ICBA and Al Rostamani Group Inaugurate New Research and Training Facilities to Advance Sustainable Agriculture in the UAE

In the presence of H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and Al Rostamani Group inaugurated three new state-of-the-art facilities at ICBA’s headquarters in Dubai — a Training and Knowledge Transfer Building, a Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, and an Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System.

Fully funded by Al Rostamani Group, these facilities mark a major milestone in strengthening ICBA’s position as a center of excellence for sustainable agriculture, innovation, and capacity building in the UAE and beyond. The inauguration follows the foundation-stone ceremony held in September 2024 and reaffirms the UAE’s leadership in advancing science-based, climate-resilient agricultural solutions through public-private collaboration.

A Milestone for the UAE’s Food Security and Sustainability Vision

The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector; H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group; H.E. Hassan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Vice-Chairman of Al Rostamani Group; and H.E. Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, alongside senior officials, scientists, and representatives from government entities, academia, and the private sector.

H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating:

“The inauguration of ICBA’s new research and training facilities marks a pivotal moment for agricultural innovation in the UAE. ICBA has been instrumental in our National Food Security Strategy 2051, pioneering scientific solutions that enable crops to thrive in saline and arid environments. We extend our sincere thanks to Al Rostamani Group for their catalytic investment, which exemplifies how private sector expertise can advance our national food security and sustainability goals.”

Empowering Innovation and Knowledge Transfer

H.E. Dr. Tarifa Ajeif Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, highlighted the transformative potential of the new facilities, saying:

“This inauguration reflects the true spirit of partnership in advancing science, innovation, and sustainability. These facilities are a strategic investment in knowledge and capacity development. The Training Center will serve as a collaborative hub for farmers, researchers, and policymakers, while the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory and Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System will enable research on water-efficient and climate-smart food production models suited to arid regions.”

H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group, added:

“It is with immense pride that we support ICBA in advancing the UAE’s strategic objectives for environmental and agricultural sustainability. This initiative underscores our long-standing commitment to social responsibility, innovation, and environmental preservation. Together, we aim to leverage technology and research to secure a sustainable and resilient food future for generations to come.”

Advancing the Future of Food Systems

The new facilities represent a significant addition to the UAE’s agricultural research and innovation landscape.

• The Training and Knowledge Transfer Building includes multipurpose halls accommodating up to 300 participants for workshops, seminars, and hands-on programs.

• The Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory is equipped with advanced technologies for the propagation of key plant species such as date palms and mangroves.

• The Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System supports applied research on sustainable food production and efficient water use.

This inauguration marks a new chapter in ICBA’s mission to strengthen climate-smart agriculture, empower local expertise, and contribute to the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 and UAE Net Zero 2050 ambitions.