A Comprehensive Guide to Trees in the UAE: All You Need To Know!

Here at Shajara we love our custom artificial trees but we also love the real thing! From the majestic palm trees of Dubai to the lush greenery of Ras Al Khaimah, the United Arab Emirates is home to a diverse range of trees. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking to spruce up your garden, this comprehensive guide to trees in UAE covers all you need to know about the unique and varied foliage that can be found across the country. With helpful images and detailed descriptions, you’ll quickly become an expert on the various tree species available in the UAE, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. So, if you’re ready to learn more, read on and discover all there is to know about the trees of the UAE!

Types of Trees in the UAE

The following is a list of the most common tree species found in the UAE.

• Acacia: Also known as the “Wattle”, this species is native to Australia, and is one of the most common trees in the UAE. It usually grows to a height of 10 – 15 meters, and the dark green leaves of the Acacia tree provide a rich source of food for a variety of insects and birds.
• Almond: An almond tree can grow to a height of over 20 meters, and is commonly found in the UAE’s coastal areas. The sweet, edible fruit of the almond tree is used to produce a variety of products, including oil, flour, and milk. Almond trees are easy to grow, and are often cultivated to produce shade.
• Banyan: Found throughout the temperate regions of the world, the Banyan tree can reach a height of up to 50 meters. They are commonly used as landmarks and tourist attractions, and are often associated with the Hindu religion. Banyan trees are easily recognizable for their large, spreading branches.
• Date Palm: A traditional symbol of the UAE, the date palm and the areca palm are arguably the most important tree species in the country. The date palm is cultivated for its edible fruit, which is an important food source for residents across the UAE. Date palms can grow up to 25 meters in height, and are commonly found in large, commercial plantations across the country.
• Eucalyptus: Native to Australia and Southeast Asia, the eucalyptus tree is one of the most common trees in the UAE. They grow quickly, tolerate poor soil conditions, and can be cultivated for their medicinal properties.
• Fig Tree: Native to the Arabian Peninsula, the Fig tree is one of the oldest and most important tree species in the UAE. The Fig tree is cultivated for its edible figs, which are commonly used in a variety of food products.
• Ficus: Commonly known as the “Banyan” fig, the Ficus tree is a species of fig native to Southeast Asia. These trees are cultivated for their edible figs, and are commonly found throughout the UAE.
• Guava Tree: A common sight in the UAE’s coastal areas, the Guava tree is cultivated for its sweet, edible fruit. The Guava tree is easily recognizable by its dark green leaves and reddish, pinkish flowers.
• Guava Bush: A shrubby, low-maintenance tree, the Guava bush is cultivated for its sweet, edible fruit. Guava bushes can be easily grown in pots and containers, making them a great choice for small gardens.
• Jackfruit Tree: The Jackfruit tree is cultivated for its sweet, edible fruit, which can grow up to 12 kilograms in weight! The Jackfruit tree is commonly found in the coastal areas of the UAE, and is easy to grow and maintain.
• Mango Tree: A tropical tree commonly cultivated for its sweet, edible fruit, the Mango tree is commonly found in the UAE’s coastal areas. The Mango tree thrives in tropical climates, making it the perfect choice for the UAE’s coastal areas.
• Papaya Tree: A tropical tree commonly cultivated for its sweet, edible fruit, the Papaya tree is commonly found in the UAE’s coastal areas. The Papaya tree is easy to maintain, and can grow well in pots and containers.
• Pine Tree: A common species of tree found across the world, the Pine tree is cultivated for its wood, which is used to create a wide variety of products. Pine trees can grow up to 40 meters in height, and thrive in areas with sandy soil.
• Date Palm: A traditional symbol of the UAE, the Date palm is arguably the most important tree species in the country. The Date palm is cultivated for its edible fruit, which is an important food source for residents across the UAE.
• Starfruit Tree: A tropical tree commonly cultivated for its sweet, edible fruit, the Starfruit tree is commonly found in the UAE’s coastal areas. The Starfruit tree can grow well in pots and containers, making it a great choice for small gardens.
• Starfruit Bush: A shrubby, low-maintenance tree, the Starfruit bush is commonly cultivated for its sweet, edible fruit. Starfruit bushes can be easily grown in pots and containers, making them a great choice for small gardens.

Although not native to the UAE, olive trees are admired for their timeless beauty and symbolic value. They can be cultivated in suitable landscapes across the region. For indoor spaces, rooftop gardens, or areas where real olive trees may not thrive, artificial olive trees offer a stunning, maintenance-free alternative that captures the same Mediterranean elegance.

Benefits of Planting Trees in the UAE

The UAE’s desert climate makes it the perfect location for growing various types of trees and vegetation. Growing plants and trees can be beneficial for a number of reasons, including reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, increasing biodiversity, raising awareness about environmental issues, and providing shade. Additionally, trees are important for the economy, and can be used to produce products like paper, timber, and fruit.

The following are a few reasons why you should consider planting trees in the UAE:

• Reduces Global Warming: Trees act as carbon sinks, meaning they absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can greatly reduce the effects of global warming by reducing the amount of CO2 in the air, and lowering the risk of desertification.
• Improves Air Quality: Trees are useful for more than just reducing global warming and they can also improve air quality. Growing trees can reduce the amount of pollutants in the air, such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide.
• Helps Plants Grow: It’s not just plants that benefit from the presence of trees – all types of vegetation flourish when they’re near trees. This is because trees provide shade and shelter, as well as water and nutrients to nearby plants.

Common Trees in the UAE

The following is a list of the most common types of plants in Dubai, UAE.

• Acacia: Also known as the “Wattle”, this species is native to Australia, and is one of the most common trees in the UAE. It usually grows to a height of 10 – 15 meters, and the dark green leaves of the Acacia tree provide a rich source of food for a variety of insects and birds.
• Almond: An almond tree can grow to a height of over 20 meters, and is commonly found in the UAE’s coastal areas. The sweet, edible fruit of the almond tree is used to produce a variety of products, including oil, flour, and milk. Almond trees are easy to grow, and are often cultivated to produce shade.
• Banyan: Found throughout the temperate regions of the world, the Banyan tree can reach a height of up to 50 meters. They are commonly used as landmarks and tourist attractions, and are often associated with the Hindu religion. Banyan trees are easily recognizable for their large, spreading branches.
• Date Palm: A traditional symbol of the UAE, the date palm is arguably the most important tree species in the country. The date palm is cultivated for its edible fruit, which is an important food source for residents across the UAE. Date palms can grow up to 25 meters in height, and are commonly found in large, commercial plantations across the country.
• Eucalyptus: Native to Australia and Southeast Asia, the eucalyptus tree is one of the most common trees in the UAE. They grow quickly, tolerate poor soil conditions, and can be cultivated for their medicinal properties.
• Fig Tree: Native to the Arabian Peninsula, the Fig tree is one of the oldest and most important tree species in the UAE. The Fig tree is cultivated for its edible figs, which are commonly used in a variety of food products.
• Ficus: Commonly known as the “Banyan” fig, the Ficus is a species of fig native to Southeast Asia. These trees are cultivated for their edible figs, and are commonly found throughout the UAE.