Majid Al Futtaim Strengthens ‘Forest Living’ Vision at Ghaf Woods with Dedicated Tree Nursery and AED 1.7 Billion Construction Contract
Majid Al Futtaim has taken a major step forward in its mission to create Dubai’s first forest living community, Ghaf Woods, with the announcement of two strategic developments: the establishment of a dedicated tree nursery and the awarding of a AED 1.7 billion construction contract for the project's first two phases.
The newly established tree nursery will serve as the ecological foundation of Ghaf Woods, aiming to cultivate over 30,000 native and climate-resilient trees and 350,000 shrubs over the next 18 months. Currently home to over 10,000 trees, the nursery is projected to reach 20,000 trees and 105,000 shrubs by May 2026. It will be managed by Barari Natural Resources, a division of Mawarid Holding Investment, under a AED 49 million contract.
This green initiative supports Ghaf Woods’ biophilic design vision, ensuring biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental resilience. The trees — including species like Acacias, Citrus, Ficus, Phoenix, and the native Ghaf — are sourced from Egypt, India, Thailand, and across the UAE, including Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi.
Commenting on the development, Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said:
“Ghaf Woods was born out of a vision to create sustainable, nature-integrated living in Dubai. The nursery and the appointment of Barari and Innovo Build are pivotal steps toward realizing this vision. We are creating more than just a residential project — we’re building a living, breathing forest community.”
In line with this vision, Innovo Build has been awarded the AED 1.7 billion contract to lead the construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2, which include 13 residential buildings across the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. These developments will feature shared podiums and are designed to integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape, providing residents with a unique forest-living environment.
Sameh Fam, CEO of Innovo Build, stated:
“Ghaf Woods sets a new benchmark for how construction and nature can co-exist. We are proud to contribute to a project that requires innovation, precision, and a strong commitment to sustainability.”
The entire Ghaf Woods development will span 738,000 square meters near Global Village, off Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway. Once complete, the community will host more than 7,000 premium residences, including 1 to 3-bedroom units and penthouses. The project is designed to enhance resident wellness through features like eight kilometers of walking trails, a 3.5-kilometer biking loop, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, family-friendly gardens, and a yoga pavilion.
Residents will also enjoy access to Majid Al Futtaim’s signature “Distrikt” hub, a multi-purpose lifestyle center offering retail, dining, and farm-to-table culinary experiences.
The Ghaf Woods initiative exemplifies how urban development can harmonize with nature, providing a new model for sustainable living that prioritizes both environmental health and community well-being.
