability drive. Over the past four years, more than 650,000 trees have been planted through related global programmes aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity, and supporting reforestation as part of long-term environmental resilience.
Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global Group, said the initiative reflects both a global responsibility and a personal connection to Dubai.
He said: “Flame trees are more than just a flowering species. They are a unique marker of the summer season in Dubai, a source of shade and comfort, and a defining feature of the city’s streets and communities.”
He added: “Dubai has always set a global benchmark for visionary leadership and sustainable urban development, and our commitment to this initiative reflects not only our sustainability priorities but also our deep connection to the UAE and our responsibility to contribute meaningfully to its future.”
