Dubai launches Flame Tree Season to rival cherry-blossom tourism
Dubai's Flame Tree Season, a new initiative by Dubai Future Foundation's Dubai Design Lab, encourages residents to appreciate the city's Delonix regia trees, which bloom with orange-red flowers in summer. Over 50,000 flame trees have been planted in Dubai since the 1970s, originating from Madagascar. The season features special menus, limited-edition products, and social media campaigns, with more than 235 brand collaborations emerging organically. Associate manager Rafia Bin Sulaiman notes the tree's resilience, blooming when heat hits. Unlike Japan's cherry blossoms, which attract outdoor gatherings in spring, Dubai's flame trees flower in extreme heat (over 40°C), limiting outdoor appreciation. The initiative aims to create civic rituals and highlight the natural landscape in a city known for skyscrapers.
Key facts
- Dubai launched Flame Tree Season to celebrate Delonix regia trees.
- Over 50,000 flame trees have been planted in Dubai since the 1970s.
- The tree originates from Madagascar.
- More than 235 brand collaborations have emerged for the season.
- Rafia Bin Sulaiman is associate manager at Dubai Design Lab.
- The bloom occurs in summer when temperatures exceed 40°C.
- The initiative is part of Dubai Future Foundation.
- Flame trees can lower surface temperatures by up to 5°C.
Entities
Institutions
- Dubai Design Lab
- Dubai Future Foundation
- Monocle
Locations
- Dubai
- Madagascar
- United Arab Emirates
- Japan
- Netherlands
- New England
- United States
- Provence
- France
Sources
- Monocle —