Majid Al Futtaim has announced two key milestones in the development of its pioneering forest living community, Ghaf Woods, with the launch of a dedicated tree nursery and the appointment of Innovo Build as the main contractor for the project’s first two phases.

As part of its commitment to redefining urban living through sustainability and nature integration, the company has established a purpose-built nursery that will serve as the backbone of Ghaf Woods’ biophilic design. Over the next 18 months, the nursery will cultivate more than 30,000 native and climate-resilient trees and 350,000 shrubs, significantly contributing to the green infrastructure of the community.

Currently housing 10,000 trees, the nursery is expected to expand to 20,000 trees and 105,000 shrubs by mid-2026. The facility will eventually grow a wide range of species, including Acacia, Ghaf, Ficus, and Ziziphus, sourced from countries such as Egypt, India, Thailand, and the UAE. The AED 49 million contract for managing the nursery has been awarded to Barari Natural Resources, a subsidiary of Mawarid Holding Investment.

“This nursery is a critical foundation for the forest ecosystem at Ghaf Woods,” said Kashif Shamsi, CEO of Mawarid Holding Investment. “Beyond scale, our focus is on biodiversity and environmental impact, ensuring every tree plays a role in shaping a sustainable future.”

Simultaneously, Innovo Build has been awarded the AED 1.7 billion construction contract for Phases 1 and 2, which will include 13 residential buildings spread across the Celia, Serra, and Lacina clusters. Known for their work on sustainable and high-end developments, Innovo Build will be tasked with blending modern architectural design with Ghaf Woods’ immersive natural surroundings.

“We are proud to partner with Majid Al Futtaim to deliver a project that puts nature at the heart of urban living,” said Sameh Fam, CEO of Innovo Build. “Ghaf Woods is not just about construction—it’s about coexisting with the environment and creating spaces that prioritize sustainability and well-being.”

Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, emphasized that Ghaf Woods represents years of planning and a growing demand for communities that foster deeper connections with nature. “With these partnerships in place, we are laying the foundation for a lifestyle that balances modern living with environmental stewardship,” he noted.

Located near Global Village and spanning 738,000 square metres, Ghaf Woods will feature over 7,000 premium residences, resort-style amenities, extensive walking and biking trails, and Majid Al Futtaim’s Distrikt hub—a curated destination for retail, wellness, and farm-to-table dining.

With sustainability embedded at every level, Ghaf Woods is positioned to become a flagship model for forest-integrated urban living in the Middle East.