In recent years, GCC countries have launched ambitious national tree planting initiatives as part of their efforts to reach environmental and net-zero targets. Progress toward these targets, however, varies across the region. Abu Dhabi currently leads with nearly 45% of its 100 Mn mangrove tree goal for 2030 already achieved. Saudi Arabia follows at 17% of its 600 Mn tree target, while Qatar has reached 12% of its 10 Mn tree objective. Oman trails slightly at 4%, and Bahrain—with a later 2035 deadline—has planted 19% of its 1.8 million tree target.

GCC countries are adopting diverse policy actions advance their tree-planting efforts. Saudi Arabia is spearheading a landmark regional collaboration– the Middle East Green Initiative – which targets planting 50 billion trees across the region, encouraging regional participation and coordination. Oman’s “Ashjar” platform promotes civic engagement by allowing individuals and organizations to request and plant native trees via an online system. Meanwhile, the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative leverages drone technology to plant mangrove seeds, applying innovation to large-scale ecosystem restoration.

The region’s progress reflects a growing commitment to environmental restoration, with each country advancing according to its strategy and scale. The UAE and Bahrain are poised to surpass their targets ahead of schedule, while Saudi Arabia and Qatar have strong momentum and are steadily progressing towards their targets, with room to further scale up their efforts in order to achieve their ambitious targets. With this momentum, the GCC is well-positioned to emerge as a leader in ecological restoration, turning ambitious pledges into transformative action for a greener future.