Plantation Week drives for a greener UAE

Dubai - Nine more parks are expected to open by the end of this year, increasing the number of parks in Dubai to 128.

The Dubai Municipality has concluded its activities of the 37^th Plantation Week on Thursday by opening Hatta Valley Park along with the People's Square in Hatta.
Hatta Valley Park, which provides visitors with views on the history of Dubai in the mountainous areas, was constructed at a cost of Dh15 million near the Hatta Rocky Mountains.
This year's Plantation Week saw the opening of five new parks in Dubai, worth more than Dh75 million, and in line with the Year of Giving, the civic body distributed more than 500,000 flower plants and 50,000 saplings to the public and visitors to the different parks in Dubai.
Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Awadhi, Director of Public Parks and Horticulture Department, said the Plantation Week is part of Dubai's initiatives to increase green landscape across the city. He noted that nine more parks are expected to open by the end of this year, increasing the number of parks in Dubai to 128.
"While the World Health Organization recommends 10.2 square metres of green space per capita, Dubai has now 13.21 square metres. Let's keep in mind that our hot climate makes it difficult to preserve plants, but our aim to turn Dubai green is driving us to new heights," he said.  
Hatta Valley Park, spread over a total area of 6 hectares, opens to a plaza, followed by service buildings, and a cafeteria at a high place overlooking the garden features. It is characterised by the presence of a stream where water from the valley flows from the northern side. It has been protected with a barrier with natural stones and rocks, materials commensurate with the mountain environment. The park is provided with a waterfall using the water flowing from the valley naturally, with valley rafting facility, in addition to a herbal area, making the park a place to go for a successful exploration trip to the landmarks of Hatta with exciting balloon adventures.
Other facilities of the park include a 1,200-metre-long running track, a fitness area and playgrounds for children aged between 2 and 12 years, in addition to rubber flooring. The fenced park has a shaded parking area for 80 vehicles; the umbrellas of these shades are fitted with solar panels that produce alternative energy enough to light up the whole park.
The People's Square in Hatta, spread over an area of 0.44 hectares, was constructed at an estimated cost of Dh2 million. It includes two games arenas for children, fitted with rubber surface and colorful umbrellas. 
The Plantation Week, which took place from March 12-16 under the slogan "Let's plant a greener Emirates together", saw the opening of Al Warqa'a 3 Park on Sunday, Nad Al Sheba 2 Park on Monday, Al Khawaneej Pond Park on Tuesday and Al Mizhar 2 Park on Wednesday.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai