The Museum of the Future’s garden has been designed on the green plinth holding the striking structure. All photos: The Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future’s garden has been designed on the green plinth holding the striking structure. All photos: The Museum of the Future
In the garden there are about 100 species of trees and plants.
In the garden there are about 100 species of trees and plants.
The different horticultural species reflect the UAE's natural diversity and ecological heritage.
The different horticultural species reflect the UAE's natural diversity and ecological heritage.
Palm trees standing tall outside Dubai's Museum of the Future.
Palm trees standing tall outside Dubai's Museum of the Future.
Ghaf, sidr, palm and acacia trees are all growing in the gardens, trees that are well adapted to local environmental conditions.
Ghaf, sidr, palm and acacia trees are all growing in the gardens, trees that are well adapted to local environmental conditions.
The gardens are equipped with a smart, automated irrigation system and support local bee and bird population.
The gardens are equipped with a smart, automated irrigation system and support local bee and bird population.
Museum of the Future’s gardens are set to be an attraction in and of themselves when it opens on February 22.
Museum of the Future’s gardens are set to be an attraction in and of themselves when it opens on February 22.

Arts & Culture

Museum of the Future’s garden contains 100 plant species from across the UAE

Ghaf, sidr, palm and acacia trees are all growing in a green space that also supports the insect and bird population

Farah Andrews
Farah Andrews

February 17, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

The Museum of the Future's striking exteriors and architectural marvel may be the main talking points ahead of the Dubai museum's opening on February 22, but the gardens are set to be an attraction in and of themselves.

Designed to house about 100 species of trees and plants, the gardens will be a reflection of the UAE's natural diversity and ecological heritage.

The gardens are a key part of the building's design, located on the large green plinth on which the building stands. Native ghaf, sidr, palm and acacia trees are all growing in the space — trees that are well adapted to local environmental conditions.

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What lies inside Dubai's Museum of the Future?

The gardens are equipped with an automated irrigation system and support bee and bird populations.

"The plant species and irrigation techniques used had to consider the nature of the steep plateau and the UAE’s dry weather," said an official statement about the gardens. "Given the unique setting of the building, traditional landscaping techniques were a challenge. A novel way of planting and soiling the greenery was needed.

"With Dubai’s summer temperatures hitting close to 50ºC, and with the average rainfall of 130mm per year, irrigation was one of the main considerations for the plateau. A smart irrigation system uses a sub-surface mat that delivers water directly to the root system in a targeted, efficient approach.

"The plateau’s steep slopes allow quick water run-off, removing the need for water-intense flood irrigation.

"Additionally, water collection and recycling systems are used to reduce water wastage by approximately 25 per cent."

Images of the Museum of the Future ahead of its February 22 opening:

Dubai's Museum of the Future will embody the forward-thinking spirit of the UAE's founding fathers, a senior Emirati minister said. Photo: UAE Government Media Office
Dubai's Museum of the Future will embody the forward-thinking spirit of the UAE's founding fathers, a senior Emirati minister said. Photo: UAE Government Media Office
The museum opened its doors to the public on February 22. Photo: UAE Government Media Office
The museum opened its doors to the public on February 22. Photo: UAE Government Media Office
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said that it would be much more than a museum, serving as a 'research lab' for the future. Photo: UAE Government Media Office
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said that it would be much more than a museum, serving as a 'research lab' for the future. Photo: UAE Government Media Office
The museum will feature a dedicated space for children, helping to harness their love of learning. Photo: UAE Government Media Office
The museum will feature a dedicated space for children, helping to harness their love of learning. Photo: UAE Government Media Office
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed it as the "most beautiful building on Earth". Photo: UAE Government Media Office
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed it as the "most beautiful building on Earth". Photo: UAE Government Media Office
Workers are dwarfed by the Museum of the Future in this November 2019 picture. The intricate design is inspired by Arabic script. Antonie Robertson / The National
Workers are dwarfed by the Museum of the Future in this November 2019 picture. The intricate design is inspired by Arabic script. Antonie Robertson / The National
The striking structure was years in the making. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The striking structure was years in the making. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The opening date was pushed back several times and a 2020 opening date came and went as the pandemic hit. Photo: Dubai Media Office
The opening date was pushed back several times and a 2020 opening date came and went as the pandemic hit. Photo: Dubai Media Office
This 2018 image shows the unique design taking shape. Antonie Robertson / The National
This 2018 image shows the unique design taking shape. Antonie Robertson / The National
A cyclist poses for a photograph in front of the museum in November. AP Photo / Jon Gambrell
A cyclist poses for a photograph in front of the museum in November. AP Photo / Jon Gambrell
The unique facade was voted among the most striking in the world in a recent poll. AP Photo
The unique facade was voted among the most striking in the world in a recent poll. AP Photo
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visit the museum in September. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visit the museum in September. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tries out some of the museum's technological features. Wam
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tries out some of the museum's technological features. Wam
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Updated: February 17, 2022, 2:38 PM`
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