The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has inaugurated three major facilities at its Dubai headquarters, marking a significant step forward in the UAE’s efforts to strengthen climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural development. The newly opened Training and Knowledge Transfer Building, Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, and Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System were constructed with full funding from the Al Rostamani Group.

The inauguration ceremony took place in the presence of Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, who praised the initiative as an important milestone for agricultural innovation in the UAE. The event builds on the foundation-stone ceremony held in September 2024 and underscores the nation’s commitment to science-based solutions that support food security and climate resilience.

The ceremony was also attended by Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Food Diversity Sector; Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group; Hassan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Vice-Chairman; and Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director-General of ICBA, along with senior representatives from government, academia, and the private sector.

Speaking at the event, Minister Al Dahak highlighted ICBA’s pivotal role in the National Food Security Strategy 2051, noting its pioneering research in enabling crops to thrive in saline and arid conditions. She emphasised that the new facilities demonstrate how private sector partnership can accelerate climate-smart agriculture and expand national research capabilities.

ICBA Director-General Tarifa Al Zaabi said the inauguration reflects the impact of long-term collaboration in driving scientific advancement and sustainability. She noted that the Training and Knowledge Transfer Building will provide essential support to farmers, researchers, and policymakers, while the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory and Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System will advance research on water-efficient, resilient food production models.

From the private sector perspective, Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani said the Group’s investment aligns with its commitment to social responsibility and its belief in the long-term impact of supporting national sustainability and food security priorities.

The new facilities feature multipurpose training halls capable of hosting up to 300 participants, a state-of-the-art tissue culture laboratory for research on species such as date palms and mangroves, and an integrated agri-aquaculture system designed for applied studies on sustainable food production and optimal water use.

The inauguration marks a new chapter in ICBA’s mission to advance agricultural innovation and capacity development across the UAE and wider region. By combining cutting-edge research with practical training, ICBA continues to contribute to the nation’s vision of a sustainable, knowledge-driven agricultural sector.