Abu Dhabi has introduced a new rule aimed at protecting three of the emirate’s most iconic native trees: Al Ghaf, Al Samar, and Al Sidr. Under the latest directive from the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), any individual found damaging these trees will face a fine of AED 10,000.
The new rule reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving its natural environment. Each of these trees will now be officially coded and numbered, making them trackable and legally protected. The regulation is designed to prevent any unauthorized trimming, removal, or harm — whether through landscaping, development, or accidental damage.
These trees are not only symbolic but ecologically significant. Native to the region, they help maintain desert biodiversity, offer shade and shelter to wildlife, and are deeply rooted in Emirati heritage. Their survival is vital for maintaining balance in the ecosystem, especially as the emirate continues to expand and urbanise. So if you’re planning any garden updates or outdoor projects, it’s worth double-checking what’s growing nearby — especially if it happens to be a Ghaf, Samar, or Sidr.
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has introduced strict environmental protections, including fines of up to AED 1 million for major violations related to marine pollution, biodiversity damage, and illegal development. The capital also banned the planting of oleander, a toxic shrub, due to its harmful impact on both public safety and local flora and fauna.
