Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce is a keystone tree species in the arid and semi-arid regions of West and South Asia, with critical ecological, cultural, and conservation significance. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other regions of the Arabian Peninsula, this beneficial tree is called Ghaf. Despite its importance, genomic resources and population-level diversity data for the tree remain limited. Here, we present the first comprehensive population genomics study of Ghaf based on whole-genome resequencing of 204 individual trees collected across the UAE. Following Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) discovery and stringent filtering, we analyzed 57,183 high-quality LD-pruned SNPs to assess population structure, diversity, and gene flow. Principal component analysis (PCA), sparse non-negative matrix factorization (sNMF), and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) revealed four well-defined genetic clusters, broadly corresponding to geographic origins. The genetic diversity varied significantly among the groups, with observed heterozygosity (Ho), inbreeding coefficients (F), and nucleotide diversity ($\pi$) showing strong population-specific trends. Genome-wide fixation index F_ST scans identified multiple highly differentiated genomic regions, enriched for genes involved in stress response, transport, and signaling. Functional enrichment using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Pfam annotations indicated overrepresentation of protein kinase activity, ATP binding, and hormone signaling pathways. TreeMix analysis revealed gene flow into one of the genetic clusters from both others, suggesting historical admixture and geographic connectivity. This work provides foundational insights into the population genomic profile of P. cineraria, supporting conservation planning, restoration strategies, and long-term genetic monitoring in arid ecosystems.

During the floristic surveys in 2020–2023 in the United Arab Emirates, we recorded Maerua crassifolia Forssk., which is new to the flora of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This species has a distribution across Africa, through the Arabian Peninsula, to Iran and Pakistan. We discuss the geographic range of this species, its presence in the Arabian Peninsula, and its conservation status. Our new record expands the geographic distribution of the species and highlights the importance of expanding botanical surveys to increase the knowledge on the floral diversity of the emirate.

Salsola griffithii, a formerly endemic species in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan is reported from UAE as a new record from the south of the Persian Gulf. This record adds another evidence of the Irano-Turanian elements which extend their range into the Saharo-Sindian region. Furthermore, it contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the flora in the UAE and emphasizes the necessity for continued botanical research in the region. Detailed illustrations of Salsola griffithii in UAE, a short description, habitat, an updated distribution map and its phytogeographical importance are provided.