ABSTRACT

Reconfiguring UAE’s artificial landscaping by using native plants to improve environmental and
ecological conditions.

UAE has a unique experience in greening the desert. An immense amount of effort and
resources are used to create green spaces around the country comprised of afforestation and
urban landscaping. The landscaping of urban spaces is mostly influenced by western
landscapes, which include exotic species that do not adapt with the environmental conditions of
the country. Maintenance of these exotic species requires an enormous amount of water which
combined with UAE’s water shortages and salinity has caused major ecological and biological
challenges. Luckily, the UAE accommodates exclusive flora and fauna that show notable
adaptation to severe weather conditions.

All these problems occur due to rapid urbanization and the aim to thrive for the possibility of
greening the desert. Since 40-50% of urbanization include the development for vehicular
development i.e., of freeways and highways, UAE’s landscape designs mostly provide green
pockets around these roadways which could be helpful to design urban green pockets with native
plants and proper bio-retention cells rather than wasting such ample number of spaces without
having any purpose to it.

Keywords: exotic species, native plants, green pockets, arid landscaping, UAE biodiversity

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The United Arab Emirates is spreading its green oasis throughout the desert since the 1960s.
The country has contributed to modernization and urbanization by transforming its “natural desert
into productive agricultural land with the idea of greening the desert” (El-Keblawt & Ksiksi, 2005).
Though planting artificial green nature sounds supportive to the environment, it has surprisingly
caused many environmental issues. One of the issues is the high consumption of water in the
world. 80% of the water in UAE is used for the greening projects, and “this large amount of water
demand is met by the desalination of seawater that requires large amounts of energy and
releases massive amounts of carbon dioxide” (Al-Rashed & Sherif, 2000) of the major causes of
global warming. In this research, I will emphasize the use of native plants, due to their capacity to
change the landscapes in saline and water scarce areas, which further leads to conservation of
indigenous biodiversity of UAE along with the climatic and water conditions of the country. It will
also propose possible landscape design strategies for a repeating urban green pocket to support
arid region with help of planting palette suitable for the region.

Context

Greening is the active material construction of nature and since the UAE is mostly built on this
method it is difficult for the country to harmonize with the promotion of the sustainability of the
environment. The rapid growth of artificial greening and destruction of natural habitat to build an
urban landscape has threatened the biodiversity and diminished plant species having coastal
habitat.

However, cities like Abu Dhabi have acknowledged the effects of greening and urbanization,
hence, they made an effort to mandate the preservation of any existing landscape plantation
alongside the construction of other roadway projects. Abu Dhabi has tried to minimize the
removal of vegetation wherever possible by avoiding the destruction of habitat areas and
preserving the threatened and endangered wildlife species (ADM, 2010; ADM 2014).

UAE has mostly focused on urban landscaping to compete with other western landscape designs
and improve their attraction. They have achieved this by introducing exotic species imported from
temperate and semi-temperate regions for enhancing their artificial greenery. Since these exotic
plant species are imported from temperate regions to the arid environment of UAE, they have
high irrigation requirements, therefore need high maintenance and a substantial support system
to keep the plants alive (Franken et al., 2009). It is better to choose native plants since they
easily adapt to hostile arid environmental conditions. However, the two main native agriculture
plants; dates and Rhodes grass, consume a large amount of fresh water mainly from
groundwater sources. As a consequence, the groundwater levels have decreased and the
accumulation of salt at the soil surface has decreased the productivity of the land.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH

The significance of research is to provide detailed picture of extent of damage done to the natural
resources in the UAE by the use of exotic plants in their extensive process of urbanization and
afforestation. This study further entails the detailed description of how the use of non-native
plants is affecting the current groundwater levels which in next two decade might be exhausted if
not used sustainably, which further can lead to a huge blow for economy. The study also
proposes possible landscape design strategies such as creation of green pockets around the
highway and freeways in order to utilize the huge spaces across the roadways, which are left
unchecked otherwise. In order to combat the threat to UAE biodiversity it is recommended to use
the native plant in the process of urban landscaping since these plants not only saves money
and water as they hold water well than exotic plants and requires less maintenance as well
because they are less susceptible to diseases and other environmental risks. The research also
sheds light on the over exploitation of natural resources which have been granted to humans as
blessing, in order for our future generation to reap the fruit of these resources we must adopt
sustainability, which is evident from the case study of Dubai as mentioned in the study.

literature review

United Arab Emirates have been going through the constant development phase, which can be
attributed to discovery of oil and its use as commercial product all over the world. One of the
feats in the development program to modernize the country is development in agricultural field
and urban landscaping, for which exorbitant number of resources have been utilized over the
course of development program. The deserted land of Arab nation has been transformed to
green lush landscapes where almost 33,000 ha forest area had been planted in order to promote
soil conservation in last decade, currently the number has been pushed as far as 75,283 ha.
Implementation of landscaping on such huge scale have raised some environmental concerns
over the past year. UAE utilizes a huge part of its consumption of water on industrial projects
while domestic usage is restricted to mere 13 percent. Most of the demand for industrial water
consumption is met by desalination of seawater where many resources are required, and huge
amount of greenhouse gases are released in environment. In a very short span of time a huge
transformation has been made when it comes to the landscape of Dubai which is evident from
the number of trees planted, creation of spaces for public gardens and recreational facilities
along the highways, which otherwise are left deserted.
Urban landscape is Dubai is at all-time high as it is evident, over a short period, huge areas
along the emirate have been transformed from arid desert to green lush lands by planting trees,
establishment of public parks and gardens along with development of recreational facilities in the
cities and along the highways and roads (Yearbook, 2010). Urban landscaping is a tougher
challenge in region like Dubai with such harsh weather, which makes it very hard for landscaping
to coexist with ecological, social and cultural conditions of the country (Bolleter, 2015).
AIM:
The research aims to discuss the impact of intensive use of exotic species on UAE’s ecological
conditions and to enrich it through indigenous landscaping.

Biodiversity threats

Due to such huge landscape transformation, there have many issues, which is being raised
related to the social and environmental impact, which includes extinction of several plant species
in last 10 years. Toureq et al., the main concern for the country is drought along the coastal
regions due to rapid urbanization and exploitation of natural resources at pace which is not
sustainable. Activities such as afforestation, urbanization and grazing are among few which have
resulted in imbalance in the ecosystem of western region of Abu Dhabi [ CITATION Mou09 \l
3081 ]. To combat such effects the Abu Dhabi official bodies have made it compulsory to
preserve all landscape along the roadway’s projects. At design stages, consultants are advised
in order to survey the existing flora and fauna in order to raise concerns if any of the species is
endangered, before it is removed for the different construction projects. All the construction
projects must be done in a way which minimizes the removal of vegetation.
Use of exotic species for landscaping

All of the major landscape projects that are undergoing are reflection of western society, which
focuses mostly on the aesthetic aspect, which is the major reason it provides artificial greenery
without concerning the existing flora and fauna species. Al- Mashhadani et al., focuses in his
research about the use of non-native species all over the UAE, these species since are not
habitable to the deserted area therefore requires high maintenance as well as the consumption
of water is considerably higher than the native species. The main purpose of using exotic species
in the landscape process is to provide the aesthetics as well as increase the area of vegetation in
that area which are prone to drought and have high salinity level. These species have high
tendency to become invasive which can affect all the flora and fauna around them and pose an
environmental risk. Frenken et al., emphasises the use of native species to combat these risks
since they have high capacity to adapt the environment around them since they are habitable to
grow in such deserted area. As these species are comparatively less invasive they have huge
advantage over the exotic species (Fielder 2006, Stephens et al. 2006) . Pitman el ., discusses
in his study that dates and Rhodes are two main agricultural plant species grown for fruit and
forage purpose. The shortfall of grass due to over grazing are compensated by plantation of
Alfalfa and Rhodes grass. These species have high consumption of water which are directly
absorbed from ground water, these are some of the reason along with the accumulation of salts
at soil surface which is making the land less productive. (Peacock, 2002). Pitman et al., also
suggests to use species which requires less water and are less invasive such as Chloris gayana
instead of Rhodes grass.

Water usage for artificial landscaping

The average rainfall received by UAE ranges between 80 and 140mm (Sherif, 2014). It makes
the resources of fresh water very limited, the annual groundwater extraction is about 2668 million
m3 compared to its recharge rate, which is around 350 million m 3. In last few decades the
consumption of groundwater have seen huge surge due to several projects leading to
urbanization and landscaping which have resulted in decrease in groundwater flow by one tenth.
The current rate of usage of underground water must be reduced by at least 20-30% in order to
call the development sustainable. (Mohammed et al., 2016)
Groundwater contributes to the major share when it comes to resources for landscaping the
desert and other green sectors in UAE, which includes forestry and agriculture. (Frenke, 2009).
Among this agriculture constitutes about 95% of all groundwater used. The water used by
residential purposes is very low compared to shabiyats and villas, which can be attributed to
watering of gardens. A lot of research have been contributed to this over exploitation of resource
and it is suggested that year 2030 would be the first to face some serious consequences in terms
of agriculture and irrigation purposes. The gap between the water requirement and groundwater
supply is increasing which have raised several issues such as less productive lands, high salnity
level, lower groundwater level, intrusion with seawater etc. (MOEW,2015).
Ground water salinity

According to the report of FAO in 2000, it is suggested all over the globe 6% of total worlds land
area are affected by salinity. Globally 45-mha land is salt affected out of 230 Mha of irrigated
land, which is equal to 20% of irrigated land. Every year around 10, Mha of agricultural land is
vanished due to salinization of which 1.5 Mha is irrigated land (Khan et al., 2006). Jamie et al.,
discusses in his paper that by the year 2050 more than half othe arable land would be destructed
due to salinization. Even though the process of salinization is natural, but many human efforts
are adding up to the problem. The groundwater salinity in northern part of UAE has diyybled over
the period of 12 years (Rizk, 2007). In paving a path towards sustainable development, salinity is
one of the major roadblocks. In southern and central region, as well the condition is rqually worse
as level of salinity have doubled (Murad et al., 2007). Seawater intrusion is major contributor in
these surges in salinity levels especuially in aquifers near the coastal region.
Impact of climate change in UAE

UAE have been facing many changes in climate, which can be attributed to rapid pace of
urbanization and development. It boasts the highest carbon foorprint the world compared to all
the countries, in the last two centuries the year 2010 was the warmest year. It is insinuated that
the level of groundwater would keep on diminishing and agriculture production would also be
affect the tourism which is the key economic driving factor for the country therefore UAE must be
ready to go green and sustainable (Almheiri, 2015).
Water and climatic conditions

UAE has focused on urban landscaping mostly to compete with other western landscape designs
and improve their attraction, hence, improving their revenue. However, the greening of the
country for attraction has led UAE to have the highest carbon footprint and this eventually poses
a great threat to the desert ecology. In the long-term this technique will “increase water shortage
and decrease agriculture production” (Almheiri, 2015). Therefore, affecting tourism, which is also
a great revenue source. In the year 2010 UAE has been the warmest in the last two centuries,
this kind of climate change is increasing the temperature and demanding more water. To improve
the water supply and balance temperature the foremost concern for the urban planners should
be to change their techniques and encourage sustainable methods.
Sustainable landscape

Pitman et al., insinuates that a landscaping, which is sustainable, takes in account all the
environmental, social and economic aspects. He defines it as healthy and strong landscapes that
is in harmony with native environmental settings, which includes water, soil and topography.
According to Taheri (2015) urban footprints can be reduced with properly planned landscaping
where proper design, careful energy and plant and material are selected with keeping in mind the
concept of sustainability. Advised steps include selection sites, which maximize wildlife
preservation, and native species are restored. Al Yaqoob et al., recommended that while
designing the landscape we should amalgamate the existing surroundings , linking back to
historic characters tics for additional visual benefits not only it will reduce the cost of maintenance
but also the energy further it is suggested by him that effects of orientation of vegetation must
also be analysed to know their effect. It is also highlighted in his study how important it is to
reduce surplus heat by using greenery and create balanced microclimatic conditions.
Sustainable landscaping and smarter cities in UAE
The concept of ‘Estidama’ have been adopted in ever progressing Abu Dhabi, which is based on
principles vital to sustainable development. It is a design methodology based around the
construction and operation of building and whole community to make it more sustainable.
Department of economic development and urban planning council is focused on sustianbilty as
their core idea. Pearl rating system have been introduced to guid the four pillars of Estidama
(Moktar,2012). Mitigation of negative impacts during construction activities on local environment,
preservation of region critical to species. The ecological value of the area can be made better by
plantation of native species which can be done either by planting 50% plants which are native
and atleast 5 different types or 70 % plants specified for planting on site to comprise native and
adaptive drought or saline tolerant species including minimum of 10 different type of species.
Plant Selection for Cultivation in Salt and Drought Conditions
Currently there exists two types of strategies to deal with adverse drought and saline conditions
in process of sustainable landscaping; use of irrigation and management of drainage in a way it
manages the salt levels in soil and reduction in water losses by engineering the plants to
increase their salts and drought tolerance. However Patane et al.., suggests with such strategy
huge areas of saline land cannot be managed. Ahmed et al., provides comparison of several
methods and shows most of them are very expensive and therefore use of native species seems
the most feasible and economic solution. The salt level tolerance has been thoroughly
investigated and most of them depends of the selection on site therefore the plant species should
be screened under localized conditions as different response could be expected and it avoids
any anomaly if there is any. This is evident from the study of Ismail et al., who suggested that
introduction of saltbushes and band blue bushes from Australia to Pakistan would have same
response but it did not in practice. It is advised to domesticate the wild native species in order to
utilize the degraded land rather than increasing the salt tolerance of plant species. One of the
more successful approach focuses on selection of species, which have genetic tolerance
towards the salt stress and have higher potential for landscaping. Thus the new policy is focused
towards use of plants which require less water consumption and are less invasive in nature
instead of exotic species, not only will it help in sustainability but also increase the beauty of the
desert cities in more manageable way.
New plants in landscaping

The definition of native plants have not been clearly mentioned in any book, U.S fish and wildlife
service defines it ‘with respect to particular ecosystem, a species that, other than as a result of
introduction, historically occurred or currently occurs in that ecosystem’ (U.S Fish and Wildlife
Service, 2001), whereas the U.S national park define it as a result of natural processes on lands
designated as units of the national park system. Regardless of its definition, it is universally
accepted that native plants are something that exist in a region without any aid or interference by
humans. Native plants are most suitable in an area where high efficiency of water is required
along with minimization in maintenance of time and cost (ADM, 2011). Karim et al., have
analysed more than 170 different species of plant in UAE, which are salt resistant along with their
description, distribution and uses. (Karim et al., 2006). Plant species are mostly considered as
tolerant to drought based on verbal observation and their efficiency in performance in landscape
(Gariel et al., 2004). Even though it is preferred to use native species in landscaping due to their
drought tolerant and minimum water capacity requirement it is unknown about the effectiveness
because there are species which are not native and perform better in wild and different climatic
conditions . However, many studies suggest the importance of use of wild life, which is habitable
to the condition due to their innate abilities. Fielder et la., shows the importance of native plants
due to their effectiveness in retaining greater nutrients from the habitable surroundings to thrive
and therefore less water is required.

It is universally acknowledged with more and more countries implementing use of native plant in
landscaping such as USA, China and Oman that use of native plants in landscaping process
have benefits by providing development, which is sustainable. In case of UAE many established
medical association have carried out analysis of flora life and advocated a list of 29 species of
plants including some non-native species. Sakkir et al., carried out a study on medicinal values of
different plant species and made a list of 132 plants which are present in UAE natively and have
medicinal values.

These plants have also innate capabilities to aid the restoration wild life habitat by providing its
requirements to grow and shelter along with other ecological processes. In order to replenish a
degraded habitat, use of species, which are native to ecological process, is vital in order to
capture the important nutrients. Native shrubs and trees are of great importance in an
ecosystem, which is arid since they not only provide shade and shelter but a place to live for the
wildlife around it along with their aesthetic aspect.

Public behaviour to adopt Native plants in landscaping

Inculcating and advocating practice such as use of native plants is advisable; also, it is an huge
emerging market in the UAE. In order to increase the demand and sales several steps have been
suggested in different studies such as use of costumer behaviour can be effected by labelling of
plant as invasive and non-invasive. In a study carried out by Yue et al., Nevada Grown plant
labelled as Nevada was sold at 20% higher to costumer and yet they bought it. Bruzuszek et al.,
shows in his paper that in area with deserted condition people in community were more willing to
accept the native plants. Public prefers them by more than non-native plants.

Native plants (Indigenous Plants)

People have had an opinion that native plants are not aesthetically pleasing which is not true in
case of plants in UAE. Most of the residential places have date, palm and Moringa peregrima,
which shows the interest of public in the use of native plant for landscaping. A beautiful
landscape project is completed at Sheikh Zayed Street, with introduction of native plants at huge
scale. This pioneering project is in tandem with Abu Dhabi vision of 2030 to establish a city,
which is sustainable in all ways. The landscape, includes many native species in order to
promote use of more indigenous species for landscaping projects. (Al Mashhadani, 2014). Abu
Dhabi have saved many species, which were at verge of extinction by their use in landscaping
projects, and preserved them in a way from going extinct. (ADM,2011). Most of the plants not
only requires less water but also have high capacity tolerate salinity ( Western, 1989).It is
believed that native plants are the solution to current challenges of water shortage and
implementation of landscaping projects in a sustainable way. Native planst are most vita to
secure the future of the green sector in the country (Shahin andSalem, 2014)
There is not a lot of attention paid towards flora of UAE but substantial literature exists about the
flora of UAE. Despite having such harsh climate UAE have, extensive list of plant of diverse
native plants (Sakkir et al., 2012). The first recorded evidence of history relating to botany was by
Sir Wilfred Thesiger who collected samples of plants and still to this date, they are used as
reference. Scientific work about flora and research on vegetation have recently started as stated
by Jurget et al., in his work. Wester (1989) was the first to document 501 plants species for
UAE. Later on more work carried ut by Roshier et al., added more species along with several
other contributores. A.G Miler and T.A Cope appeared in 1996 (Miller et al., 1996). Zayed
Complex for herbs have collected, recorded and analysed tradition medicinal plants and kept the
data safe. In first list was was out 1996 three categories were created later on which were
published by Jongbloed et al., a more comprehensive guide to flora and fauna of UAE which
promoted the research on the flora of country.
Currently the campaign of promotion of native plant in use of landscaping project is at initial
stages hence there are more efforts required not only by the government but also from the
citizens in their residential spaces. Unfortunately, there is no bank centre to store the seeds and
no database to preserve fo flora of UAE available. Even there is no comprehensive list of all
native and indigenous plant species, which are recommended for landscaping. Therefore, more
works is to be done, in order to create a centre for storing all the recorded and analysed data of
flora of UAE, in order to preserve it and sustain it for future generation. In addition more attention
should be given in improving germplasm collection and storage (Shahin and Salem,2014).
Species suitable for landscape
Experts do not often look at the flora of UAE but it is encouraged to use the landscape process
by going through the traditional knowledge of UAE and using plants, which are habitable in the
environment to be used by landscape experts. Studies in other arab countries has also been
carried out to provide more extensive list of species which are able to survive the arid weather
with high salinity tolerance. Despite the inhospitable conditions of arid desert, there have been an
extensive list of species, which can be selected for landscape;
 Shade trees [All examples]
 Hedges
 Shrubs
 Grasses
 Ground covers
Species suitable for landscape

UAE vegetation is not often analysed but landscape specialists utilize conventional experience of
UAE residents to decide on plants in their landscape designs. Research is also conducted in
other Arab countries with similar dry environment and vegetation which can be beneficial.
Regardless of the harsh environmental conditions, UAE have various plants which can be used
for all requirements of any landscape.
Few of the species are listed below in the table:

Table 1| List of Indigenous Plants

CHAPTER 3: PROPOSAL

Topic: Reconfiguring UAE’s artificial landscaping using indigenous plants.

3.1. Statement

The increase in urban landscaping and population has resulted in the endangerment and/or
extinction of plant species in the last few decades around the world. This has caused
environmental and socioeconomic problems triggering the need to conserve plant resources.
This paper summarizes the use of landscaping techniques in UAE, anticipates the effects of
planting exotic species, and how alteration in technique by planting more native plants will
improve the water use practices having a sustainable environment.

3.2. Scope

The scope of this research is to evaluate the overall agriculture phenomenon in the history of
landscaping techniques in UAE and understand the exposure of all native and exotic species of
flora. It is suggested that landscape proposers and space designers play an utmost role in
changing the apprehension of landscape proposals which may help in reshaping of water use
practices and maintenance.
“It is vital for landscape architects and policy makers to understand the concerns related with
landscaping with non-indigenous plant since they are the one who can push this drive of using
native plants in landscaping further by practicing it and promoting in different projects”.
3.3 AIM:
The research aims to discuss the impact of intensive use of exotic species on UAE’s ecological
conditions and to enrich it through indigenous landscaping.

3.4. Objectives

The objectives of the report are to:

 analyze the existing issues due to the extensive use of artificial greening.
 emphasize a detailed review of the advantages of using native plants and highlight their
ability to strive in arid conditions, which would decrease the pressure on water resources.
 review the water constraints attributed to non-indigenous species
 Focus on disadvantages of planting exotic species.
 discuss challenges and solutions for supporting the use of native plant to the users.
 create a planting palette for such arid weather conditions, making it easier for the users.
 Design landscape strategies for the lost spaces of UAE – Roadways

3.5. Methodology

The research paper aims to study the alternative method of integrating native planting in the arid
climatic conditions of UAE rather than the concept of artificial greening. It highlights the
advantages which would decrease the pressure on water resources and climatic changes of the
place. The study proposes a qualitative method of research related to the flora and fauna of the
place, supported by essential conclusions and evaluation of current research proposals. Further,
conceptual design strategies will be proposed through exploring case studies and implementing
the strategies on a large scale.
As a result, a qualitative method of research is indicative for a detailed study along with exploring
new design strategies, which can be classified into further parts:
 Literature study: Detailed developing of aim and objective of the research.
 Critical Analysis: Investigation of existing threats to the biodiversity of the place due to
the present landscape techniques used in UAE.
 Data Analysis: Data collection of Flora and fauna in salt and drought conditions.
 Conceptual Design Strategies: Adaptive use of landscaping strategies to conserve water
through bioretention cells, xeriscaping etc.

3.5.1 Methodology Structure

The composition will support to establish a proper experiential analysis and information study to
plan the process in a proper structure below:
1. Advancement of a particular research aim and objectives to achieve it.
2. Comprehensive analysis of the literature
  Urban landscape developments in UAE
 Biodiversity Threats
 Use of exotic species and water requirements to maintain the landscape.
3. Essential information analysis and evaluation
 Data categorization and analysis of the current scenarios in UAE to attain the aim
of this research.
 Enhancement of ideas and assumptions concerning the proposal.
4. Study the effective examples of landscape techniques
 Case study of successful design strategies to achieve finest possibilities to be
implied at such difficult climatic conditions.
5. Assessment of the readings and suggestions to determine the research.
 Create a detailed summary of the research.
 Establish approaches to make best application of the data collection through the
primary literature review for the development of the design concept.
6. Design Concept development
 Generate several concepts for the design resolution.
 Create planting palette prototype, making it easy for the customers to use.
7. Conclusion pointing out the effectiveness and necessity of the proposal.

4.0. Case Study (this comes after the aim and methodology)

Manchaca Greenway
Site: Manchaca, TX
Firm: AECOM
Date: 2011
Use of Indigenous plants to conserve water is the main aim of the research. In this case study
AECOM has solved this problem by integrating green swales and stormwater treatment structure
in their linear spaces along the freeway.

Figure 1: Stormwater Management

DESIGN ANALYSIS

There are many lost spaces in Dubai. I decide to use all these unused spaces to break the
traditional stormwater drainage system. Based on the existing freeway stormwater drainage, by
inserting water treatment units, the heavy polluted freeway stormwater runoff would be treated.
On the unused spaces surrounding freeway, using effluent creates an urban forest using
indigenous plants, where the neighbourhood stormwater runoff could be cleaned and infiltrated
into ground water.

Freeway Stormwater Runoff Treatment

1. Water collection structure

2. Gravel basin
3. Bioretention basin.

Figure 2 | Water collection structures

 gravel basin
Bioretention cell

Freeway drainage typologies

These typologies when combined with gravel basin and bioretention cells can provide a water
management to filter stormwater and provide filtered groundwater water.
5.0 DISCUSSION (DESIGN CONCEPT)

 What are the impacts of “Urban Greening” on natural resources and climatic conditions?
 What are the advantages of Native planting?
 What landscape design strategies can be used to conserve water?