Dubai: A number of government departments in Dubai have joined the ‘Union Tree’ initiative amid preparations to celebrate the 41st UAE National Day on December 2.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inspired the campaign by urging citizens to plant trees in their houses and workplaces to highlight the spirit of the Union during National Day celebrations.

Different government departments such as the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai Customs, and Dubai Road and Transport Authority (RTA) have already planted trees since the campaign’s launch.

Khalid Bin Sulayem, director general of DTCM, said: “They adopted the idea of planting at least 450 trees in all hotels of the city in line with the initiative that reflects the national identity.” He said the proposal had been welcomed by the tourism sector in general and the hotels sector in particular.

Ahmad Butti Ahmad, executive chairman of ports, customs and free zone and director general of Dubai Customs, planted the Union Tree in the garden adjacent to Dubai Customs’ headquarters on Al Mina Road in Port Rashid.

Ahmad lauded Shaikh Mohammad’s initiative. “It is a symbol of the noble values of the UAE and it underlines the values and achievements of the Union realised over four decades by the spirit of loyalty and strong belonging of the UAE people to their country.”

He said a total of 3,000 saplings would be distributed among Dubai Customs staff in coordination with Dubai Municipality to be planted at their homes and other places given the enthusiasm for the initiative within the organisation.

The initiative also saw Mattar Al Tayer, chairman and executive director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), plant a palm tree at the RTA’s headquarters.

Al Tayer said that the initiative symbolises the strength of the Union also spreads a clear message about the importance of instilling the value of the Union in the hearts of UAE citizens, especially the younger generation in view of their critical importance to the country’s future.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Municipality launched a two-week campaign to distribute trees to every citizen across the emirate of Dubai, under the slogan, ‘One Home One Tree.’

“The launch of this campaign comes as part of Dubai Municipality’s keenness to promote patriotism and provide opportunities for the citizens to express this occasion reflecting the spirit of belonging and loyalty to the homeland,” said Hussain Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality.

Lootah said Dubai Municipality will take steps to distribute a tree to each household in the emirate of Dubai until the National Day on December 2, and encouraged citizens to actively participate in the campaign. UAE nationals can also collect saplings from various parks supporting the campaign, including Nad Al Hamar park, Al Warqa markets, Khawaneej track, Twar Centre, Mamzar Park, Al Manar Centre, Jumeirah Park Beach, Union Mall Barsha branch, Jumeirah Grand Mosque, Mankhool Eidgah and Hatta Centre.

— The writer is an intern with Gulf News