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Fully funded by Al Rostamani Group, the new facilities reinforce ICBA’s role as a leading center for climate-resilient agriculture, research, and capacity building. The inauguration follows the foundation-stone ceremony held in September 2024 and underscores the UAE’s commitment to advancing science-based solutions that support food security and climate adaptation.

The ceremony brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, scientists, and representatives from academia and the private sector, including H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group; H.E. Hassan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Vice-Chairman; and H.E. Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA.

H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak highlighted ICBA’s key role in the National Food Security Strategy 2051, noting its leadership in developing crop innovations suited for saline and arid environments. “These new facilities strengthen our research-driven approach to boosting local food production. The Al Rostamani Group’s investment sets a benchmark for public-private collaboration to accelerate climate-smart agriculture,” she said.

H.E. Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi emphasized that the new infrastructure marks a strategic expansion of ICBA’s mission. “The Training Center will enable farmers, researchers, and policymakers to learn together. The Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory and Agri-Aquaculture System will support innovation in water-efficient, resilient food production for arid regions,” she noted.

H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to national sustainability goals. “Our partnership with ICBA reflects our belief in impactful, future-focused investments. These facilities align with the UAE’s vision for environmental stewardship, innovation, and food security,” he said.

The newly inaugurated facilities include:

Training & Knowledge Transfer Center: Multipurpose halls accommodating up to 300 participants for workshops, technical training, and knowledge-sharing programs.
Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory: Advanced research capability for propagating crucial plant species, including date palms and mangroves.
Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System: A platform for applied research focused on sustainable agriculture, efficient water use, and climate-resilient food systems.

This milestone strengthens ICBA’s efforts to build a knowledge-based agricultural sector and enhance resilience across the UAE and the wider region. Through cutting-edge research, innovation, and capacity development, ICBA continues to drive impactful solutions for food security and sustainable agriculture globally.

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), in partnership with Al Rostamani Group, has inaugurated three major facilities at its Dubai headquarters: a Training and Knowledge Transfer Building, a Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, and an Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System. The launch took place in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the UAE’s agricultural innovation ecosystem.Fully funded by Al Rostamani Group, the new facilities reinforce ICBA’s role as a leading center for climate-resilient agriculture, research, and capacity building. The inauguration follows the foundation-stone ceremony held in September 2024 and underscores the UAE’s commitment to advancing science-based solutions that support food security and climate adaptation.The ceremony brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, scientists, and representatives from academia and the private sector, including H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group; H.E. Hassan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Vice-Chairman; and H.E. Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA.H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak highlighted ICBA’s key role in the National Food Security Strategy 2051, noting its leadership in developing crop innovations suited for saline and arid environments. “These new facilities strengthen our research-driven approach to boosting local food production. The Al Rostamani Group’s investment sets a benchmark for public-private collaboration to accelerate climate-smart agriculture,” she said.H.E. Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi emphasized that the new infrastructure marks a strategic expansion of ICBA’s mission. “The Training Center will enable farmers, researchers, and policymakers to learn together. The Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory and Agri-Aquaculture System will support innovation in water-efficient, resilient food production for arid regions,” she noted.H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to national sustainability goals. “Our partnership with ICBA reflects our belief in impactful, future-focused investments. These facilities align with the UAE’s vision for environmental stewardship, innovation, and food security,” he said.The newly inaugurated facilities include:Training & Knowledge Transfer Center: Multipurpose halls accommodating up to 300 participants for workshops, technical training, and knowledge-sharing programs.Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory: Advanced research capability for propagating crucial plant species, including date palms and mangroves.Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System: A platform for applied research focused on sustainable agriculture, efficient water use, and climate-resilient food systems.This milestone strengthens ICBA’s efforts to build a knowledge-based agricultural sector and enhance resilience across the UAE and the wider region. Through cutting-edge research, innovation, and capacity development, ICBA continues to drive impactful solutions for food security and sustainable agriculture globally.

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