December 2020

For Media Enquiries

Abdumutalib Begmuratov

Head of Knowledge Management and Communications

  • A.Begmuratov@biosaline.org.ae
  • +971 4 304 63 45
  • The academy will draw on its resources and experience as the educational arm of Dubai SME - the agency of Dubai Economy mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector - to develop various programs with the support of ICBA to improve the knowledge and skills of university students, women and the youth in general in different disciplines related to agriculture and enable them to be successful entrepreneurs in this sector.
  • Educational programs and workshops to develop technical capabilities for scientists, experts and employees working in agriculture and related fields; internship opportunities for university students; joint initiatives to encourage women and the youth into agricultural entrepreneurship are the major objectives set under the MoU.

ICBA partners with Dubai Entrepreneurship Academy to offer new capacity development opportunities

28 December 2020

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Entrepreneurship Academy (DEA) to enhance capacities and create new entrepreneurship opportunities for the youth in critical sectors.

  • The museum has external and internal exhibits that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of soils.
  • Some 7,000 people, including ministers, policymakers, researchers, farmers, and students from around the world have either visited the museum or participated in its programs since it was inaugurated in December 2016.
  • It is specially designed to raise awareness, particularly among youth, about the threats to soils and the significant role healthy soils play in meeting the current and future food needs worldwide.

Emirates Soil Museum grows into a hub of education on sustainable development

20 December 2020

Four years on, the Emirates Soil Museum has carved out a reputation for itself as a go-to place of learning about environmental protection and sustainable development in the UAE and beyond.

Some 7,000 people, including ministers, policymakers, researchers, farmers, and students from around the world have either visited the museum or participated in its programs since it was inaugurated in December 2016.

  • In recent years scientists at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have also initiated a number of projects using genomic technologies and approaches. One of the projects is genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of quinoa conducted at the center's research station in Dubai, the UAE.
  • Advanced technologies, including genome sequencing and high-throughput phenotyping, allow scientists to analyze the complete genomes of plants and find ways to improve their shape, size, resilience and yield.

Harnessing genomics for food security in marginal environments

15 December 2020
Agriculture in marginal environments is constrained by a range of factors, not least climate change. From water scarcity to soil and water salinization to drought, the list of threats to food security runs long. Alas, rural communities that depend on farming for food and income are more at risk than other groups.