PPG announced that it has partnered with Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) to carry out a tree-planting initiative, supporting its broader vision of building a greener and more sustainable city. The initiative reinforces PPG’s commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability education and community engagement, which includes an investment of $5 million in environmental sustainability education by 2030.

Hamad Al Sayegh, vice president, Customer Care, JAFZA (center) with PPG leaders Olga Kolevatova and Jean-Francois Lemaire at the inauguration of a tree-planting event in Dubai. (Source: PPG)

More than 80 PPG employees and their family members volunteered to plant 500 native and climate-resilient trees – primarily Ghaf and Neem – in an area of JAFZA where PPG’s Aerospace Application Support Center is located. The area is surrounded by busy roads and industrial infrastructure, making the initiative particularly impactful in improving air quality, increasing shaded green spaces and enhancing local biodiversity.

“At PPG, our commitment to environmental sustainability is rooted in action,” said Olga Kolevatova, PPG general manager, Middle East, Egypt and Caspian region. “By partnering with JAFZA and engaging our employees and their families in this tree-planting initiative, we contribute directly to the communities where we operate and support Dubai’s sustainability ambitions. Together, we are helping to create healthier, greener spaces for future generations.”

The tree-planting activity, the first by a private company in the zone, was delivered in close coordination with JAFZA, which will oversee post-planting irrigation and ongoing maintenance to ensure the long-term success of the trees. The event was inaugurated by Hamad Al Sayegh, vice president, Customer Care, JAFZA.

“This initiative reflects the power of private-sector collaboration, with PPG’s leadership in launching the first tree-planting program by a private company in the Free Zone setting a strong example and contributing meaningfully to our efforts to create greener, more sustainable industrial zones across Dubai,” said Al Sayegh.

“Planting trees in a highly industrial and high-traffic area highlights our dedication to making a meaningful environmental impact and reinforces our responsibility to the communities that host our operations,” said Jean-Francois Lemaire, PPG director, Middle East, Sub-Indian continent, Central Asia and Türkiye, Aerospace Coatings.

Click here to see a video of the project.