9:10 pm - February 14, 2026
Majid Al Futtaim is forging a new path in urban living with the recent announcement of its Ghaf Woods project, which is poised to redefine the concept of residential communities in Dubai. Stretching over 738,000 square metres near the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, the development will comprise more than 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as luxurious penthouses. The initial phases of construction are set to be executed by Innovo Build, which has been awarded a significant contract worth approximately $463 million to complete 13 buildings within the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters.
At the heart of Ghaf Woods lies a commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, encapsulated in the creation of a dedicated tree nursery. This facility is designed not only to support the biophilic design of the community but also to cultivate a more extensive green infrastructure. Currently housing over 10,000 trees, the nursery aims to nurture and eventually transplant an impressive number of native and climate-resilient species, reaching up to 35,000 trees by the project’s completion. Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “Our investment in a purpose-built tree nursery… is a vital step in bringing this vision to life.”
Ghaf Woods is designed as a sanctuary that will enhance local biodiversity, serving as a ‘Green Lung’ for the community. This forest ecosystem is expected to significantly improve air quality, making it up to 20% cleaner than the surrounding urban environment, while also providing a cool respite with temperature reductions of up to five degrees Celsius. The community will also support more than 20 species of birds, enriching the local ecosystem further. Notably, the expansive open spaces will provide around 15 square metres per resident, exceeding the World Health Organisation’s recommended minimum, thereby promoting health and wellness.
In addition to an emphasis on greenery, the community boasts extensive wellness amenities, including eight kilometres of walking trails, a 3.5-kilometre biking loop, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, and family-friendly gardens. A focal point of the development will be Majid Al Futtaim’s signature multi-purpose hub, Distrikt, which is tailored to offer curated retail and dining experiences that prioritise sustainability.
Kashif Shamsi, Group CEO of Mawarid Holding Investment, which is managing the tree nursery, noted the project’s focus on biodiversity and resilience, stating, “Our focus is not only on scale but also on biodiversity… ensuring every tree contributes meaningfully to the project’s long-term environmental impact.” This reflects an overarching aim shared by all parties involved: a sustainable blend of luxury and environmental stewardship that seeks to create a living space where urban dwellers can thrive in harmony with nature.
As Ghaf Woods moves towards completion, anticipated in eight phases by 2031, it is positioned to become a leading example of how development, sustainability, and quality living can intersect, providing a model for future urban projects in the region. Through partnerships and innovative design, Majid Al Futtaim is not merely constructing residences but is setting a benchmark for living in a manner that respects and integrates with the natural landscape.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://meconstructionnews.com/63503/majid-al-futtaim-announces-contract-awards-for-ghaf-woods – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.majidalfuttaim.com/en/media-centre/press-releases/detail/2024/06/majid-al-futtaim-announces-its-latest-real-estate-development-bringing-forest-living-to-dubai-with-launch-of-ghaf-woods – Majid Al Futtaim has unveiled Ghaf Woods, Dubai’s first forest living community, covering 738,000 square metres near the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway. The development will feature over 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as penthouses. The project aims to redefine indoor-outdoor living with a forest comprising 35,000 trees, including the indigenous Ghaf tree, which will outnumber residents. This green initiative is expected to reduce soil erosion, conserve water, and provide shade, making the area up to five degrees Celsius cooler than the city. Additionally, the forest will improve air quality by filtering pollutants and greenhouse gases, resulting in air that is up to 20% cleaner than other urban areas. The community will also be home to over 20 bird species and will offer amenities such as eight kilometres of walking trails, a 3.5-kilometre biking loop, resort-style pools, fitness facilities, family-friendly gardens, and a wellness and yoga pavilion. The development will be rolled out in eight phases between now and 2031.
- https://www.constructionweekonline.com/projects-tenders/maf-launches-first-forest-living-development-to-have-more-trees-than-residents – Majid Al Futtaim has launched Ghaf Woods, Dubai’s first forest living community, spanning 738,000 square metres near the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway. The development will feature over 7,000 premium units, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, all offering stunning views of the forest ecosystem. The community will boast a forest of 35,000 trees, including the indigenous Ghaf tree, which will not only outnumber residents but also aid in reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and providing shade, making the area up to five degrees Celsius cooler than the city. Trees in Ghaf Woods will significantly enhance air quality by removing pollutants and greenhouse gases, creating what is termed a ‘Green Lung’ with air that is 20% cleaner than in other developments. The community’s extensive open space—15 square metres per resident—is 40% above the World Health Organization’s standard of 10 square meters per person. Ghaf Woods will be a sanctuary for over 20 bird species and will prioritise health, wellness, and relaxation with its forest-lined pathways ensuring all points within the community are only a five-minute walk away. Outdoor activities will be encouraged through eight kilometres of walking trails, a 3.5-kilometre biking loop, and resort-style pools for both children and adults. Additional amenities include fitness facilities, family-friendly gardens, and a wellness and yoga pavilion. The community will also host Distrikt, Majid Al Futtaim’s renowned multi-purpose neighbourhood hub, featuring an exclusive selection of retail outlets and restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine.
- https://propsearch.ae/dubai/ghaf-woods – Ghaf Woods is a development within DubaiLand, Dubai, being developed by Majid Al Futtaim. The project spans 738,000 square metres and is anticipated to have 35,000 trees and over 20 bird species. The development aims to improve biodiversity by having more trees than residents. Ghaf Woods buildings have energy-efficient designs and sustainable water capturing and treatment strategies. The community is designed to be well-connected with amenities all within a 5-minute walk. The landscape design is inspired by native plant species suitable to the local climate, resilient to drought and heat. The soil is enriched with minerals and organic structure, and is supported by a special water-capturing technology for sustainable hydration. The Forest Experience Centre in the centre of the community will provide interactive experiences for residents. The project was initially introduced at the MIPIM 2024 event in Cannes, France.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/projects/construction/majid-al-futtaim-launches-dubais-first-forest-living-community-ghaf-woods-axdhl8cl – Majid Al Futtaim has announced the official launch of Ghaf Woods, Dubai’s first forest living community, following an initial showcase at MIPIM 2024. Covering 738,000 square metres of land off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near Global Village, the project will feature more than 7,000 units and be completed in eight phases between now and 2031. The forest will comprise 35,000 trees suitable to the local climate, including the Ghaf tree, to provide shade that will keep the community’s average temperatures up to five degrees Celsius cooler than the city. Ghaf Woods will be home to over 20 bird species while the forest ecosystem and nature will contribute to producing up to 20 per cent cleaner air.
- https://ghafwoods-dubai.com/ – Ghaf Woods Dubai redefines luxury living by combining sustainability and innovation within Dubailand’s lively environment. Conveniently located near Global Village and with easy access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Ghaf Woods ensures seamless connectivity while providing a peaceful, nature-filled escape from the urban hustle. The new launch of Ghaf Woods Phase offers luxury apartments and duplexes with resort-style amenities. This exceptional community is poised to become one of Dubai’s premier destinations, featuring pedestrian-friendly layouts, creative communal spaces, and discreet underground parking for enhanced safety and convenience. Ghaf Woods focuses on sustainability, featuring lush greenery and trees that lower temperatures by up to 5°C, provide 20% cleaner air, and support over 20 bird species. Backed by Majid Al Futtaim, it offers a strong investment opportunity with competitive pricing and flexible payment options.
- https://dubailuxury-homes.com/majid-al-futtaim-launches-forest-living-community-in-dubai.php – Ghaf Woods embodies Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to innovation, creating a truly unique living environment that blends nature, luxury, and wellness. Spanning 738,000 square meters of land, Ghaf Woods is set to be a lush woodland oasis nestled in the heart of Dubai, conveniently located off the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Highway, near the Global Village. This expansive development will feature more than 7,000 premium residential units, each designed to offer stunning views of a thriving forest ecosystem. The centerpiece of the community is its forest itself, which will host 35,000 trees. These trees will play a critical role in enhancing the environment by reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and providing natural temperature regulation. Furthermore, the forest will serve as a ‘Green Lung’ for the community, improving air quality by filtering out pollutants and greenhouse gases, resulting in air that is up to 20% cleaner than other urban areas.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was first published on June 5, 2024, by Majid Al Futtaim’s official press release. The most recent publication date is June 4, 2025, indicating a freshness of approximately one year. The report includes updated data, such as the establishment of a dedicated tree nursery and the appointment of Innovo Build as the primary contractor, which may justify a higher freshness score. However, the core content appears to be recycled from the original press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. The narrative has been republished across various platforms, including meconstructionnews.com and dubailuxury-homes.com, which may indicate a lack of originality. The inclusion of updated data may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The direct quotes from Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, and Kashif Shamsi, Group CEO of Mawarid Holding Investment, appear in earlier material, indicating potential reuse. The wording of the quotes varies slightly across different publications, suggesting possible paraphrasing or selective quoting. No online matches were found for the exact wording of the quotes, raising the possibility of original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations, including Majid Al Futtaim’s official press release and established news outlets like meconstructionnews.com and dubailuxury-homes.com. The presence of multiple reputable sources enhances the reliability of the information.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the Ghaf Woods project, such as the establishment of a dedicated tree nursery and the appointment of Innovo Build as the primary contractor, are plausible and align with the project’s objectives. The emphasis on sustainability and biodiversity is consistent with Majid Al Futtaim’s previous initiatives. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which could raise questions about its originality. The language and tone are consistent with corporate communications, and the structure is focused on the project’s developments, without excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents updated information on the Ghaf Woods project, including the establishment of a tree nursery and the appointment of Innovo Build as the primary contractor. However, the core content appears to be recycled from the original press release, with slight variations in quotes and a lack of supporting detail from other reputable outlets. The presence of multiple reputable sources enhances the reliability of the information, but the lack of originality and potential reuse of content warrant further scrutiny.
