Tatiana Antonelli Abella: Ghaf Trees and Refill Fountains
Tatiana Antonelli Abella founded Goumbook in 2009 and is behind Give a Ghaf tree planting and the Dubai Can refill campaign.
Tatiana Antonelli Abella is the founder of Goumbook, a social enterprise that has worked on sustainability and climate action in the region since 2009.
What they do
Goumbook runs Give a Ghaf and other tree-planting work built around the native ghaf, and holds a Guinness World Records title for the most seeds planted at the same time in one hour. Its campaigns also include Mangroves Matter, Drop It on single-use plastic and Save the Butts. She conceptualised and manages Dubai Can, the city’s campaign to cut single-use plastic bottles with public water fountains.
Why it matters
The Brew News described Goumbook in 2023 as the UAE’s oldest social enterprise. Its work connects everyday habits, like refilling a bottle, with bigger goals such as greener landscapes and cleaner coasts. In 2023 she also organised the first MENA Ocean Summit in Dubai.
How to get involved
The Goumbook site has Give a Ghaf and Plant Now pages for planting trees, and a contact page for companies and schools that want events or tailored projects. Refilling at a Dubai Can fountain is the simplest daily step.
Checked on 8 November 2026, details can change.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Goumbook?
A UAE social enterprise founded by Tatiana Antonelli Abella that has worked on sustainability and climate action in the region since 2009.
What is Give a Ghaf?
Goumbook's tree-planting campaign built around the native ghaf tree. You can take part through the Give a Ghaf and Plant Now pages on its site.
What is her link to Dubai Can?
She conceptualised and manages Dubai Can, the campaign to cut single-use plastic bottles in Dubai with public water fountains.
Sources
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