Dubai: Thousands of square metres have been converted into green zones as Dubai Municipality launches the 33rd Plantation Week.

Themed ‘Together we plant the UAE’, the week-long event began with the opening of the 47,000 square metre Al Hubab residential park.

The park that has more than 100 trees, was inaugurated by Obaid Salem Al Shamsi and Salah Amiri, assistant director generals of Dubai Municipality.

As part of the plantation week green public spaces in Al Hubab area were also opened.

As part of the Plantation Week activities, which will continue until March 7, the municipality will open 10 parks and green open public areas, as well as organise awareness programmes in communities on conservation and enhancing plantation and agriculture.

Al Hubab residential park, one of the specially designed green projects, contains a jogging track of 1.8km, ghaf trees and seating areas. The project uses solar energy for illumination.

The public square of Al Hubab stretches for 8,200 square metres, which includes a number of games for kids, seating areas and a solar-powered lighting system. The park has 182 metres of soil-covered areas and 98 feet of bush fence.

Ahmad Abdul Kareem, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture, said all community parks have free entry.

“Through our technical team, we have planted trees that consume less water in our parks,” he said.

Monday’s activities will begin with the opening of Al Warqa Park 2 at 8am.

‘These parks cost millions and have already added hectares of greenery to the city. Plans are on to make more urban areas green,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, Chairman of the Coordinating Council for municipalities, has highlighted the great attention given by the government for developing the agricultural sector and increasing green areas.

In a statement released on the occasion he hailed the efforts of UAE’s leadership, led by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to enhance and strengthen this sector.

He also shed light on the “Union Tree Initiative “, launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the occasion of the 41st National Day.