The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

The Children’s City of Dubai Municipality is launching a National Tree competition for children in the age group of 6 to 12 years to ensure their participation, educate them and introduce them to the Ghaff tree and the importance of preserving it in the local environment.

“In line with the initiative of our wise leadership to adopt 2019 as the Year of Tolerance, and to choose the leaves of the Ghaf tree as a symbol of tolerance and patriotism, we in Dubai Municipality, especially the Children’s City, take up our role today to educate and establish all our national principles in children’s minds,” said Nyla Al Mansouri, Head of Children’s City.

“The competition aims at introducing children the advantages of the Ghaf tree and the importance of preserving it as it was protected by our forefathers and ancestors. We ensure that we do not cut off our connection to it, plant and water it in the environment and areas conducive to its growth and adaptation. The shortest way to promote these concepts is by launching initiatives and competitions, which makes children enthusiastic to participate and chant its benefits so that it remains ingrained in their minds for a long time,” she said.

Children will be able to participate by making a 60-second video standing adjacent to a beautiful Ghaf tree explaining how important the conservation of these trees and their proliferation is and the many benefits and history associated with the legacy of the ancient UAE. The participant should publish the video on social networking sites with the hashtag #my_national tree_childrencity. To know the terms and conditions participants can visit www.childrecnity.ae. Entries will be received from this month until Nov.21.

The winners will receive valuable prizes, and all participants will receive a certificate of thanks and appreciation for their efforts.

Last month Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has also announced plans to plant 1,000 ghaf trees across its premises during the “Year of Tolerance,” highlighting the values of openness, communication and mutual respect that have characterised the UAE since its founding more than four decades ago.

Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, planted the first ghaf tree, Tolerance Tree, in front of the DSOA headquarters.

Highlighting the significance of the occasion, Dr Al Zarooni said, “Since its establishment, the UAE has embraced an open society model based on tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.