The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) organised a Palm Tree Day celebration at the Islamic Botanical Garden under the theme ‘Makers of Green Miracles in the Desert’ on September 16th. Participants, who included officials, EPAA employees and visitors to Desert Park, enjoyed the celebration. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan viewed palm trees as part of the identity and heritage of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the Palm Tree Day celebration was also a celebration of the Year of Zayed.
HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said, “Given palm trees’ significance to our lives, EPAA is keen to celebrate Palm Tree Day. The agricultural sector and dates have long been important parts of the lives of the UAE’s people as a key source of food, shelter and income. The UAE has always been at the forefront of countries that pay special attention to palm trees thanks to the patronage of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. We are celebrating palm trees and their historical and regional significance and this year Palm Tree Day coincides with the UAE’s celebrations of the Year of Zayed.”
Ms. Al Suwaidi pointed out that palm trees are one of the most frequently mentioned plants in the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. They hold a prestigious place in society; palm trees provided the Arab people with both food and wealth. The Gulf region has successfully planted palm trees and turned the desert into a green oasis, and this success should be celebrated.
The Islamic Botanical Garden’s female employees gave presentations and demonstrations on the pollination of palm trees, on diseases that can affect palm trees and on irrigating palm trees. Participants also watched a short video about the late Sheikh Zayed. In one area, a team provided extensive information about palm trees and about Sheikh Zayed’s interest in and emphasis on palm trees, agriculture and the environment.
Visitors enjoyed the photo gallery organised by Al Dhaid Municipality and they took photographs at the dates corner organised by Al Madam Municipality. Other activities included the Natural History & Botanical Museum’s presentation on palm trees as an energy source, and Moza Al Khaili’s presentation on cosmetic products made from dates.