Al Rostamani Group and ICBA inaugurate advanced agricultural research and training facilities to boost UAE sustainability goals

Al Rostamani Group, in partnership with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), has inaugurated three advanced agricultural research and training facilities at ICBA’s Dubai headquarters. The launch marks a major milestone in a multi-year collaboration aimed at enhancing sustainable agriculture, scientific research, and talent development in the UAE. The ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

The inauguration was attended by H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group; H.E. Hassan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Vice-Chairman; and H.E. Dr. Tarifa Ajeif Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, alongside senior government officials, researchers, academics, and representatives from international organisations.

The newly opened facilities are the result of a partnership that began in November 2023, when Al Rostamani Group awarded a grant to expand ICBA’s capacity-building programmes for farmers, researchers, and youth. The foundation stone for the new complex was laid in October 2024, with full funding provided by Al Rostamani Group as part of its community-driven sustainability initiatives.

H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani expressed pride in the milestone, emphasising the Group’s commitment to supporting national sustainability objectives. He said the collaboration with ICBA and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment highlights the importance of investing in environmental stewardship, innovation, and education to advance the UAE’s long-term food security agenda.

The three newly inaugurated facilities significantly enhance the UAE’s agricultural research ecosystem:

• Training and Knowledge Transfer Building – Capable of hosting up to 300 participants, providing workshops, seminars, and hands-on training for farmers, researchers, and policymakers.

• Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory – Specialised in the study and propagation of key plant species such as date palms and mangroves, using advanced biotechnology to support genetic improvement and biodiversity conservation.

• Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System – Designed for applied research on sustainable food production, efficient water use, and agriculture in arid and saline environments.

Together, these facilities form a comprehensive platform for innovation, applied research, and knowledge transfer in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and water-efficient production.

This collaboration reflects Al Rostamani Group’s broader commitment to supporting national sustainability goals and contributing to scientific advancement, local expertise development, and community empowerment. The Group continues to prioritise initiatives aligned with its core values of Commitment, Care, and Vision.