EPAA holds Palm Tree Day celebration at Islamic Botanical Garden

The Islamic Botanical Garden, which is affiliated to the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, EPAA, in Sharjah, held a Palm Tree Day celebration under the theme, "How the World Sees Palm Trees," on Wednesday.

The Islamic Botanical Garden was inaugurated in March 2014, as a part of the celebration of the emirate of Sharjah the capital of Islamic culture. The garden gathers various plants mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah. There are 30 plants cited in the Quran, including figs, pomegranates, basil, pumpkins and grapes, as well as 44 in Sunnah such as citrons, fennel-flower seeds, henna, indigo, aquilaria and sweet flag (Acorus Calamus).

The celebration and its events were attended by the Al Dhaid Municipality as an official sponsor, the Sharjah Biennial and the Social Services Department. The event targeted the EPAA and government authorities staff as well as visitors of the Sharjah Desert Park.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, said, "As everybody knows, palm trees are the most cited plant in the Quran and Sunnah. Palm trees have always enjoyed sublime status in Arab society, even in the pre-Islam era, where they were symbols of wealth and glory. Arabs are deeply attached to palm trees because of their influence on their lives; palm trees were the food and wealth of Arabs. Nowadays, after the gulf area has successfully planted palm trees everywhere, transforming the desert into a green oasis, palm trees should be celebrated."

She explained that the aim of the celebration was to highlight the importance of palm trees as a source of food and living; revive their heritage; educate the public on the need to preserve them, and to inculcate a love for traditional crafts in the next generation.

The celebration included a photo gallery, various competitions, an exhibition on several treatments using palm trees and their derivatives, a workshop on how to make paper using palm trees, presentations on palm trees in the UAE, as well as talks by senior citizens on its numerous benefits.

"Palm trees are characterised by their ability to withstand thirst and soil salinity. They are planted in straight lines, which are utilised to provide shade for the spots of land underneath so that vegetables and citrus fruits can be planted. According to several statistics, the Arab region has about 90 percent of all the world’s palm trees. In the past, Arabs called it the blessed tree or the mother tree. Palm trees are an Arab’s best friend and the main source of food. According to many studies and research, palm trees in the UAE date back to more than 5,000 years. As a result of this heritage and benefit, palm trees deserve to be celebrated," she added.