On 7 March 2025, H.E. Sorayut Chasombat, Ambassador of Thailand to the UAE, received an invitation from H.E. Hamed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Emirati Pioneer Agricultural Association and Founder of Gracia Group, to participate in planting ceremony of the "Tree of Change" from Thailand, at Gracia Farm in Abu Dhabi. The event was held in support of the 1 Million Trees Distribution Initiative, which aims to plant one million trees to be distributed to various locations and communities across the UAE. This initiative seeks to increase green spaces, enhance biodiversity, and combat climate change, contributing to the UAE government’s Plant the Emirates policy.

 

On this occasion, Ambassador Sorayut and H.E. Hamed Al Hamed jointly planted a pomegranate tree, a seasonal plant known for its auspicious meaning. The Ambassador also remarked that as Thailand and the UAE celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, this tree symbolizes this significant milestone and reflects the growing friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

 

Furthermore, the Ambassador presented a commemorative embroidery featuring the Thailand-UAE 50th-Anniversary logo, as well as a golden shower tree sapling (Ratchaphruek), Thailand’s national tree, as gifts to Gracia Farm for cultivation and propagation. He expressed his hope to see the golden shower trees flourish along the streets of Abu Dhabi and throughout the UAE in the future. While H.E. Hamed Al Hamed presented farm produce as a gift and led the Ambassador and his delegation on a tour of the farm’s various operations.