Ukrainians in UAE plant 35 trees on ‘Ukrainian’ park island

The Ukrainian community in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) planted 35 trees on Yas Island in a park that is commonly known as the “Ukrainian Park,” according to Yevheniy Semenov, Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) for Middle East and Central Asia.

“Feb. 4 is celebrated in the Emirates as World Environment Day. On this occasion, the Ukrainian community planted 35 trees in the capital — as a symbol of the enduring spirit of friendship and brotherhood between the peoples of the UAE and Ukraine, and also to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s restored independence,” Semenov said.

The park was established by the community in 2021 on the occasion of World Vyshyvanka Day.

“It was born from the warmth of Ukrainian hearts, our shared work, and the sincere desire to leave a positive mark on Emirati soil. Internally, we have always called it the Ukrainian Park,” Semenov said.

Today, the park continues to grow alongside the friendship between nations. The community expanded it in line with the Abu Dhabi Municipality’s plans, creating a welcoming space for local families and students from the nearby school.

“This initiative is a new symbolic gift from the Ukrainian community to the land of the Emirates and to Abu Dhabi. It is also our heartfelt gesture of gratitude to the UAE leadership for their humanitarian support of the Ukrainian people during the most difficult times, for helping return Ukrainian prisoners home, and for their ongoing peacekeeping efforts in Abu Dhabi,” Semenov said.