800-YEAR OLD OLIVE TREE IN ABU DHABI



Image Credit: Abdel-Krim Kallouche/Gulf News

Olive trees such as this particular specimen, part of the Olea Europaea species, are not common to the UAE, but grow wild in other parts of the Middle East.



This native of the Mediterranean region is not a common sight in the UAE. But an 800-year-old specimen has managed to make its way to the capital from Lebanon. The olive tree, which was originally brought here to beautify the surroundings, has now gone on to occupy the pride of place at the entrance of the future Rawdhat residential district in Abu Dhabi. Looking at the tree's journey to the capital.

Abu Dhabi: On the side of a busy highway in the capital, a lone tree with silvery grey leaves stands guard. The olive tree, a native of the eastern Mediterranean coast, has been in the UAE for only nine months. But it is already spreading its roots in its new home, and drawing the attention of everyone who passes by it.


The 800-year-old specimen is one of the few olive trees in the UAE, and serves as a piece of art. Brought into the country to beautify the surrounding landscape, the tree today occupies pride of place at the entrance to the future Rawdhat residential district in Abu Dhabi city.




This olive tree is part of a species that has been cultivated for the past 7,000 years.

 The tree, which weighs a massive five tonnes, was originally brought from Lebanon by road. On its two-week journey to the UAE, the four-metre tall plant passed by Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

"Having witnessed radical changes in culture, civilisation and lifestyle, this magnificent plant has now found a permanent home in the UAE, and it will be part of a special environment for the future residents of Rawdhat," Saeed Al Yabhouni, vice-president of strategy development at Reem Developers, told Gulf News.

The tree, which weighs a massive five tonnes, was originally brought from Lebanon by road.

Historic significance
"We wanted the centrepiece to be 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 appreciate it for many years to come," he added.

Olive trees such as this particular specimen, part of the Olea Europaea species, are not common to the UAE, but grow wild in other parts of the Middle East. A robust plant that is also sometimes called the Little Ollie, it can grow in rocky areas and requires very little water to survive.

The fruits of the Olea Europaea, which can range from green to black, depending on ripeness, have been one of the major sources of olive oil since prehistoric times.

"The tree is part of a species that has been cultivated for the past 7,000 years," Al Yabhouni said.
Although fruit production decreases by the time the tree reaches 500 years of age, their artistic beauty is greatly valued and the trees are often used for decorative purposes.

"Because of decreased productivity, older trees are often chopped down. This tree will however continue to provide a welcoming sensation to Rawdhat residents for years to come," the vice-president added.

The uprooting of a tree is a delicate, technical process that is carried out by specialists.

First, the foliage is reduced and light machinery is used to dig the soil around the roots. Following this, heavy equipment and cranes support and lift the tree onto the vehicle for transportation.

"Special care is taken to decide the correct amount of water as the roots grow again," Al Yabhouni explained.

Even in religious texts, the olive tree is a harbinger of peace.

Explaining their significance, Shaikh Ahmad Al Mousa, an official at the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (Awqaf), said the tree and its fruits provide nutrition and are used for medical purposes.

"It is mentioned in several verses in the holy Quran, and it is a mark of the holy lands where Jesus was born," Al Mousa added.




The 800-year-old olive tree from Lebanon which is planted in Abu Dhabi near Rawdhat Development. Olive trees are allowed to be brought into the UAE.

  Life of the species

• 7,000: years the olive tree has been in cultivation
• 50: years the age after which fruit output decreases 800

Tree facts

• Uncommon to the UAE, but growing wild in other parts of the Middle East
• Require very little water to grow
• Height: 8-15 metres on average
• Trunk: Short and twisted which is used to produce fine wood
• Leaves: Oblong, silvery green leaves are often used in medicines for their anti-aging, immune system-stimulating and antibiotic properties.
• Flowers: White feathery flowers which become small fruits known as olives.
• Fruits: Olives usually 1 to 2.5 cm long, and they are cropped green or purple and turned black artificially. Usually used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and soaps and as a fuel for traditional oil lamps

From lebanon to Abu Dhabi
On its journey from Lebanon by road, the four-metre tall olive tree passed by Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

 Reference: Gulf News