Nakheel pays tribute to the UAE with opening of Dubai's first indigenous park

The opening of Dubai's first indigenous park comes as Nakheel brings thousands of people together to celebrate 41 years of UAE independence at two of its biggest communities in Dubai: Palm Jumeirah and Discovery Gardens.

Visitors are invited to Al Ittihad Park on The Palm from 3pm to 8pm today (Thursday). Celebrations at Discovery Gardens are from 3pm to 8pm on Friday 30 November, on the open area opposite buildings 131,132 and 133. Both events are open to residents and the general public, and will feature traditional entertainment, food and other attractions.

Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah, said: "National Day is all about bringing people together as a symbol of the spirit of the union of the UAE, and we look forward to celebrating with both residents and non-residents at Palm Jumeirah and Discovery Gardens.

"Al Ittihad Park at Palm Jumeirah is our special tribute to our country. 'Ittihad' means 'union' and our park will unite people not only on and around National Day 2012, but for many generations to come."

Al Ittihad Park is flanked by a 3.2kmjogging track, and has been designed as a sustainable, eco-friendly focal point for The Palm. It features more than 60 varieties of trees and plants found in the UAE's deserts, mountains, wadis and coastal areas. Many have medicinal uses, and all of them require minimal watering to thrive.

Mr Lootah added: "Al Ittihad Park is a new, unique venue for residents to walk, jog or simply relax in natural, shaded surroundings, and a new tourist attraction for visitors to the UAE who want to learn about our country's diverse plantlife."

Nakheel hopes to use Al Ittihad Park as the basis for more parks and communal areas at its other developments in Dubai.

Al Ittihad Park is open 24 hours a day, and has an adjacent car park with 700 spaces.