Olive trees to be planted to enchance community

The olive tree is a rarity in the UAE, but an 800-year old specimen of the historic evergreen will become a welcoming sight for residents of a new community emerging in Abu Dhabi. With its familiar silvery green leaves providing shade from the summer sun, it has become the signature piece in a major landscaping exercise to create a modern oasis at Rawdhat, the landmark residential and business district at the entrance to the UAE capital. Located beside the Old Airport Road, Rawdhat is a contemporary community development overlooking the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Many varieties of other plants and shrubs in their thousands will line the avenues and create lush parks within Rawdhat, but the solitary olive tree, originating from Lebanon's Mediterranean coast, has been given pride of place at the heart of the community. "The landscaping is now well under way and the abundance of trees and plants will make the community a beautiful and relaxing place to live and work," said Ho Kiam Kheong, Chief Development Officer of Reem Developers, master developer of Rawdhat and the real estate arm of Reem Investments. "We wanted the centerpiece to be something unique and chose the olive tree because of its character and historic significance. It will give people a sense of arrival when they enter Rawdhat and those who live, work and visit will enjoy and appreciate it or many years to come." While the olive tree is uncommon in the UAE, it grows wild in other parts of the Middle East and its fruits have been used since prehistoric times. Native to the coastal areas of the eastern Mediterranean Basin, it was one of the first plants to be cultivated up to 7,000 years ago. Throughout history, the leafy branches of the olive tree have been a symbol of peace and glory. The recent planting of Rawdhat's olive tree during the ongoing landscaping reflects Reem Developers' plan to create new communities in Abu Dhabi which offer a range of stand-out characteristics and desirable lifestyle elements. "Rawdhat will eventually be home to more than 18,000 residential and commercial tenants, and we're creating a special environment for them," said Kiam Kheong. "The infrastructure works were completed last year, the development already has a vibrant sporting community at its heart, and the landscaping will be completed next, creating lush green areas and open spaces. Parents can see that this will be a wonderful place to bring up their children from the day they move in." The family appeal is highlighted by the indoor and outdoor football pitches and clubhouse facilities at the Dome@Rawdhat - home to Manchester United Soccer Schools and attracting more than 12,000 players and their families each month. Located between the Business District, Capital City District and Abu Dhabi International Airport, Rawdhat will feature attractive residential towers and a Business Park with dedicated, commercial office towers offering retail space on the lower floors. Close at hand will be a mosque, school and healthcare facility.