Roots of Resilience

A lone Ghaf tree defies the vastness of the scorching desert. Surrounded by towering dunes, this tenacious survivor stands as a symbol of endurance in the face of adversity. In the heart of the arid expanse, the tree's modest height and short branches tell a story of simplicity and determination. This scene serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges Earth confronts, encouraging viewers to reflect on the power of adaptation and our collective responsibility for the well-being of our planet.

December 2nd 2025 marks the 53rd National Day of the United Arab Emirates, Eid Al Etihad. The Climate Tribe celebrates alongside all Emiratis having planted 680 trees – mangroves, sidr and ghaf – with members of the UAE Community since September 2023.

This award-winning photograph was shortlisted in the Planet Category of the COP28 Photography Competition, a collaboration between The Climate Tribe and the Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA). The Climate Tribe has partnered with HIPA to leverage the power of photography to inspire global awareness of sustainability and advance climate action.