Dubai’s Flame Trees Cool Ground by 5ºC

Khawla Al Ali of Dubai Municipality’s Agriculture Department revealed flame trees can lower ground temperatures by up to 5ºC. The trees, originally from Madagascar, were introduced to Dubai decades ago as part of urban greening projects. They now bloom from late April to early July, creating vibrant displays in neighborhoods like Jumeirah and along major roads.

The flame tree’s canopy reaches up to 15 meters wide, offering shade and contributing to Dubai’s sustainability goals. Sheena Khan of Terra, Expo City Dubai, noted the trees mark seasonal changes for many residents and provide spaces for community gatherings.

Dubai recently launched Flame Tree Season, a city-wide celebration encouraging residents to appreciate the trees and share memories. While the municipality plans to expand the trees’ presence, further research could explore optimal planting strategies for maximum cooling effects.