UAE Experts Say Lawn Shrinkage Saves Money and the Planet 2025

As water scarcity concerns grow in the UAE, residents and landscaping experts are calling for a major shift in garden design — moving away from large green lawns and embracing water-efficient ground cover plants. This change not only helps conserve water but also reduces costs, supports the local environment, and aligns with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals.

The Problem with Traditional Lawns in the UAE

Lawns are often seen as a symbol of luxury and beauty in private villas and public parks across the UAE. Their lush green appearance, however, comes at a significant environmental cost. In the hot and arid climate of the Emirates, maintaining a grass lawn requires a large amount of water — often more than 20,000 liters per 100 square meters per month.

Due to high evaporation rates and sandy soil, most grass in the UAE must be watered daily, fertilized regularly, and mowed weekly. The result? A high-maintenance and expensive green patch that struggles to survive naturally in the desert climate.

With rising temperatures, limited freshwater sources, and increasing pressure on desalination plants, traditional grass lawns have become an unsustainable choice for both homeowners and government landscaping departments.

A Sustainable Solution: Ground Cover Plants

Ground cover plants are low-growing species that spread horizontally, forming a natural carpet over the soil. Unlike turf grass, many ground covers are native or drought-resistant plants that require minimal irrigation, little to no mowing, and can survive harsh temperatures.

Popular ground cover options for the UAE include:

• Dwarf Carpet of Stars (Ruschia lineolata): A tough, drought-resistant succulent with pink-purple flowers.
• Lippia nodiflora (Frog Fruit): A fast-spreading, low-water plant that attracts butterflies.
• Portulaca (Purslane): A hardy, colorful plant with excellent heat tolerance.
• Gazania: Known for its vibrant flowers and ability to thrive in dry conditions.

These plants not only reduce water usage but also lower maintenance costs and support biodiversity by attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Benefits of Reducing Lawn Size

1. Save Water
   Switching to ground cover can reduce outdoor water use by up to 70%. In a country where nearly 40% of water consumption goes toward irrigation, this shift can have a huge impact.
2. Lower Bills
   Water is subsidized in the UAE, but costs are increasing. Reducing lawn size or switching to xeriscaping (low-water landscaping) helps households and businesses cut their utility bills.
3. Less Maintenance
   Ground cover plants often require trimming only a few times a year and don’t need weekly mowing, making garden upkeep much easier.
4. Environmental Gains
   Using native or adapted plants helps reduce the carbon footprint by decreasing reliance on fertilizers, pesticides, and gasoline-powered mowers.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
   Ground covers offer a range of colors, textures, and seasonal flowers that can add charm and variety to any landscape.

A Growing Trend in Urban Landscaping

Government entities and real estate developers in the UAE are also beginning to adopt ground cover alternatives in public and private spaces. Several Dubai parks have started incorporating desert-adapted plants to cut down on irrigation needs. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport has also launched awareness campaigns encouraging xeriscaping in residential areas.

Landscape designer Rana El Ghandour, who has worked on multiple villa projects in Dubai and Sharjah, says more clients are now open to reducing lawn sizes. “People are starting to understand that a lush lawn is not always practical or environmentally responsible,” she says. “With the right design and plant selection, you can have a stunning garden without wasting water.”

What the UAE Government Is Doing

The UAE government has taken several steps to support water-saving landscaping:

• Dubai Municipality’s Sustainable Landscaping Guidelines encourage native and drought-tolerant species.
• Abu Dhabi’s Waterwise Program offers advice and incentives for reducing water consumption at home.
• UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 targets reducing water consumption by 21% across the country.

These initiatives support a shift in public mindset — from green lawns as a status symbol to smart gardens as a mark of modern, eco-friendly living.

Tips for Homeowners Ready to Make the Switch

If you’re considering cutting down your lawn or replacing it entirely, here are some practical steps:

1. Start Small: Reduce the size of your lawn in stages. Replace parts with gravel beds, mulch, or decorative stone.
2. Choose Wisely: Select native or drought-tolerant ground covers suitable for full sun.
3. Install Drip Irrigation: This system uses much less water and delivers it directly to plant roots.
4. Use Mulch: Adding a layer of mulch reduces water loss and keeps the soil cooler.
5. Consult an Expert: Landscape designers or garden centers can help you plan a low-water landscape that suits your taste and budget.

The Future of UAE Gardens

As the UAE pushes forward with its green vision, transforming gardens is an easy and effective step every homeowner can take. From reducing lawn sizes to embracing water-wise ground covers, this trend offers clear environmental and economic benefits. It also reflects a shift in how people value sustainability in their personal spaces.

While lush green lawns may never fully disappear from the UAE, their dominance is clearly being challenged. Whether to save water, reduce costs, or simply try something new, more residents are beginning to see the ground beneath their feet in a whole new light.

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