The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is renowned for its harsh and arid environment, where minimal precipitation and extreme temperatures create a challenging habitat for flora and fauna. Despite these conditions, the UAE boasts a remarkable array of native plant species that have adapted to survive in such a demanding climate. However, the introduction of non-native plant species poses significant environmental challenges, potentially disrupting local ecosystems and outcompeting native species. This has highlighted the need for a comprehensive and accessible database of native plants to support conservation and reintroduction efforts. Native plants play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. In the UAE, these plants face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. The lack of a centralized and verified repository of native plants has been a significant barrier to effective conservation and sustainable management. Addressing this issue, A team of researchers at Fujairah Research Centre(FRC) have developed a comprehensive database known as UAE Flora (https://uaeflora.ae/), which aims to fill this gap by providing an in-depth analysis of native plant species across the Emirates. The UAE Flora database is a pioneering initiative that compiles information from over 400 published articles, online resources, and books, identifying and cataloging more than 760 native plant species. This database serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and the public, offering insights into the plants' physiological traits, habitat types, and ecological roles. By making this information readily available, the database aims to facilitate efforts towards biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of the UAE's unique ecosystems. One of the key features of the UAE Flora database is its comprehensive nature. Each plant entry includes over 50 data fields, detailing aspects such as common and scientific names, habitat information, and various biological and pharmacological properties. This extensive data collection allows users to access a wealth of information about each species, supporting research and conservation initiatives. The database is web-based, ensuring that it is accessible to users across the globe, and it supports both English and Arabic languages, making it user-friendly for a diverse audience.The significance of native plants extends beyond their ecological roles. Many of these plants have adapted to survive extreme conditions such as high salinity and drought, and they provide essential nutritional and medicinal benefits. For example, studies have shown that certain native plants like Vachellia flava and Prosopis cineraria possess higher nutritional values compared to conventional staple crops. These plants not only contribute to the diet of local wildlife but also have potential applications in human nutrition and medicine.The UAE Flora database also highlights the importance of native plants in landscaping and urban development. Native species are well-suited for landscaping projects in arid environments due to their low water requirements and minimal maintenance needs. By incorporating native plants into urban green spaces, it is possible to create more sustainable and ecologically balanced landscapes. This approach not only conserves resources but also helps restore natural habitats and enhance biodiversity. Despite the clear benefits of native plants, the UAE has predominantly relied on exotic species for afforestation and urban landscaping. This reliance on non-native plants has led to environmental challenges, including the endangerment of local plant species and increased water consumption. The UAE Flora database aims to address these issues by providing centralized repository of native plant information, promoting the use of indigenous species in conservation and landscaping projects. The development of the UAE Flora database is a significant step towards improving the management and conservation of native plants. The database is continuously updated and verified by a team of experts, ensuring that the information remains accurate and reliable. Future plans for the database include expanding its content to cover additional native plant species and exploring the potential of these plants for commercial applications, such as fabric production and biodegradable materials.In conclusion, the UAE Flora database represents a valuable resource for advancing the conservation and sustainable management of native plants in the UAE. By providing comprehensive and accessible information about the region's biodiversity, the database supports efforts to protect and reintroduce native species, promote sustainable landscaping practices, and enhance the overall health of the environment. As the UAE continues to face environmental challenges, initiatives like the UAE Flora database play a crucial role in preserving the nation's natural heritage and fostering a more resilient and balanced ecosystem. For more detailed information read the full article by Alyammahi, N. A. S. A., Ridouane, F. L., Almoalla, A. A., Al Dhanhani, A. S. S. J., Gorashi, A., & Mirza, S. B. (2023). Exploration of the Native Plants from the Biodiversity of United Arab Emirates for Conservation and Reintroduction Efforts: Collection, Verification, Design, and Implementation of UAE Flora Database. International Journal of Plant Biology, 14(2), 493–502. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijpb14020038