Salama, the Ghaf tree, tells a story of resilience
Expo 2020 has special avenue dedicated to the species
Have you ever looked closely at a tree? The marks of time engraved on its bark, the rustling green leaves, a time capsule which narrates the stories of a country’s past.
At Expo 2020 Dubai, there is one such tree, which offers solace from the summer heat, a story of how its roots withstood the test of time and most importantly, a sight which offers the best view of the Expo 2020 Dubai venue.
Salama — a Ghaf tree — keeps a vigilant eye on the 4.38 square kilometres site, with a tale that began long before the global event was lit up to life.
During development, the organisers of the mega-event decided to preserve a Ghaf tree on the event’s site, and be protected against the heavy construction. ‘Salama’ represents this tree as a character and one of the official mascots of the global event.
And like every tree, the Ghaf tree also has a story to tell, especially since it was declared as the national tree of the UAE in 2008. A symbol of peace and stability in the UAE, they can live up to an average of 120 years. However, this isn’t the only place Expo 2020 Dubai has featured the tree or should we say, trees?
Expo 2020 Dubai has a special avenue dedicated to it — The Ghaf Avenue — lined with these magnificent natural structures to provide shade to visitors at the site.