Latest news with #GhafTree
Khaleej Times
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Felt something powerful': How UAE's Ghaf tree inspired resident to pen children's book
Although not connected in roots, Syrian author Thiba Sharaf says she feels connected to the UAE in spirit, and an instance underneath the national UAE tree, the Ghaf, almost four months ago sparked an idea in her head to write a children's book. 'In many ways, this book is my tribute to the UAE. It's a celebration of the land that has nurtured my dreams, and a way to give back to a place that has given so much to me and to so many others who call it home,' she said. The book, entitled 'The Ghaf Tree Adventure', was Thiba's way of saying thank you to the country, she said, in which she has resided for over 20 years. 'This land has given me so many opportunities, unforgettable moments, and a true sense of belonging, she said. 'Naturally, that deep connection has found its way into my storytelling.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'A serene moment' On a calm March afternoon, Thiba was seated underneath the shade of the majestic Ghaf tree. She hadn't noticed the tree above her until she saw its branches reflected on the black glass table. She described the image she saw as 'enchanting.' 'The entire day felt like something out of a fairy tale,' she recalled. 'It had rained in the morning, then the sun came out, birds were singing, rainbows appeared; it was nature at its most poetic. And in that serene moment, sitting under the Ghaf tree, I felt something powerful. A line came to me, very simply: 'Under the Ghaf Tree, good luck will be.'' After that occurrence, she said she knew she wanted to write about the Ghaf Tree, not just for its creativity, but for its significance. The Ghaf Tree, which was declared the national tree of the UAE in 2008, can withstand drought conditions, and can remain green even in harsh desert environments. It is also a historic and cultural symbol of stability and peace in the UAE's desert environment. Thiba said it was important for her to write about the tree as an act of gratitude to the UAE, which she said has given her 'so much.' The book's main protagonists, siblings Hamdan and Hind, are named after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his mother Sheikha Hind. Through those characters, Thiba said she tried to highlight the importance of intergenerational connection; how wisdom and values are passed down from grandparents to parents to children. 'That thread between generations is so vital, especially when it comes to preserving heritage while embracing progress,' she professed.
Gulf Today
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Canvas and sky: Reputed artist Andrew Thompson is also an aircraft engineer
Artist Andrew Thompson points out that by profession, he is a Licensed Aircraft Engineer and currently the Maintenance Manager for a Dubai VVIP flight operation. 'I have lived in the UAE for the past 31 years,' he says. Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, he has had a 'very much of a free outdoors childhood,' in Zimbabwe. A self-taught artist with no formal art training, the inspiration for much of his earlier paintings comes from the surroundings he inhabited during the extensive travelling he did due to his work as an Aircraft Engineer. He admires man's many engineering feats from the past in machinery and architecture, and his work often reflect these muses. 'I also find inspiration from the desert sands of Dubai which may seem bleak and featureless to some, but to me they are alive with shapes, shades and colour, constantly shifting and offering something new,' he underlines. He says he is yet an experimentalist with his art, trying different forms, and taking inspiration from other fellow artists. He recently won second prize in the NBF (National Bank of Fujairah) art competition 2025 and is now showing some of his works at Perspectives – II group exhibition at the Capital Club, Dubai, curated by Patricia Millns, where Andrew's works are curated by Bhairavi Mistry of Noora The Divine Spark. Many of Andrews's pieces have found homes in Dubai and abroad. He speaks to Gulf Today Andrew Thompson looks at the world. Which are the unusual places that have inspired you as an artist? The Great Karoo region of South Africa. Vast open vistas of semi-arid country interspersed with flat topped mountains and hills. The earth tones that pop out of the landscape at sunrise and sunset are breathtaking. The Geilo, Norway. The contrast between light and shadow is extreme and when combined with the blue shadows, caught my attention. It reminded me of the desert in the UAE with a random Ghaf tree casting shadows on the sand. What has kept you in the UAE for over three decades? It is the country that has kept me here. It might get hot and there might be too much dust at times, but it is a special place, special people. The UAE also has pride in its identity which I admire, something that many western countries could look on as an example. It has looked after me. Ghaf Tree. What is the advantage of not having formally learned art? Not to be bound by convention, not to be confused with what you are told, as opposed to what you feel. Watercolour was the medium I first chose, and now many years later, I am well immersed in oil painting. It is only now that I listen to other 'formally' trained artists on social media and compare my notes and my experiences. Not all of it I agree with or follow. How has Africa influenced you as an artist? The land influenced me. In my high school years, I spent most of my holidays in the African bush. This probably influenced my senses of listening, smelling and looking. The golden hours just before sunset sitting high up in the hills above my home watching the light and colours change from the sky above to the dark valleys below. Africa has a special feel at this time of the day. Hajar Thunder. Which is the architecture you admire? I admire most architecture, but I think the style that pulls my eye in is Brutalism. It's the combination of big structure and the raw face of concrete. This is enhanced when sunlight creates sharp zones of light and deep shadow. This contrast of light and shade have offered some inspirational ideas for my art. Why are you still an experimentalist as an artist? I think this comes about due to my sporadic spurts of creating pieces of art. I cannot dedicate a period each day to paint. My painting sessions are grabbed when I am not working in my day-to-day profession or spending time with my family. Hence why I believe I am an experimentalist painter. Night Walk. Who are the fellow artists you look up to? Why? Maynard Dixon, an American West landscape painter. His paintings of big open spaces have always made me pause and look long at his work. He was a minimalist landscape artist, who created big open vistas of the American West, using a subdued colour palette. Very similar to the UAE desert landscapes. Another artist is Andrew Wyeth, also an American artist. He was known as a realist in his style. Besides the sands, what is your Emirati muse as an artist? The Ghaf tree. Strong, resilient and silent. When the wind blows, you can hear it whispering quietly to you. It is a complex tree to paint, its canopy is multi-faceted in shape and subtle colour, all balanced on a rough trunk. The time of day also changes its character. They are the ancient sentinels of the sands. The isolation of these trees has always drawn me to them. Wind Whisperer. Is there a link between aircraft maintenance and art? Yeah, I think there is. Both require your hands, your eyes and your brain. You need to be able to 'think' with your hands at the same time as engaging the brain. There is a natural pride when you walk past your finished painting or when you see the aircraft that you have just worked on, takeoff and fly.
Gulf Today
05-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Mleiha National Park records over 100 species of flora, fauna
Mleiha National Park has conducted an ecological assessment, recording the presence of 100+ distinct species within its protected desert landscape. These include 20+ bird species, 10+ reptile species, 11 mammal species, 39 insect and arachnid species, and 20+ native plant species solidifying Mleiha's position as one of the most ecologically rich and diverse environments in the Arabian Peninsula. Mleiha National Park, an ecological, ecotourism, and conservation destination in the heart of Sharjah's central region, spans 34.2 square kilometres of protected desert terrain and is operated by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). Established by Emiri decree, Mleiha has become a living desert museum, home to rare fossils, ancient artefacts, and thriving biodiversity. These findings affirm its role as a cornerstone of Sharjah's long-term strategy for conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable development. Mleiha National Park Ecological engineers of the desert With 20+ documented native plant species, Mleiha's flora is not only diverse but essential to the park's ecosystem. These plants have evolved to withstand extreme arid conditions, playing critical roles in desert resilience. Key species such as the Ghaf Tree (Prosopis cineraria), Umbrella Thorn Acacia (Vachellia tortilis), and Sodom's Apple (Calotropis procera) contribute to soil stabilisation, regulate moisture retention, and create microhabitats for smaller species. Other important flora like Dune Grass and Arfaj help anchor sand dunes and provide seasonal fodder for herbivores. Mammals, reptiles and birds The fauna of Mleiha includes 11+ species of mammals adapted to desert conditions, including the Arabian Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes arabica) and Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica). Among its 10 reptile species are elusive desert dwellers like the Sandfish Skink (Scincus mitranus) and the Arabian Horned Viper (Cerastes gasperettii). The biodiversity of Mleiha National Park is a natural capital that drives tourism. Birdwatchers can observe 20+ species of birds year-round, including Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and migratory visitors that use Mleiha as a seasonal stopover. Insects and arachnids With 39+ identified species, the park's insect and arachnid population includes key contributors to pollination, soil health, and natural pest control. These invertebrates form the foundation of many food chains within the park. The fauna of Mleiha includes over 11 species of mammals, including the Arabian Red Fox. Highlights include the Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa pubescens), one of the largest native bees and a vital pollinator; the venomous Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda), a desert predator; and the Blue Pansy Butterfly (Junonia orithya), which plays a seasonal role in pollination. Lesser-known species like antlions, ground mantises, and camel spiders also contribute to the delicate ecological balance. Public engagement and education Visitors to Mleiha can experience this biodiversity through curated activities such as nature trails, fossil and flora walks, and wildlife observation. These programmes are central to the park's mission to promote environmental awareness and support the UAE's long-term sustainability goals. Biodiversity as a growth asset 'What makes Mleiha exceptional is its ability to merge ecological significance with economic value,' said Omar Jasim Al Ali, Manager, Mleiha and Strategic Projects. 'The biodiversity of this landscape is a natural capital that drives tourism, supports conservation-linked livelihoods, and enhances Sharjah's reputation as a regional leader in sustainable development. Protecting and showcasing these species responsibly is both an environmental responsibility and a long-term economic strategy.' Mleiha National Park remains open year-round, welcoming nature lovers, researchers, students, and travellers to discover the rich biodiversity of the UAE's inland desert.
Al Etihad
04-06-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
Mleiha Park records 100+ species of flora, fauna in its habitat
4 June 2025 19:43 SHARJAH (WAM) Mleiha National Park has conducted an ecological assessment, recording the presence of over 100 distinct species within its protected desert landscape. These include more than 20 bird species, over 10 reptile species, 11 mammal species, 39 insect and arachnid species, and 20+ native plant species solidifying Mleiha's position as one of the most ecologically rich and diverse environments in the Arabian National Park, an ecological, ecotourism, and conservation destination in the heart of Sharjah's central region, spans 34.2 square kilometres of protected desert terrain and is operated by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). Established by the Emiri decree, Mleiha has become a living desert museum, home to rare fossils, ancient artefacts, and thriving biodiversity. These findings affirm its role as a cornerstone of Sharjah's long-term strategy for conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable 20+ documented native plant species, Mleiha's flora is not only diverse but essential to the park's ecosystem. These plants have evolved to withstand extreme arid conditions, playing critical roles in desert resilience. Key species such as the Ghaf Tree (Prosopis cineraria), Umbrella Thorn Acacia (Vachellia tortilis), and Sodom's Apple (Calotropis procera) contribute to soil stabilisation, regulate moisture retention, and create microhabitats for smaller species. Other important flora like Dune Grass and Arfaj help anchor dunes and provide seasonal fodder for fauna of Mleiha includes 11+ species of mammals adapted to desert conditions, including the Arabian Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes arabica) and Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica). Among its 10 reptile species are elusive desert dwellers like the Sandfish Skink (Scincus mitranus) and the Arabian Horned Viper (Cerastes gasperettii).Birdwatchers can observe 20+ species of birds year-round, including Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and migratory visitors that use Mleiha as a seasonal 39+ identified species, the park's insect and arachnid population includes key contributors to pollination, soil health, and natural pest control. These invertebrates form the foundation of many food chains within the park. Highlights include the Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa pubescens), one of the largest native bees and a vital pollinator; the venomous Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda), a desert predator; and the Blue Pansy Butterfly (Junonia orithya), which plays a seasonal role in pollination. Lesser-known species like antlions, ground mantises, and camel spiders also contribute to the delicate ecological to Mleiha can experience this biodiversity through curated activities such as nature trails, fossil and flora walks, and wildlife observation. These programmes are central to the park's mission to promote environmental awareness and support the UAE's long-term sustainability goals.'What makes Mleiha exceptional is its ability to merge ecological significance with economic value,' said Omar Jasim Al Ali, Manager, of Mleiha and Strategic Projects. 'The biodiversity of this landscape is a natural capital that drives tourism, supports conservation-linked livelihoods, and enhances Sharjah's reputation as a regional leader in sustainable development. Protecting and showcasing these species responsibly is both an environmental responsibility and a long-term economic strategy.' Mleiha National Park remains open year-round, welcoming nature lovers, researchers, students, and travellers to discover the rich biodiversity of the UAE's inland desert.
Sharjah 24
04-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Mleiha Park recorded 100+ species of flora fauna in its habitat
Mleiha National Park, an ecological, ecotourism, and conservation destination in the heart of Sharjah's central region, spans 34.2 square kilometres of protected desert terrain and is operated by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). Established by Emiri decree, Mleiha has become a living desert museum, home to rare fossils, ancient artefacts, and thriving biodiversity. These findings affirm its role as a cornerstone of Sharjah's long-term strategy for conservation, eco-tourism, and sustainable development. Plant diversity: Ecological engineers of the desert With 20+ documented native plant species, Mleiha's flora is not only diverse but essential to the park's ecosystem. These plants have evolved to withstand extreme arid conditions, playing critical roles in desert resilience. Key species such as the Ghaf Tree (Prosopis cineraria), Umbrella Thorn Acacia (Vachellia tortilis), and Sodom's Apple (Calotropis procera) contribute to soil stabilisation, regulate moisture retention, and create microhabitats for smaller species. Other important flora like Dune Grass and Arfaj help anchor sand dunes and provide seasonal fodder for herbivores. Mammals, reptiles and birds The fauna of Mleiha includes 11+ species of mammals adapted to desert conditions, including the Arabian Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes arabica) and Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica). Among its 10 reptile species are elusive desert dwellers like the Sandfish Skink (Scincus mitranus) and the Arabian Horned Viper (Cerastes gasperettii). Birdwatchers can observe 20+ species of birds year-round, including Bonelli's Eagle (Aquila fasciata), Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and migratory visitors that use Mleiha as a seasonal stopover. Insects and arachnids: Small creatures with a big ecological impact With 39+ identified species, the park's insect and arachnid population includes key contributors to pollination, soil health, and natural pest control. These invertebrates form the foundation of many food chains within the park. Highlights include the Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa pubescens), one of the largest native bees and a vital pollinator; the venomous Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda), a desert predator; and the Blue Pansy Butterfly (Junonia orithya), which plays a seasonal role in pollination. Lesser-known species like antlions, ground mantises, and camel spiders also contribute to the delicate ecological balance. Public engagement and education Visitors to Mleiha can experience this biodiversity through curated activities such as nature trails, fossil and flora walks, and wildlife observation. These programmes are central to the park's mission to promote environmental awareness and support the UAE's long-term sustainability goals. Biodiversity as a growth asset 'What makes Mleiha exceptional is its ability to merge ecological significance with economic value,' said Omar Jasim Al Ali, Manager, Mleiha and Strategic Projects. 'The biodiversity of this landscape is a natural capital that drives tourism, supports conservation-linked livelihoods, and enhances Sharjah's reputation as a regional leader in sustainable development. Protecting and showcasing these species responsibly is both an environmental responsibility and a long-term economic strategy.' Mleiha National Park remains open year-round, welcoming nature lovers, researchers, students, and travellers to discover the rich biodiversity of the UAE's inland desert.
