Emirates Environmental Group and Dabur International preserve native species of the Arab Region

Arak Tree Planting initiative launched

• On the auspicious occasion of the 49th UAE National Day 2020
• Arak trees are commonly used to produce Miswak twig, used as a natural toothbrush in Arab culture

Arak trees (Salvadora persica), commonly known for its Miswak twig holds traditional and medicinal importance in the Arab Region since centuries. Due to its versatile properties, the species has been under threat because of overexploitation for its commercial value. Dabur International and Emirates Environmental Group therefore, jointly launched the initiative of Miswak Tree Planting initiative that aims at restoring this native tree species. Supported by the management of the Saih Al Salam Protected area near Al Qudra Lakes, 20 saplings of Miswak tree were planted in Dubai by Habiba Al Mar’ashi, EEG Chairperson and the senior officials of Dabur International.

Miswak, a teeth cleaning twig popular in many Arab countries, is made from the Salvadora persica tree species known as ‘Arak’ in Arabic. Miswak has been used in the Arab and Muslim world as a religious ritual regimen for more than 1400 years. According to Hadith, Miswak is a valuable tool for the maintenance of mouth cleanliness and good oral health.

The initiative is also in-line with the auspicious occasion of UAE 49th National Day on 2nd December 2020. Celebrating the commitment towards National Biodiversity Strategy of the UAE, the two partnering organisations have reaffirmed their call to protect and manage the rich biodiversity of the Country.

“Preserving flora and fauna that are part of Arab heritage, is a significant initiative and we are delighted to collaborate with Dabur International to plant Arak saplings in Saih Al Salam village, an important heritage centre. As we prepare to celebrate the UAE National Day, it is time for us to look back and reminisce about our culture and history, and do more to preserve our ecosystem that has been part of our heritage for centuries,” said Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Chairperson of Emirates Environmental Group.

One of the most popular brands of Dabur International is ‘Miswak’, providing scientifically proven and organic toothpaste to the world since many years. It is a complete oral care toothpaste with the astringent and anti-bacterial properties of Arak tree extract that helps reduce tooth decay, fight plaque and prevent gum diseases.

Emphasizing on the protection and living in harmony with nature, Dhruv Sharma, Category Head for Dabur Oral Care said, “Extracts from trees, plants and herbs have been widely featured in Arabic oral care, hair 

care and skin care rituals. As a company that uses traditional Arabic ingredients in our products, we are honoured to help preserve the natural environment of this region. We started this initiative in honour of the UAE National Day and plan to continue to work with Emirates Environmental Group to preserve the natural species of this great country.”

EEG expressed delight in welcoming Dabur International as its new corporate member as the entity looks forward to more such initiatives that support its motto of ‘Together for a better Environment’ and contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals.