My recent visit to Dubai was an eye-opening experience that challenged my preconceived notions of what a desert city can achieve. As a botanist and environmental law expert, I am accustomed to observing the delicate balance of ecosystems. However, in Dubai, I witnessed something truly remarkable: a flourishing biodiversity in a landscape defined by extreme heat and arid conditions.
It’s a powerful contrast. While many cities with naturally fertile land are losing their green cover, Dubai, a city built on sand, is actively transforming its environment. The omnipresent chirping of house sparrows, a species in decline in many of the world’s metro areas, was a constant reminder of this success. I saw a vibrant array of birds, including mynas, crows, quails, parrots, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and pigeons, alongside numerous butterflies, bubble bees, and other insects, all sustained by the meticulous and dedicated efforts of the government.
The methodology behind this transformation is a masterclass in modern environmental management. By meticulously applying soil to the sand and implementing a sophisticated drip irrigation system, the government has created a plant-supporting ecosystem. This massive, coordinated effort of watering plants up to four times a day demonstrates a profound commitment to nature that transcends typical conservation efforts.
The presence of trees like Neem (Azadirachta indica), the Gulmohar (Delonix regia), the mango tree (Mangifera indica ) and even a cotton bush, thriving in an unnatural habitat, is a testament to this remarkable achievement.
This approach offers a powerful model for nations facing similar challenges of desertification and biodiversity loss. Dubai proves that with a clear vision, strong policy, and substantial investment, the seemingly impossible can be achieved. It’s a city that has become a global hub not just for business, but for environmental stewardship.
The “Dubai Model” is a testament to the idea that true wealth lies in preserving our natural world. The vast sums spent on these green initiatives show that the government places a genuine value on environmental sustainability. This isn’t just about creating beautiful gardens and lakes; it’s about making a profound statement about the future of our planet.
As the great philosopher Muhammad Iqbal once said,
“Khudi ko kar buland itna ki har taqdeer se pehle,
Khuda bande se khud puche bata teri raza kya hai,”
which translates to, “Elevate your selfhood so high that before every decree of destiny, God Himself will ask, ‘Tell me, what is your desire?'”
This perfectly captures the spirit of Dubai’s achievement.
According to me, conserving and protecting nature is like worshipping God so that is, what is being carried on in Dubai and that is why Dubai is like gold dust in the world.
My salutations to the government and to the policy makers behind, that are aiming to take care of the plants and nature with such diligence that even a desert is blooming with flowers. What else do you require? A deadly combination of human intelligence and hard work is projected through this spectacle.
Emiratis can do so much in a barren land, think what they would have done if the land was fertile and the climate was good. Hats off to such an administration and the thought process and the Emirati lifestyle.
Dubai is a modern-day miracle, a place where human ingenuity and hard work have turned a barren land into a habitable paradise for a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is a powerful example for every country struggling with environmental degradation, a testament to the fact that we can, and must, actively create the world we want to live in.
