Abu Dhabi, the green metropolis of the Gulf

Dubbed The Green City of the Gulf, Abu Dhabi has been turned from a barren dry land to a vast green field during the last three decades.

Dozens of parks, road and highway side greenery and afforestation projects have completely changed the city's landscape.

Today, Abu Dhabi and its neighbouring areas have public parks, having a variety of colourful floral and shrub plants.

The credit for this goes to the Agriculture Section at Abu Dhabi Municipality and Town Planning Department under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, chairman of the department and Ruler's Representative in the Western Region.

All the green initiatives have been made under the direct instructions of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

In 1974, there was only one public park in Abu Dhabi with very little greenery, but today the number has increased to about 40, covering an area of more than three million square metres. Seven of these parks have been built exclusively for women and children.

The parks have been specially designed to reveal the unique features of the UAE's environmental and civilisational characteristics. The parks also include necessary services such as restaurants, rest houses, benches, shades, toilets, drinking water provision and various playing facilities for children.

In addition to public parks, Abu Dhabi is also decorated with millions of date palms, plants, shrubs and floral bouquets on the road and street sides.