By An ode to the Flame Tree Season
From late April to end July, neighbourhoods and promenades, in Dubai burst into vivid red and orange colours, as the flame trees bloom. Their fiery scarlet red and vermillion coloured petals surrounding the elegant stamens, make for a striking contrast, through the canopy of fern-like leaves. Known in Arabic as Shajarat Al Lahab, the flame trees’ scientific name is Delonix Regia. Braving the harsh summer sunshine, the trees are a symbol of resilience and natural beauty of the desert.
This year, the flame trees in Dubai, are in the spotlight as His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister of Dubai, has announced a nationwide Flame tree season. “When the flame tree blooms in Dubai, it brings life to everyone, every majlis, every street and every park. With it, our city blooms, full of life and full of beauty,” he said.
Tree planting and photography
Under the Flame Tree season initiative, over 50,000 flame trees have been planted across the city by Dubai Municipality. So, now flame -tree lined sidewalks can be spotted in several localities in Dubai including Bur Dubai, Deira, Rashidiya, Discovery Gardens, The Greens, Jumeirah and Emirates Hills.
To celebrate the flame trees, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and HIPAA (Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award), has announced the Flame tree photography competition. Participants have to post a public photo of flame trees in Dubai in Instagram using the hashtag #Flametreeseason and tag @dubaiculture @hipaae. The total prize money for the contest is Dhs 30,000 and the deadline for submission is July 31, 2026.
Flame tree trivia
Native to Madagascar, flame trees can grow up to a height of 12 metres, thriving in harsh weathers, with an estimated life span of 40 to 60 years. In several cultures dried flowers of the Flame Tree are steeped in tea to soothe irritated throat and relieve cough. The plant also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to ease joint pain. The vibrant coloured petals of the flame tree have been traditionally used to extract dye.