_An Oasis of Calm and Tranquility

The benefits of green space on the human psyche are well known; trees, grass and flowers improve our health, both physical and mental, reduce stress, anxiety and depression, promote well being in children and young adults leading to less anti-social behaviour, and reduce crime. They also promote a sense of community which bridges cultural differences, enhances creativity and encourages socialisation for young and old alike.

For the urban environment, green spaces are invaluable; they improve air quality – foliated areas remove pollutants from the air, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen; reducing energy consumption – planting trees near buildings reduces the amount of fossil fuels which are used for heating and cooling; and heat build-up – studies have shown that grassed areas which are shaded by trees can be up to 30° cooler than pavement or asphalt.

Dubai is already a surprisingly green city, given its location and proximity to the dunes of the desert. In the run-up to Expo 2020 the Dubai Government has pledged that 4% of the city will be made up of parkland and that one quarter of the city will consist of cultivated land and nurseries. That means that over 1,000 sq km will be greened in the Emirate within the next four years in an effort to turn Dubai into a green city and provide a home for some of the 100 species of native birds which inhabit the city.

But what of the areas of the city which are already green? Dubai’s famous parks, including Safa Park, Creek Park, Al Barsha Pond Park, Zaabeel Park and Satwa Park already offer lush, oasis-like havens from the intense heat of the Arabian sun. Dubai’s famous golf courses such as The Address Montgomerie, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Faldo Golf Course, and The Els Club, which have been designed by members of the golfing elite, also provide world-class facilities set in thousands of acres of lush, rolling greenery and host some of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world.

Residential areas which have realised the benefits of greenery are also among the most popular in the city. Seen from space, these developments stand out as dark green areas which contrast startlingly against the desert’s golden sands. These exclusive locations, such as Emirates Hills and Jumeirah Golf Estates, have been developed with the ideas of shaded gardens, green areas and community space at their heart. Playgrounds, green community areas and shaded walkways characterise these family-friendly locations and make them enjoyable and attractive areas in which to live.

These communities feature well-established and elegant homes in which families can truly live peaceful and pleasant lives. Their well-thought-through designs enable harmonious family living, set in lovingly-maintained surroundings, featuring play areas for smaller children, grassy areas for older ones and shady spots in which adults can relax. Their proximity to world-class schools as well as leisure facilities, and ease of access into the city centre, mean that they are among the most sought-after accommodation in Dubai. Because they are already well-established family homes it is a simple matter to move in and enjoy a pleasant, easy lifestyle enhanced by the flowers and trees which grow in abundance. These cleverly-designed communities, which have been developed to satisfy the highest expectations, offer oases of calm in an increasingly-busy and -hectic environment and remind us of the importance of maintaining a connection to the world of nature.

To read the full article in the Dubai View publication, click here