Vegetation of the United Arab Emirates

UAE Vegetation Zones

1. Desert (Most of the Country)

Sparse, arid-adapted plants: Saltbush, Desert thorn, Desert lily, Ghaf tree, Sand sedge.

2. Coastal (Arabian Gulf & Gulf of Oman)

Mangroves (Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata), seagrasses, halophytes (Glasswort, Sea purslane).

3. Hajar Mountains (Eastern UAE)

Altitudinal zones: low (Acacia, Euphorbia), mid (Pistacia, Juniper, Olea), high (montane woodlands: Juniper, Acacia abyssinica).

4. Oases

Date palms, fruit trees (apricot, pomegranate, citrus), vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions).

5. Urban/Suburban

Landscaping: Bougainvillea, Hibiscus, Oleander. Parks/reserves in Abu Dhabi, Dubai showcase diverse collections.

6. Conservation

Protected areas, reforestation, research to preserve native flora.