These bright orange flowers are suddenly everywhere in Dubai, here’s why
The vibrant blooms are back for the season, but there’s another reason you’re spotting them all across the city this year
If you’ve been out and about in Dubai over the past few weeks, you’ve probably noticed bursts of vivid red-orange blossom brightening streets, parks and neighbourhoods across the city. Those striking blooms belong to the Flame Tree, known for its sweeping branches, lush green canopy and dramatic fiery-orange flowers.
The tree blooms each May, but there’s another reason it seems to be everywhere this year.
Last month, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, issued a directive to expand the planting of Flame Trees across the city, including streets, residential areas, parks and public spaces.
Flame Tree
Photo: Dubai Media Office
Flame Tree
Photo: Dubai Media Office
Flame Tree – Expo City Dubai
Photo: Expo City
Flame Tree
Photo: Dubai Media Office
Flame Tree
Photo: Dubai Media Office
In a meeting with Dubai Municipality and the Dubai Future Foundation, Sheikh Hamdan said, “In summer, when the Flame Tree blooms in Dubai, it brings life to every home, every majlis, every street, and every park. With it, our city blooms, full of life and beauty.”
The Crown Prince also directed that Flame Tree seedlings be distributed to residents wishing to plant them in their homes or farms.
The Flame Tree will continue to paint Dubai in bold orange through the end of July, creating one of the city’s most striking seasonal displays.
Watch the video below to see how the Flame Tree is bringing a burst of colour to Dubai.
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About the Flame Tree
Beyond the seasonal spectacle, the Flame Tree is also well suited to the UAE’s climate.
The Flame Tree naturally grows into a wide, elegant canopy that can stretch up to 15 metres, all without needing much maintenance. It offers generous shade and can lower ground temperatures beneath it by around 5 degrees, making it a welcome addition during the hotter months.
Perfectly suited to Dubai’s warm and humid climate, it thrives in well-drained sandy or clay soils. The tree can live for up to 60 years and typically reaches full maturity in around 10 years, growing to heights of up to 12 metres.
Images: Dubai Media Office and Expo City
