The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located in a desert region. This initiative exclusively uses the UAE’s indigenous plants to create the “First National Landscape” at the new campus of Umm Al Quwain University (UAQU). The initiative includes two elements: softscapes and hardscapes. The softscapes include native species of trees, shrubs and groundcovers. While the hardscapes consist of coloured gravels, gazebo structures, barbeque facilities, water fountains, jogging tracks and sports areas. Multi-factors were considered to minimize the landscaping requirements (e.g., water irrigation, maintenance and costs), while creating multi-functional areas that add value to the project (e.g., sports, barbeque, meditation and recreational areas), conserve native biodiversity, generate cultural and sustainability benefits, and foster climate-resilience. This initiative is expected to inspire decision-makers and other landscaping projects in arid lands to take similar approaches.