Give a Ghaf
- fostering environmental awareness, cultural heritage, education, and community action by promoting the ecological and cultural importance of the Ghaf tree and other native species.
About Give a Ghaf
Nature. Heritage. Future.
Across the desert landscapes of the United Arab Emirates, one tree has quietly sustained life for generations — the Ghaf Tree.
A symbol of resilience, generosity, and harmony with nature, the Ghaf tree represents the deep connection between the land, its people, and their heritage.
Give A Ghaf is a long-standing programme dedicated to restoring desert ecosystems, celebrating natural heritage, and inspiring environmental stewardship. Rooted in science, education, and community engagement, the programme empowers individuals, schools, organisations, and policymakers to take meaningful action in protecting native ecosystems.
By highlighting the ecological and cultural value of the Ghaf Tree and other native species, the programme encourages communities to reconnect with nature and play an active role in safeguarding the land.
More than planting trees, Give A Ghaf works to:
- Protect native biodiversity
- Restore degraded landscapes
- Empower youth and communities
- Promote sustainable land stewardship
- Celebrate the UAE’s natural heritage
A Legacy of Greening the Desert
In the early 1970s, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, embarked on an ambitious vision to green the desert and restore life to the nation’s landscapes.
His leadership recognised the importance of protecting nature and preserving the fragile ecosystems that sustain life in the desert.
Inspired by this vision, Goumbook officially launched the Give A Ghaf Tree Planting Programme in 2011 to raise awareness about the unique biodiversity of the UAE’s living desert and highlight the importance of native species such as the Ghaf Tree.
Recognised as the UAE’s national tree, the Ghaf was also named the Union Tree by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, symbolising unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the nation.
What began as a tree-planting campaign has since evolved into a broader programme focused on nature conservation, environmental education, and community action.
Cultural Significance
The Ghaf tree represents more than just flora; it embodies the UAE's heritage, resilience, and dedication to sustainability.
Environmental Importance
Planting Ghaf trees plays a crucial role in fostering a greener, more sustainable future by protecting biodiversity and combating desertification.
Community Engagement
Awareness is key—every individual can make a significant impact. By joining the "Give A Ghaf" program, you actively contribute to securing the environment for future generations.
Collaborative Action
The Ghaf tree represents more than just flora; it embodies the UAE's heritage, resilience, and dedication to sustainability.
20,000 seeds planted in 1 hour, a Guinness World Record
On August 2, 2018, over 100 participants came together at JA Resort & Hotel, to make history successfully breaking the Guinness World Record for the most seeds planted simultaneously in one hour. The event was part of the “Leave Your Mark” campaign, an ambitious sustainability initiative led by Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Carrefour UAE, in collaboration with Goumbook.
In one hour, the participants planted 20,000 seeds! This record-breaking moment was about more than numbers. It was a powerful, symbolic act in support of the Ghaf tree, the UAE’s national tree, which plays a critical ecological role in stabilising dunes, enriching the soil, and combating desertification.
Give A Ghaf - Meet the Ghaf Tree
For centuries, the Ghaf tree has been a lifeline in desert environments. Its deep roots stabilise soil, support wildlife, and allow it to survive extreme conditions.
But beyond its ecological importance, the Ghaf is also a powerful cultural symbol in the United Arab Emirates.
It represents:
Resilience
Hospitality
Sustainability
Harmony with nature
Why Partner with Us?
Since launching the “Give a Ghaf” programme in 2010, we’ve been dedicated to making environmental contributions accessible for everyone, from individuals to large organisations. With your support, we can further our efforts in environmental conservation, with a focus on preserving the culturally significant Ghaf tree and promoting sustainability in the UAE.
Whether you are a small business or a global enterprise, we place conservation and community engagement at the heart of our mission. Our adaptable and customised approaches ensure that your contributions help create a healthier environment, protect local biodiversity, and foster a lasting impact on our shared future.
Our Impact
How to get involved
Protect Nature. Celebrate Heritage. Restore the Land.
Join the movement to safeguard the future of the Ghaf tree and the ecosystems it supports.
Individuals
Give the gift of a living legacy — purchase Ghaf tree seeds to celebrate a birthday, new baby, anniversary, or any special occasion. You can even join the annual community planting day to sow it yourself.
Companies
Tree planting is a powerful way for your team to connect with nature and demonstrate a real commitment to climate action. Goumbook offers tailored corporate programmes — from nursery seed planting to tree planting across the UAE.
Schools
Hands-on tree planting brings environmental education to life, helping students understand and protect the natural world. Goumbook is an official environmental partner of the UAE's Moral Education curriculum, with Ghaf trees available to all schools.
Land Owners
If you own farmland or open land in the UAE, you can apply to receive Ghaf trees to plant on your property — free of charge. The Ghaf is a low-water native species that enriches soil, supports biodiversity, and sequesters CO2.
Plant with us!
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