Abu Dhabi has completed a pioneering study of the UAE's national tree to help get to the root of its ability to thrive in arid conditions – and boost efforts to protect nature from the effects of climate change.
The Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi joined forces with healthtech company M42 to carry out a groundbreaking genome sequencing of the ghaf to better understand the genetic traits that make it so resilient.
Declared the UAE's national tree in 2008, the ghaf plays a key role in stabilising desert soil, while also providing sanctuary for wildlife.