A comprehensive survey of flora in Dubai, UAE: composition, ecological adaptations and ethnobotanical significance

Abstract

The Himalayan region supports a rich diversity of plant species and traditional pastoral The present study was conducted to document the floristic composition, ecological adaptations and ethnobotanical significance of plant species occurring in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Field surveys were carried out during January-February 2025 across diverse habitats including desert reserves, coastal ecosystems, wildlife sanctuaries, urban parks and landscaped areas. A total of 54 plant species belonging to 48 genera and 28 families were recorded. Apocynaceae and Boraginaceae were the dominant families, while shrubs constituted the most abundant life form. Native species (31 spp.) predominated over introduced species (23 spp.), reflecting the characteristic vegetation of the Arabian desert ecosystem. Most recorded plants exhibited xerophytic adaptations such as deep root systems, reduced leaf surfaces, succulent tissues, thick cuticles and water-storage mechanisms, enabling survival under extreme arid conditions. Nine species were identified as true halophytes adapted to saline coastal habitats. Ethnobotanical analysis revealed that 22 species possessed documented medicinal or traditional uses, primarily for treating wounds, skin diseases, digestive disorders, fever, diabetes, rheumatism and other ailments. Leaves were the most frequently utilized plant part. Biological spectrum analysis indicated the dominance of phanerophytes (53.7%) and chamaephytes (24.0%), suggesting a Phanero-Chamaeophytic phytoclimate typical of arid environments. The study highlights the remarkable ecological resilience and ethnobotanical value of Dubai’s flora and emphasizes the importance of conserving native plant diversity in rapidly urbanizing desert landscapes.