December/2025

Near Absence of Trees in Gulf Countries

The Gulf region, officially referred to as the Arabian Gulf or Persian Gulf region, includes six main countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. One of the most striking environmental characteristics shared by these countries is the near absence of natural tree cover. Unlike tropical, temperate, or even semi-arid regions where trees form a dominant part of the landscape, the Gulf countries are overwhelmingly dominated by deserts, barren land, and sparse shrubs.

Trees play a vital role in regulating climate, supporting biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, and improving human well-being. Their scarcity in the Gulf has profound environmental, social, and economic consequences, including extreme urban heat, frequent dust storms, biodiversity loss, and increased dependence on artificial cooling systems. Understanding why trees are rare in this region requires a careful examination of geography, climate, soil conditions, and historical land-use patterns.

This section provides a foundational overview of the geographic and natural background of the Gulf countries to explain why tree growth has always been limited and why afforestation remains a major challenge.

1.2 Geographic Location of Gulf Countries

The Gulf countries are located in West Asia, primarily on the Arabian Peninsula, between latitudes 16°N and 32°N. This positioning places the region firmly within the subtropical desert belt, an area known globally for high temperatures, low precipitation, and limited vegetation.

Geographically, the region is characterized by:

● Vast sandy deserts (Rub’ al Khali, An Nafud, Ad-Dahna)
● Rocky plateaus and gravel plains
● Limited mountain ranges (notably in Oman and southwestern Saudi Arabia)
● Long coastlines along the Arabian Gulf and the Arabian Sea

Most of the land lies far from permanent freshwater sources, such as rivers or lakes, which further limits the development of dense vegetation.

1.3 Natural Vegetation Zones in the Gulf

Naturally occurring vegetation in the Gulf is classified as desert or hyper-arid vegetation.

Instead of trees, the dominant plant forms are:
● Xerophytic shrubs
● Seasonal grasses
● Salt-tolerant plants (halophytes)
● Sparse acacia trees in isolated wadis and mountain foothills

Forests, as defined by international standards (areas with more than 10% tree canopy cover), are virtually nonexistent in most Gulf states.

1.4 Climate Characteristics Affecting Tree Growth

The Gulf countries experience one of the harshest climates on Earth, making tree survival extremely difficult without human intervention.

Key climatic features:
● Extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 45°C in summer
● Very low annual rainfall, often below 100 mm
● High evaporation rates, far exceeding rainfall
● Frequent droughts

Trees require sustained moisture during root development, which is rarely available in the region.

1.5 Temperature Extremes and Vegetation Stress

Extreme heat is a defining feature of the Gulf climate. During summer months, surface temperatures often exceed 50°C, creating intense stress on plants.

1.6 Soil Conditions and Natural Limitations

Beyond climate, soil quality plays a critical role in limiting tree growth. Most soils in the Gulf are:

● Sandy or gravelly
● Low in organic matter
● Highly saline in coastal and inland basins
● Poor in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus

These conditions prevent deep root anchoring and restrict nutrient uptake, making long-term tree survival difficult without soil amendment.

1.7 Historical Perspective on Tree Cover

Historically, the Gulf region has never supported dense forests. Ancient populations adapted to the environment through:
● Nomadic lifestyles
● Reliance on date palms in oases
● Limited use of wood resources

Overgrazing by camels and goats further reduced already scarce vegetation, accelerating land degradation.

● Geographic placement in the global desert belt
● Extremely low rainfall
● Extreme heat
● Poor soil conditions
● Historical land-use practices

These natural constraints form the foundation upon which modern environmental challenges and policy responses must be understood.

Climatic Constraints on Tree Growth in Gulf Countries

2.1 Overview of Climatic Barriers

Climate is the single most powerful limiting factor behind the near absence of trees in the Gulf countries. Even with modern technology and irrigation, the natural climate of the region works against long-term tree survival. Trees evolved to grow in environments where rainfall, temperature, and humidity remain within certain biological limits. In the Gulf, these limits are frequently exceeded.

The climatic challenges include:
● Extremely low and unpredictable rainfall
● Excessive heat for prolonged periods
● Very high evaporation rates
● Frequent drought cycles

Together, these factors create a hostile ecological environment where only highly adapted desert shrubs and grasses can survive naturally.

2.2 Low and Erratic Rainfall Patterns

Rainfall in the Gulf region is not only scarce, but also irregular. In some years, rainfall may be almost negligible, while in others it may arrive in short, intense bursts that cause runoff rather than soil infiltration. Trees require consistent moisture availability to develop deep root systems. In the Gulf, rain often evaporates or flows away before it can be absorbed.

2.3 Extreme Heat Stress on Trees

Gulf countries experience prolonged heat waves that last several months.

High temperatures accelerate:
● Water loss through transpiration
● Soil moisture evaporation
● Leaf scorching and root damage

Many tree species cannot maintain physiological functions when temperatures exceed 40°C for extended periods.

2.4 High Evaporation Rates

In desert climates, evaporation rates can be five to ten times higher than annual rainfall. This means that even when rain occurs, most of the water is lost before it can benefit plant roots.

2.5 Drought Frequency and Duration

Droughts in the Gulf are not occasional events but persistent climatic conditions. Multi-year droughts reduce groundwater recharge, further restricting moisture availability for trees.

2.6 Climate Change Intensifying Constraints

Climate change is amplifying existing challenges by:
● Increasing average temperatures
● Reducing rainfall reliability
● Extending heatwave duration

Future climate projections suggest that the Gulf region may become even less suitable for tree growth without artificial support.

Water Scarcity and Dependence on Desalination

3.1 Introduction: Water as the Central Constraint

Water scarcity is the most decisive factor limiting tree growth in Gulf countries. Even if climate and soil challenges could be partially managed, the lack of natural freshwater remains a fundamental barrier. Trees require sustained water availability over many years, but the Gulf region is among the most water-stressed regions in the world.

Natural water sources such as rivers, lakes, and permanent streams are almost entirely absent. As a result, Gulf countries rely heavily on groundwater extraction and desalination, both of which pose severe limitations for large-scale afforestation.

3.2 Groundwater Resources and Depletion

Groundwater historically supported limited agriculture and oasis-based vegetation, especially date palms. However, decades of over-extraction have caused:

● Rapid decline in water tables
● Increased salinity
● Permanent aquifer damage

Most groundwater in the Gulf is fossil water, meaning it does not recharge on human timescales.

3.3 Agricultural Water Demand vs Afforestation Needs

Agriculture already consumes the largest share of available water, leaving limited resources for tree planting projects. Trees, especially during establishment, require regular irrigation for several years.

3.4 Rise of Desalination as a Water Source

Due to the collapse of natural freshwater sources, Gulf countries have become global leaders in desalination technology. However, desalinated water is:

● Energy-intensive
● Expensive
● Primarily reserved for domestic and industrial use

Using desalinated water for irrigation of trees is economically and environmentally controversial.

3.5 Cost of Desalinated Water for Irrigation

Desalinated water costs several times more than natural freshwater. This cost makes large-scale tree irrigation economically impractical.

3.6 Treated Wastewater as an Alternative

Some Gulf countries are increasingly using treated wastewater for irrigation. While promising, this approach faces limitations:

● Infrastructure costs
● Public acceptance issues
● Salinity accumulation in soils

3.7 Water Security vs Environmental Ambitions

Gulf governments must balance:
● Drinking water security
● Food production
● Industrial development
● Environmental greening projects

In times of water stress, tree planting is often deprioritized, reinforcing the scarcity of trees.

Urbanization, Oil Economy, and Land-Use Change

4.1 Introduction: Human-Driven Landscape Transformation

While climate and water scarcity explain much of the natural absence of trees in Gulf countries, human activities have further reduced the already limited vegetation cover. Rapid urbanization, oil-driven economic growth, and large-scale infrastructure development have transformed desert landscapes into cities, highways, industrial zones, and energy facilities. In this process, natural land capable of supporting even sparse trees has been replaced by concrete and asphalt.

This section examines how economic priorities and land-use decisions have intensified tree scarcity across the Gulf region.

4.2 Rapid Urban Expansion in Gulf Countries

Over the last five decades, Gulf countries have experienced some of the fastest urban growth rates in the world. Oil revenues enabled:

● Massive city construction
● Expansion of road networks
● Creation of industrial zones and ports
● Land reclamation projects

Urban growth often occurred without ecological planning, leaving little space for trees.

4.3 Land Consumption by Infrastructure

Large-scale infrastructure projects consume vast areas that might otherwise support limited vegetation. These include:

● Airports and seaports
● Oil refineries and pipelines
● Industrial free zones
● Military installations

Once developed, these lands become ecologically sealed, preventing any tree growth.

4.4 Oil Economy and Environmental Trade-Offs

The oil and gas sector dominates Gulf economies and shapes land-use priorities. Exploration, drilling, pipelines, and processing facilities occupy large tracts of land, often in ecologically sensitive desert areas.

Additionally:
● Environmental regulations were historically weak
● Economic growth was prioritized over ecological preservation
● Land restoration received limited attention

4.5 Loss of Traditional Green Areas

Before rapid modernization, small green spaces existed around:

● Oases
● Date palm farms
● Seasonal grazing areas
Urban expansion and groundwater depletion led to the decline of these traditional vegetation zones, further reducing tree presence.

4.6 Urban Design and Heat-Intensive Surfaces

Modern Gulf cities rely heavily on:
● Concrete
● Asphalt
● Glass
● Steel
These materials:
● Absorb and retain heat
● Increase surface temperatures
● Reduce soil permeability

As a result, urban environments become hostile to tree survival, even where planting is attempted.

4.7 Lack of Green Urban Planning (Historical Context)

Until recent years:

● Tree planting was largely decorative
● Green spaces were minimal
● Maintenance costs discouraged large-scale planting

Urban greenery was considered a luxury, not a necessity.

Environmental and Ecological Impacts of the Near Absence of Trees

5.1 Introduction: Why Trees Matter Environmentally

Trees are fundamental to ecological stability. They regulate temperature, stabilize soil, support wildlife, filter air pollutants, and influence local climate patterns. In Gulf countries, the near absence of trees has intensified environmental stress, transforming deserts into even more fragile and hostile ecosystems. While deserts are naturally sparse, the lack of trees amplifies degradation beyond natural limits.

This section explores how limited tree cover affects desertification, biodiversity, climate, soil health, and atmospheric conditions in the Gulf region.

5.2 Accelerated Desertification

Trees act as natural barriers against desert expansion by:
● Holding soil together with roots
● Reducing wind speed at ground level
● Retaining moisture in the soil
Without trees, Gulf landscapes are highly vulnerable to wind erosion and sand movement, leading to expanding deserts and land degradation.

Land Affected by Desertification

(% of Total Land)

↑ Sort Low to High ↓ Sort High to Low

🔍

Country	Land Affected by Desertification (%)	Visual

Countries: 6 Average: 85.3% Highest: 95% (Kuwait) Severity: Very High

5.3 Increase in Dust and Sandstorms

Trees reduce dust storms by acting as windbreaks and trapping airborne particles. In their absence, the Gulf region experiences frequent dust and sandstorms, affecting air quality and visibility.

Average Annual Dust Storm Events

Dust Storms per Year

↑ Sort Few to Many ↓ Sort Many to Few

🔍

Country	Dust Storms per Year	Frequency	Visual

Countries: 6 Average: 20.7 Highest: 30 (Kuwait) Intensity: High

5.4 Loss of Biodiversity and Wildlife Habitat

Trees provide shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for birds, insects, and mammals. Their absence leads to:
● Reduced species diversity
● Habitat fragmentation
● Decline of pollinators

Desert ecosystems become simplified and fragile, unable to recover from disturbances.

Estimated Decline in Native Species

(% Decline from Historical Levels)

🌱 Sort by Plants 🐾 Sort by Animals 📊 Sort by Total

🔍

Country	🌱 Plant Species Decline (%)	🐾 Animal Species Decline (%)	Total Impact	Trend

Countries: 6 Avg Plants: 37.5% Avg Animals: 32.5% Highest Impact: Kuwait

5.5 Soil Degradation and Nutrient Loss

Trees contribute organic matter through leaf litter and root decay. Without them:

● Soil fertility declines
● Microbial activity decreases
● Soil becomes compacted and saline

Soil Organic Matter Content

Average Soil Organic Matter (%)

↑ Sort Low to High ↓ Sort High to Low

🔍

Country	Average Soil Organic Matter (%)	Soil Health	Visual

Countries: 6 Average: 0.42% Highest: 0.8% (Oman) Lowest: 0.2% (Qatar, Kuwait)

5.6 Amplification of the Urban Heat Island Effect

Trees cool cities through shade and evapotranspiration. Their absence leads to:

● Higher surface temperatures
● Increased energy demand for cooling
● Heat stress for humans and animals

Urban Temperature Increase Due to Tree Absence

Average urban temperature increase in Middle Eastern countries when trees are absent

Sort by Temperature Sort by Country

Country	Average Urban Temperature Increase (°C)

Total countries: 6

Highest increase: 6.5°C (Kuwait)

Average increase: 5.62°C

5.7 Reduced Carbon Sequestration Capacity

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and store carbon in biomass. Their scarcity limits the Gulf’s ability to:

● Offset emissions
● Mitigate climate change
● Improve air quality

Estimated Carbon Sequestration Capacity

CO₂ absorption capacity in tons per hectare per year across Gulf countries

📊 Sort by Absorption 🌍 Sort by Country 🔄 Reset View

Country	CO₂ Absorption (tons/ha/year)

6

Countries

0.9

Highest Absorption

0.53

Average Absorption

3.2

Total Capacity

Social and Public Health Impacts of Tree Scarcity

6.1 Introduction: Trees and Human Well-Being

Trees are not only ecological assets; they are also essential for human health and social well-being. In Gulf countries, the near absence of trees affects daily life by increasing heat stress, worsening air quality, limiting outdoor activity, and reducing overall quality of life. While wealth and technology have enabled climate-controlled indoor environments, dependence on artificial cooling comes with health, economic, and social costs.

This section explores how limited tree cover influences public health, social behavior, mental well-being, and urban livability in the Gulf region.

6.2 Heat Stress and Human Health Risks

Trees reduce ambient temperatures through shade and evapotranspiration.

Without them, people are exposed to:
● Extreme outdoor heat
● Higher risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke
● Reduced tolerance for physical activity

Outdoor workers, elderly populations, and children are particularly vulnerable.

Heat-Related Illness Cases

Annual rates per 100,000 people in Gulf countries

Shows the incidence of heat-related health conditions including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration requiring medical attention

📈 Sort by Rate 📍 Sort by Country 🔄 Reset View

🔍

⚠️ High Heat Risk Region

Country	Heat-Related Illness Rate

🏥

6

Countries

🔥

260

Highest Rate

Kuwait

📊

200.8

Average Rate

per 100,000 people

⚠️

1205

Estimated Cases

per 600,000 population

6.3 Air Quality Degradation and Respiratory Problems

Trees act as natural air filters by trapping dust and absorbing pollutants. In their absence:

● Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) remains airborne
● Dust storms worsen respiratory conditions
● Asthma and bronchitis cases increase

Average PM2.5 Concentration

Fine particulate matter levels in µg/m³ across Gulf countries

PM2.5 refers to atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. These fine particles can penetrate deep into lungs and enter the bloodstream.

📊 Sort by PM2.5 🌍 Sort by Country 🔄 Reset View

🔍

🌫️ Air Quality Data

Country	PM2.5 Level (µg/m³)

🌍

6

Countries

⚠️

55

Highest PM2.5

Kuwait

📊

46.7

Average PM2.5

µg/m³

🎯

5×

Above WHO Limit

WHO recommends 10 µg/m³

Good (0-12)

Moderate (13-35)

Unhealthy for Sensitive (36-55)

Unhealthy (56-150)

💡 Note: All countries in this dataset exceed the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline of 10 µg/m³

6.4 Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being

Numerous studies show that green spaces:

● Reduce stress
● Improve concentration
● Lower anxiety and depression

In Gulf cities, limited access to trees and natural landscapes contributes to:
● Psychological fatigue
● Reduced social interaction
● Increased dependence on indoor entertainment

Access to Green Space per Capita

Green space availability in square meters per person across Gulf countries

Green space includes parks, gardens, urban forests, and other vegetated areas accessible to the public. More green space correlates with better mental health, physical activity, and urban cooling.

🌿 Sort by Green Space 🌍 Sort by Country 🔄 Reset View

🔍

🍃 Urban Greenery

Country	Green Space per Capita (m²/person)

🌍

6

Countries

🏆

7.0

Highest

Oman

📊

4.5

Average

m²/person

🎯

45%

Below WHO Target

WHO recommends 9 m²

🌳 Optimal: 9+ m²/person (WHO)

🌲 Moderate: 5-9 m²/person

🍃 Low: Below 5 m²/person

💡 Urban Planning Recommendation

All countries in this dataset fall below the WHO recommendation of 9 m² of green space per person. Increasing urban greenery through parks, street trees, and green roofs can significantly improve public health, reduce urban heat island effects, and enhance quality of life.

6.5 Reduced Outdoor Physical Activity

Extreme heat and lack of shaded areas discourage walking, cycling, and outdoor exercise. This leads to:

● Sedentary lifestyles
● Increased obesity rates
● Higher incidence of lifestyle diseases

Adult Obesity Prevalence

Percentage of adult population with obesity across Gulf countries

📊 Sort by Rate 🌍 Sort by Country 🔄 Reset View

🔍

⚕️ Public Health Data

Country	Obesity Rate (%)

🌍

6

Countries

⚠️

40%

Highest Rate

Kuwait

📊

34.2%

Average Rate

of adult population

🎯

2.3×

Above Global Avg

Global average: 15%

High Risk: 35%+

Medium Risk: 25-34%

Low Risk: Below 25%

💡 Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers. These rates are significantly higher than the global average of approximately 15%.

6.6 Social Inequality and Access to Green Spaces

Tree-lined streets and parks are often concentrated in:
● Wealthy neighborhoods
● Tourist areas
● Gated communities

Low-income workers and migrant populations often live in areas with minimal greenery, increasing exposure to heat and pollution.

Green Space Distribution by Income Group

Green space access index (0-10) across high and low-income areas

Measures the disparity in access to parks, gardens, and urban greenery between affluent and less affluent neighborhoods

⚖️ Sort by Equity 🌍 Sort by Country 🔄 Reset View

🔍

🌳 Environmental Justice

Country	High-Income Areas	Low-Income Areas

🌍

6

Countries

📈

7.0

Avg High Income

Index score

📉

2.4

Avg Low Income

Index score

⚖️

2.9×

Inequality Ratio

High:Low income

Green Space Inequality Across Gulf Countries

💡 This data reveals significant environmental injustice, with high-income areas having nearly 3 times more green space access than low-income areas. This inequality affects public health, urban cooling, and community wellbeing.

6.7 Economic Costs of Tree Absence

The lack of natural cooling increases:
● Electricity consumption
● Government subsidies for energy
● Household cooling expenses

Electricity Used for Cooling (% of Total Consumption)

Country	Cooling-Related Electricity (%)
Saudi Arabia	60%
UAE	70%
Qatar	75%
Kuwait	72%
Bahrain	55%
Oman	50%

Government Initiatives and Afforestation Efforts in Gulf Countries

7.1 Introduction: A Shift Toward Greening the Desert

In recent years, Gulf governments have recognized that the near absence of trees poses serious environmental, health, and economic risks. As a result, many countries in the region have launched ambitious afforestation, urban greening, and environmental sustainability programs. These initiatives aim not to create natural forests in the classical sense, but to increase tree cover in urban areas, highways, parks, and degraded lands.

This section examines major government-led greening efforts, their goals, achievements, and limitations.

7.2 Saudi Arabia: Saudi Green Initiative

Saudi Arabia launched the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) as part of Vision 2030, aiming to combat desertification and improve environmental quality. Key objectives:

● Plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom
● Restore degraded land
● Reduce carbon emissions

Saudi Green Initiative Targets and Progress

Tracking environmental goals and 2024 achievements

📊 Sort by Progress 📈 Sort by Indicator 🔄 Reset View

🔍

🌿 Saudi Vision 2030

Indicator	Target	Achieved (2024)	Progress

🎯

3

Key Indicators

📈

2.4%

Avg. Progress

Towards targets

🌳

45M

Trees Planted

of 10B target

⏳

6

Years Left

Until 2030 target

📋 Initiative Overview

The Saudi Green Initiative is part of Vision 2030, aiming to combat climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the environment through afforestation and land restoration projects.

📍 Launched in 2021 as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030

🎯 Target completion year: 2030

💰 One of the largest environmental programs in the region

Yearly Progress Required to Meet 2030 Targets

Trees to be planted

1.66B/year needed

Land restoration

6.5M ha/year needed

CO₂ reduction

43M tons/year needed

7.3 United Arab Emirates: Urban Greening and Mangroves

The UAE has focused on urban landscaping and coastal mangrove restoration, recognizing mangroves as water-efficient, climate-resilient ecosystems.

Key programs:
● Abu Dhabi Mangrove Restoration
● Dubai Urban Tree Plantation
● National Afforestation Plan

UAE Tree Planting and Mangrove Expansion

Category	Area / Number
Urban trees planted	120 million
Mangrove area (ha)	75,000
Annual planting rate (million trees)	10

120M

Urban Trees

75K ha

Mangrove Area

10M/yr

Annual Planting

Data source: UAE Environmental Statistics

7.4 Qatar: Green Legacy of Mega Events

Qatar intensified greening efforts ahead of major global events, particularly the FIFA World Cup 2022, focusing on parks and public spaces.

Qatar Afforestation Initiatives

Indicator	Value
Trees planted (2015–2023)	16 million
Public parks developed	140
Irrigation from treated wastewater (%)	60%

Treated Wastewater Usage for Irrigation

60%

More than half of irrigation water comes from treated wastewater, supporting sustainable afforestation.

16M

Trees Planted in 8 Years

140

Public Parks Developed

2M/yr

Average Annual Planting

60%

Sustainable Water Use

Data reflects Qatar's afforestation efforts from 2015 to 2023

7.5 Kuwait: Combating Dust and Heat

Kuwait’s greening strategy focuses on:
● Roadside plantations
● Windbreaks
● Dust control

Kuwait Greenbelt and Tree Programs

Indicator	Value
Trees planted	5 million
Greenbelt length (km)	190 km
Tree survival rate (%)	55%

🌳 Tree Survival Rate

55%

Over half of planted trees survive in Kuwait's challenging climate

🛣️ Greenbelt Visualization

190 km of greenbelt providing environmental protection

5M

Total Trees Planted

190 km

Greenbelt Length

55%

Survival Rate in Arid Climate

Climate Challenge: Kuwait's harsh desert climate with high temperatures and limited rainfall presents significant challenges for tree survival, making the 55% survival rate a notable achievement.

Data reflects Kuwait's ongoing efforts to combat desertification through greenbelt programs

7.6 Bahrain: Urban Parks and Coastal Greenery

Bahrain’s limited land area forces a focus on urban parks and roadside greenery rather than large forests.

Bahrain Greening Efforts

Indicator	Value
Trees planted	1.8 million
Urban green space increase (%)	12%
Mangrove restoration (ha)	400 ha

🌳 Tree Planting Progress

1.8M

1.8 million trees planted across the island nation

🏙️ Urban Green Space

12%

12% increase in urban green spaces

🌊 Mangrove Restoration

400 ha

400 hectares of coastal mangroves restored

🌴

1.8M

Trees Planted

📈

12%

More Green Space

🌿

400 ha

Mangroves Restored

🏝️

33

Island Nation

Island Challenge: As an archipelago nation, Bahrain faces unique environmental challenges including limited land area and coastal erosion. Mangrove restoration is particularly important for protecting coastlines and supporting marine biodiversity.

Data reflects Bahrain's comprehensive approach to greening in a desert island environment

7.7 Oman: Natural Vegetation Restoration

Oman emphasizes native species restoration and protection of mountain and coastal ecosystems.

Oman Afforestation and Restoration

Indicator	Value
Trees planted	4 million
Native species share	70%
Restored wadis	250 km

7.8 Common Challenges in Government Initiatives

Despite ambitious plans, all Gulf countries face:
● High tree mortality rates
● Long-term maintenance costs
● Water sustainability concerns
● Reliance on non-native species

Challenges and Limitations of Greening the Gulf

8.1 Introduction: Why Greening the Gulf Is So Difficult

Despite ambitious tree-planting campaigns and strong financial capacity, Gulf countries face unique and persistent challenges in increasing tree cover. Greening the region is not simply a matter of planting trees; it requires overcoming severe climatic, hydrological, ecological, and economic barriers. Many projects have struggled with low survival rates and high maintenance costs, highlighting the limits of large-scale afforestation in hyper-arid environments.

This section examines the key obstacles that restrict the success of greening initiatives in the Gulf.

8.2 High Tree Mortality Rates

One of the most serious problems is the high mortality of planted trees, especially during the first 2–5 years after planting. Causes include:

● Heat stress
● Inadequate irrigation
● Soil salinity
● Poor species selection

Tree Survival Rates After 5 Years (%)

Country	Survival Rate (%)
Saudi Arabia	40 %
UAE	55 %
Qatar	45 %
Kuwait	35 %
Bahrain	60 %
Oman	65 %
Data shows survival rates after 5 years across Gulf Cooperation Council countries

8.3 Unsustainable Water Requirements

Tree planting in the Gulf requires continuous irrigation, often for decades. This places pressure on already scarce water resources.

Average Water Requirement per Tree (liters/day)

Tree Type	Water Requirement
🌴 Date palm	💧 150 liters/day
🌳 Acacia	💧 40 liters/day
🌲 Ghaf	💧 25 liters/day
🌿 Imported shade trees	💧 80–120 range liters/day
Note: Date palms require significantly more water than native species like Ghaf and Acacia

Date palm (high water need)

Acacia (moderate water need)

Ghaf (low water need)

Imported trees (variable need)

8.4 Soil Salinity and Degradation

Salinity is a major limiting factor caused by:

● Saline groundwater
● Desalinated water residues
● Poor drainage
High salinity damages roots and reduces nutrient absorption.

Soil Salinity Levels (dS/m)

Country	Average Soil Salinity
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia	🌱 8.5 dS/m High
🇦🇪 UAE	🌱 7.8 dS/m Moderate
🇶🇦 Qatar	🌱 9.2 dS/m High
🇰🇼 Kuwait	🌱 10.0 dS/m Very High
🇧🇭 Bahrain	🌱 6.5 dS/m Moderate
🇴🇲 Oman	🌱 5.8 dS/m Low
Salinity levels impact crop selection and irrigation practices

Salinity Scale:

Low (<6) Moderate (6-8) High (8-10) Very High (>10)

8.5 Reliance on Non-Native Species

Many greening projects rely on fast-growing imported tree species that provide shade quickly but are poorly adapted to desert conditions.

Survival Comparison – Native vs Non-Native Trees (%)

Tree Type	Survival Rate (%)
🌳 Native species +30% Advantage	65 % 65%
🌴 Non-native species	35 % 35%

Native Survival Advantage

Non-native (35%) Native (65%)

+86%

Higher Survival

1.9x

More Likely to Fail

+30%

Difference

Native species are significantly better adapted to local climate and soil conditions

8.6 High Economic and Maintenance Costs

Tree planting requires:
● Irrigation systems
● Soil improvement
● Regular maintenance
● Replacement of dead trees

Annual Maintenance Cost per Tree (USD)

Country	Cost per Tree (USD)	Visual Indicator
Average Cost: Calculating... Total Countries: 6

Sort by Cost (Low to High) Sort by Cost (High to Low) Reset Order

8.7 Climate Change Intensification

Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts increase:
● Tree water demand
● Heat stress
● Risk of plantation failure

Projected Temperature Increase by 2050 (°C)

Country	Projected Increase (°C)	Heat Level
Average Increase: Calculating... Highest: Loading...

Sort Low to High Sort High to Low Original Order

8.8 Social and Institutional Barriers

Additional challenges include:
● Limited public awareness
● Short-term project planning
● Lack of long-term monitoring
● Fragmented institutional responsibility

Sustainable Solutions and Future Strategies for Increasing Tree Cover

9.1 Introduction: Rethinking Greening in Hyper-Arid Regions

Given the severe limitations discussed earlier, increasing tree cover in Gulf countries requires a fundamentally different approach from traditional afforestation. The focus must shift from planting large numbers of trees to creating resilient, water-efficient, and ecologically appropriate green systems. Sustainable solutions must work with the desert environment rather than against it.

This section outlines practical, science-based strategies that can realistically improve tree presence and ecosystem services in the Gulf.

9.2 Prioritizing Native and Drought-Resistant Species

Native trees have evolved to survive extreme heat, salinity, and water scarcity. Examples include:

● Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria)
● Acacia species
● Sidr (Ziziphus spina-christi)

Performance of Native Tree Species

Species	Water Need (L/day)	Survival Rate (%)	Ecological Benefits
Avg Water: Calculating... Avg Survival: Calculating... Species Count: 3

Sort by Water Need Sort by Survival Rate Sort Alphabetically Reset

9.3 Using Treated Wastewater for Irrigation

Treated wastewater offers a reliable and sustainable water source if managed correctly.

Water Savings Through Wastewater Reuse

Country	Freshwater Saved (%)	Savings Level
Average Savings: Calculating... Total Countries: 6 Top Saver: Loading...

Sort by Savings (Low to High) Sort by Savings (High to Low) Sort by Country Reset Order

9.4 Smart Irrigation Technologies

Technological solutions can dramatically reduce water use:

● Drip irrigation
● Soil moisture sensors
● AI-controlled irrigation scheduling

Water Use Reduction via Smart Irrigation

Method	Water Reduction (%)	Efficiency
Average Reduction: Calculating... Most Efficient: Loading... Methods: 3

Sort by Reduction Sort by Method Original Order

High Efficiency (40-50%)

Medium Efficiency (25-39%)

9.5 Urban Micro-Forests and Shaded Corridors

Instead of large forests, cities can adopt:

● Pocket parks
● Green corridors
● Shaded walkways
These provide maximum cooling benefits with minimal land and water use.

Cooling Impact of Urban Trees

Tree Density	Temperature Reduction (°C)
Low	1.5°C
Medium	3.0°C
High	5.0°C

Data based on urban forestry research studies

9.6 Soil Improvement and Mulching Techniques

Improving soil health enhances water retention and root development.

Soil Improvement Benefits

Technique	Moisture Retention Increase (%)
Organic compost	30%
Mulching	25%
Biochar	35%

Visual percentage indicator

Data based on agricultural research and soil studies

9.7 Coastal and Mangrove-Based Afforestation

Mangroves thrive in saline coastal waters and offer high ecological returns.

Benefits of Mangrove Ecosystems

Key ecosystem services provided by mangrove forests

Benefit	Impact Level
🌿 Carbon sequestration	Very High
🛡️ Coastal protection	High
💧 Water requirement	Very Low

Very High Impact

High Impact

Very Low Impact

Data based on coastal ecosystem research and conservation studies

9.8 Community Engagement and Awareness

Public participation ensures long-term success:

● Community tree adoption programs
● Educational campaigns
● Citizen monitoring

9.9 Policy Integration and Long-Term Planning

Effective greening requires:
● Integration into urban master plans
● Long-term funding commitments
● Clear performance indicators
<

Conclusion and Global Lessons from the Gulf Experience

10.1 Reassessing the Meaning of “Greening” in Desert Regions

The near absence of trees in Gulf countries is not a simple environmental failure; it is the result of geographic reality, climatic extremity, water scarcity, and historical land-use choices. Expecting the Gulf to resemble forested temperate regions ignores the fundamental limits imposed by nature. True sustainability in such environments requires redefining what “greening” means—not as mass forest creation, but as strategic ecological enhancement.

This understanding is crucial not only for Gulf countries but also for other arid and semi-arid regions facing similar pressures under climate change.

10.2 Key Findings from the Gulf Case Study

The comprehensive analysis across ten parts reveals several critical conclusions:

1. Natural Constraints Dominate
● Hyper-arid climate
● Extremely low rainfall
● High evaporation
● Poor and saline soils

These factors make natural forest development nearly impossible.

2. Human Activities Intensified Scarcity

● Rapid urbanization
● Oil-driven land use
● Infrastructure expansion
● Groundwater over-extraction

Human decisions amplified already fragile ecological conditions.

3. Environmental Consequences Are Severe

● Desertification
● Dust storms
● Biodiversity loss
● Urban heat islands
● Limited carbon sequestration

These impacts directly affect human health and economic stability.

10.3 Evaluation of Afforestation Efforts

Government initiatives across the Gulf demonstrate strong political will and financial capacity, but they also expose limitations:

Overall Evaluation of Gulf Greening Programs

Comprehensive assessment of key performance factors in regional environmental initiatives

Factor	Performance Level
🏛️ Political commitment	High
💰 Financial investment	High
🌳 Tree survival rates	Moderate–Low
💧 Water sustainability	Low
🔄 Long-term ecological integration	Moderate

High Performance

Moderate Performance

Moderate-Low Performance

Low Performance

Evaluation based on regional environmental reports and sustainability assessments

10.4 Lessons for Other Arid and Semi-Arid Regions

Countries in North Africa, Central Asia, South Asia, and parts of Australia can draw important lessons from the Gulf experience.

Transferable Lessons from the Gulf

Key insights from regional greening initiatives with global applicability

Lesson	Global Relevance
1 Use native species	Very High
2 Avoid water-intensive trees	Very High
3 Prioritize micro-greening	High
4 Integrate greening with urban planning	High
5 Monitor survival, not planting numbers	Very High

Very High Global Relevance

High Global Relevance

Key Insight: The Gulf region's experience demonstrates that sustainable greening requires prioritizing ecological suitability and long-term outcomes over short-term visibility.

Lessons derived from empirical studies of Gulf environmental initiatives

10.5 Strategic Recommendations for the Gulf’s Future

Based on the evidence presented throughout this study, the following policy-oriented recommendations emerge:

Ecological Priorities

● Focus on resilient desert ecosystems, not artificial forests
● Protect existing native vegetation
● Expand mangrove and coastal ecosystems

Water Management

● Maximize treated wastewater reuse
● Improve irrigation efficiency
● Limit groundwater extraction for greening

Urban Planning

● Embed trees into street design and housing layouts
● Create shaded pedestrian networks
● Expand pocket parks rather than large lawns

Recommended Greening Strategy Mix (%)

Optimal allocation of resources across sustainable greening approaches

Strategy	Share (%)
🌳 Native urban trees	30%
🌊 Mangroves and coastal trees	25%
🛣️ Green corridors	20%
🌱 Soil and ecosystem restoration	15%
👥 Public participation programs	10%

Total Allocation: 100%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

Strategy Priority: Native urban trees receive the largest allocation (30%) due to their direct impact on urban heat reduction and air quality improvement.

Percentage distribution based on cost-benefit analysis and ecological impact assessment

10.6 Ethical and Environmental Balance

The Gulf experience raises an important ethical question:
Should environmental goals override water security in desert regions?
The evidence suggests that:

● Environmental restoration must not threaten human water access
● Symbolic greening without sustainability is counterproductive
● True environmental responsibility lies in realistic, science-based planning

References

1. Allen, R. G., Pereira, L. S., Raes, D., & Smith, M. (1998). Crop evapotranspiration: Guidelines for computing crop water requirements. FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 56. Rome: FAO.
2. Almazroui, M., Islam, M. N., Jones, P. D., Athar, H., & Rahman, M. A. (2012).
Recent climate change in the Arabian Peninsula: Seasonal rainfall and temperature climatology. International Journal of Climatology, 32(6), 953–966.
3. Archer, E. R. M., & Predick, K. I. (2008). Climate change and deserts. Science, 320(5880), 1444–1445. 4. FAO. (2016).
State of the world’s forests. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
5. FAO. (2018). Water scarcity in the Near East and North Africa. Rome: FAO.
6. Gherboudj, I., Ghedira, H., & Benammar, S. (2017). Effects of land use on surface temperature in arid environments. Remote Sensing, 9(7), 713.
7. IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report. Cambridge University Press.
8. Luedeling, E., & Buerkert, A. (2008). Typology of oases in northern Oman. Agricultural Systems, 95(1–3), 76–92.
9. Middleton, N., & Thomas, D. (1997). World atlas of desertification. London: Arnold.
10. Miller, J. D., & Yool, S. R. (2002). Mapping forest post-fire canopy consumption in several overstory types using multispectral imagery. Remote Sensing of Environment, 82(2–3), 481–496.
11. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), UAE. (2020). National Climate Change Plan of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi.
12. NASA Earth Observatory. (2020). Dust storms and desertification in the Arabian Peninsula. NASA.
13. OECD. (2019). Water governance in arid regions. Paris: OECD Publishing. 14. Safriel, U., & Adeel, Z. (2005). Dryland systems. In Ecosystems and Human Well-being (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment). Island Press.
15. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). (2017). Global land outlook. Bonn: UNCCD.
16. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2016). Greening the deserts: Challenges and opportunities. Nairobi: UNEP.
17. World Bank. (2018). Beyond scarcity: Water security in the Middle East and North Africa. Washington, DC: World Bank.
18. World Bank. (2020). Mangroves for coastal resilience in the Middle East. Washington, DC.
19. Yaseen, Z. M., et al. (2019). Urban heat island mitigation using vegetation in arid climates. Sustainable Cities and Society, 48, 101-114.
20. Zahran, M. A., & Willis, A. J. (2009). The vegetation of Egypt. Springer Science & Business Media.