14km Al Ain green barrier aims to reduce drifting sand by up to 90 per cent

Al Ain City Municipality has completed a 14-kilometre windbreak project along Tahnoun bin Mohammed Road, planting 1,807 ghaf trees to curtail drifting sand and enhance protection for motorists and surrounding communities. This natural green barrier aims to reduce wind speeds, restrict sand movement, and promote environmental sustainability.

The project manager, Al Yazia Rash Al Neyadi, explained that the initiative is part of the municipality's effort to establish green belts that act as natural windbreaks, shielding road users, infrastructure, and adjacent residential areas. Ghaf trees, resilient to harsh desert conditions, were chosen for their ability to endure challenging environments.

Supported by an efficient irrigation system and maintenance programs, the trees are designed to maintain density and long-term sustainability. Technical studies suggest that the windbreaks could reduce sand incursion by 70 to 90 per cent in the areas behind them, contingent on vegetation density and wind direction. By slowing wind and limiting sand movement, the green barriers are anticipated to minimize sand accumulation on the road and mitigate the impact of sandstorms on adjacent areas.

Additionally, the project is expected to lower noise levels, providing further environmental advantages. Combining road protection with native vegetation expansion, the project utilizes the UAE's national tree, the ghaf, as a natural safeguard against the desert's challenges.