The Sustainable City gets ‘Tree of Tolerance’

The Sustainable City, the Middle East’s first fully-operational sustainable community, has named one of the Ghaf trees in the community as ‘The Tree of Tolerance’ to mark the celebration of the ‘Year of Tolerance’. 

This follows the Ghaf tree being selected as the logo for the ‘Year of Tolerance’ with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, observing that, “we chose the Ghaf as a logo for all of us to live by the principles of tolerance, coexistence and diversity.”

The naming ceremony was held in the presence of Majida Ali Rashid, CEO of the Real Estate Investment Promotion Investment Management Sector at DLD, and Faris Saeed, CEO of Diamond Developers – the property and real estate developer behind The Sustainable City, and residence from The Sustainable City who now is home for over 550 families from 73 different countries. 

Over the years, The Sustainable City, Dubai has planted more than 500 Ghaf trees within the community, most of them from seeds of existing plants. The trees serve as a source of honey for bees, with several beehives found in the neighbourhood, thereby, serving as a vital link in the natural ecosystem. They also attract varied species of birds and other wildlife. Only a fortnight earlier, The Sustainable City had organised a community tree-planting activity with more than 20 Ghaf trees planted. 

Faris Saeed, CEO of Diamond Developers, said: “We are proud to name one of our homegrown Ghaf trees as ‘The Tree of Tolerance’ to celebrate the ‘Year of Tolerance’ with the nation in 2019. 

“A model of tolerance with over 73 nationalities living in harmony, The Sustainable City has always focused on promoting the natural environment and we take due consideration in planting trees that are indigenous to the region to ensure that we create an ecosystem closely aligned with the true habitat. Ghaf trees are not only sturdy and resilient but also demonstrate how to thrive in the desert climate, while supporting varied wildlife and bird species. The tree is a model for all in upholding the message of judicious use of resources and the need to serve others unconditionally.”