Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) Chairman Visits ICBA to Explore Sustainable Agricultural Practices - Middle East Business News and Information
During the visit, H.E. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar toured ICBA's key facilities, including the research stations in the field, as well as the state-of-the-art laboratories, greenhouses, and the Emirates Soil Museum. The tour highlighted ICBA's pioneering efforts in developing climate-resilient crops and water-saving technologies, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in challenging environments.
During the visit, His Excellency Awaidha Murshed Al Marar praised the center's outstanding contributions to agricultural research and innovation, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing sustainable agricultural development. He remarked, 'Our visit today reflects our commitment to enhancing cooperation by harnessing clean and renewable energy technologies, along with sustainable practices, to drive progress in the agricultural sector and secure a resilient food future for all.'
His Excellency further emphasized that the UAE has consistently demonstrated remarkable proficiency in overcoming water scarcity, crediting this success to the foresight of its leadership. He noted that through the strategic use of natural resources, the adoption of advanced technologies, and ongoing research and development, the nation continues to achieve self-sufficiency while addressing the growing challenges of climate change and its impact on food security.
Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between energy and agriculture sectors in addressing global challenges like climate change and food insecurity. 'At ICBA, we are committed to harnessing innovation and technology to develop climate-resilient agricultural systems. Today's visit by H.E. Awaidha Murshed Al Marar underscores the importance of cooperation between energy and agriculture sectors and supports ICBA's national agenda for knowledge development and transfer in the UAE.'
Dr. alzaabi added: 'By integrating clean energy technologies into our agricultural practices, we can enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the UAE's goals for energy transition and food security.'
The visit culminated in a discussion on future collaborations, where ICBA and the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy explored avenues to further integrate renewable energy solutions into agricultural practices, thus contributing to Abu Dhabi's leadership in sustainability. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to innovation, capacity development, and sustainable development that aligns with the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and ICBA's mission to develop solutions for global food security in saline and arid environments.
About ICBA:
Established by the Government of the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Development Bank, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) is a unique international not-for-profit applied research-for-development center. The center's approach integrates strategic alliances, technical expertise, and knowledge empowerment to co-create innovative solutions for sustainable livelihoods and food security in saline and arid environments. The center's research is at the nexus of soil, water, crops, and climate to prevent, manage and recover from salinity in agricultural lands. Through this holistic and integrated approach, ICBA strives to make a lasting positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of farming communities, ensuring their resilience and contributing to a more sustainable future for all.
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ICBA Concludes Participation at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 - Middle East Business News and Information
The 'Defender of Nature' badge was awarded to Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, by the Government of Uzbekistan for her outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and her leadership in advancing climate-resilient agriculture. ICBA's pavilion was awarded second place among exhibitors for its impactful scientific content and regional relevance. ICBA showcased scientific leadership and regional collaboration at Central Asia's leading environmental forum. The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) concluded a high impact and strategically coordinated presence at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the region's foremost platform for environmental innovation, the expo brought together government leaders, scientists, and development institutions to advance collaborative climate action and sustainable solutions for fragile environments. As part of the broader recognition of ICBA's contributions, the government of Uzbekistan awarded Dr. Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, the 'Tabiat Himoyachisi' (Defender of Nature) badge of honor which was established by Resolution No. 443 of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan. The badge is a national honor awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in ecological restoration, scientific innovation, and the responsible use of natural resources. The distinction was conferred by His Excellency Aziz Abdukhakimov, Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, acknowledging her leadership in environmental sustainability and climate-resilient agriculture During the Eco Expo event, ICBA's enaged in several high-level seminars organized in collaboration with the Ministries of Ecology of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and the International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea (IICAS) . The center focused through his participation on Reimagining Resilience via Biosaline Nexuses for a Climate-Smart Central Asia where professional regional experts in science and policy discussed how biosaline nexuses—integrated systems combining salt-tolerant crops, non-traditional water sources, clean energy, and circular bioeconomy practices—can contribute to land restoration, food security, and resilience in saline-affected regions. Moreover, ICBA presented its success story in Karakalpakstan, highlighting how South–South cooperation, supported by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), has enabled rehabilitation in salt-affected areas through the deployment of stress-tolerant crops, improved water infrastructure, and institutional capacity-building. Throughout the three-day exhibition, ICBA hosted a dedicated booth in collaboration with IICAS, showcasing field-tested innovations in biosaline agriculture, remote sensing, salinity mapping, and sustainable land and water management. The booth served as a platform for knowledge exchange with policymakers, researchers, and regional development partners working to address climate challenges in arid and saline environments. ICBA received second place in the 'Best Pavilion' category, in recognition of the booth's scientific content, innovative design, and success in fostering regional engagement. Eco Expo Central Asia is a catalyst for action,' said Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA. 'Our participation is part of a broader effort to translate science into real-world solutions that benefit communities facing climate and resource pressures. We look forward to expanding regional collaborations, supporting national strategies, and scaling innovations that can secure the future of agriculture in saline and arid environments.' ICBA's presence at Eco Expo Central Asia 2025 reaffirmed its role as a trusted knowledge partner and scientific leader in sustainable agriculture. Through innovation, capacity-building, and regional collaboration, the center continues to support countries in navigating climate-related risks and enhancing resilience in resource-constrained environments.
