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Vegetation: Vegetation Communities of Abu Dhabi



The vegetation cover in the Abu Dhabi Emirate is sparse due to its harsh climate and limiting soils. Subtle differences in climatic or soil conditions across the Emirate have a marked distribution on plant species; generally, the western part of the Emirate and the coastal and sabkha areas support little vegetation cover, while the north-east has greater foliage cover.

The soil salinity of coastal and inland interdunal areas of the Emirate exerts a highly selective effect on plant growth. Though additional research is needed on the flora of the Emirate, it is estimated that the Abu Dhabi Emirate is home to 400 plant species. During the soil survey conducted by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, data was collected on vegetation communities.

This map shows the distribution of eleven different vegetation communities in the Emirate. Vegetation communities are determined by the dominant perennial species observed during surveys. The Cyperetum-Zygophylletum community (dominated by Cyperus conglomeratus and Zygophyllum spp.) makes up the largest part of the mainland Emirate (31.3%) and is widespread on sand dunes and sand sheets throughout southern and eastern Abu Dhabi. Cyperetum-Haloxyletum-Zygophylletum is also widespread in the Emirate (23%) and found on sand sheets and sand dunes throughout central and north-eastern Abu Dhabi. The areas of no vegetation are extensive on the map and indicate hypersaline and hypergypsic conditions that generally occur along the coast and in inland sabkha areas.

 

Cyperetum-Tribuletum community on undulating dunes. This vegetation map unit is widespread on sand sheets and sand dunes throughout central and western parts of Abu Dhabi.


Haloxyletum 2 community on gently undulating sand sheets. Haloxylon persicum is the characteristic perennial species of this vegetation map unit. It grows as a large shrub with a graceful weeping habit. This community type provides important wildlife habitat.


Zygophylletum community associated with deflation plains. This vegetation map unit is widespread on sand dunes and sand sheets throughout southern and eastern Abu Dhabi.