Within the framework of the Month of Ukraine in the UAE and on the occasion of the UAE National Environment Day, a symbolic event took place in Abu Dhabi — the expansion of the Ukrainian Park on Yas Island.

The project was realized through the initiative of the Ukrainian community in the UAE, with the support of the Abu Dhabi City Municipality, and in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in the UAE. As part of the event, 35 trees were planted to mark the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence, as well as to symbolize the enduring spirit of friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.

The Ukrainian Park was originally established by the community in 2021 on the occasion of Vyshyvanka Day. Today, taking into account the updated vision for urban development and the priorities of the Abu Dhabi Municipality, the park has been further developed and stands as another example of how joint initiatives help create open, welcoming, and community-oriented public spaces.

During the event, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the UAE, Dr. Oleksandr Balanutsa, addressed the participants with welcoming remarks, expressing special gratitude to the Ukrainian community in the UAE for initiating the creation and continued development of the Ukrainian Park, as well as to the Abu Dhabi Municipality for supporting the implementation of this symbolic project. The Ambassador emphasized that such initiatives demonstrate the active role of the Ukrainian community in strengthening people-to-people ties and shaping a positive presence of Ukraine in the United Arab Emirates.

This project is a symbolic gift from the Ukrainian community to the Emirati land and a sincere gesture of gratitude to the UAE leadership for their humanitarian support of the Ukrainian people, their assistance in facilitating the return of Ukrainian citizens home, and their efforts aimed at promoting peace.

The Embassy sincerely thanks the Ukrainian community in the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Municipality, and all partners and participants of the initiative, and reaffirms its readiness to continue supporting projects that strengthen people-to-people connections, partnership, and mutual understanding between Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.