Dubai Holy Quran Park to offer 51 of the 54 trees and plants mentioned in Holy Book

DUBAI // Fifty-one of the 54 varieties of plants and trees mentioned in the Quran will be found at the emirate’s Holy Quran Park when it opens next year.

Work has started on the third stage of the Dh26 million project in Al Khawaneej, due to launch in September 2015.

“Holy Quran Park is one of the most prestigious projects of the civic body. Not only the UAE but the entire tourist world is waiting to visit the park without patience,” said Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality.

“The park has been specially designed in the Islamic perspective to introduce the miracles of the Quran through a variety of surprises for the visitors.”

Covering 64 hectares, it will include the available plants mentioned in the Quran, an Islamic garden, children’s play areas, an Umrah corner, outdoor theatre, fountains, bathrooms, a desert garden, a palm oasis, a lake, and running, cycling and walking tracks.

“The Quran mentions 54 plants which include fig, pomegranate, olive, corn, leek, garlic, onion, lentil, barley, wheat, ginger, pumpkin, watermelon, tamarind, cedar, vineyards, bananas, cucumbers, and basil,” said Mohammed Noor Mashroom, director of the general projects department.

“Thirty-one of these plants have already been planted, and the remaining 20 will be planted in the third stage.”

The other three plants mentioned are only found in heaven and hell, described as “not found on Earth” in the Quran.

A large glass greenhouse will accommodate 15 types of plants that require controlled climates.

newsdesk@thenational.ae