In a first, ICBA scientists start growing halophytic vegetables in UAE

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Dubai, UAE, May 17, 2018 – Scientists at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have successfully started growing halophytic (salt-loving) vegetables in the UAE conditions, using reject brine from desalination units treated with fish effluents.

It is the first time that halophytic vegetables are being grown in the UAE conditions, both in the open field conditions and a simple net-house structure, without using fresh water.

ICBA achieves progress in breaking Salicornia yield ceiling

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Dubai, UAE, May 10, 2018: A team of scientists at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has made a major breakthrough in increasing yield potential of Salicornia, a multi-purpose halophyte.

Working closely with local partners in the UAE, the scientists have recently recorded a bumper seed yield of 3 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) using seawater passing through an aquaculture system. This is the first time Salicornia has produced such high yield under UAE conditions.

UAE farmers warm to quinoa

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Dubai, UAE, May 6, 2018 – The number of farmers cultivating quinoa in the UAE is steadily increasing thanks to a major program led by the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in collaboration with national partner organizations.

Going beyond the limits: future food security is about exploring non-traditional crops and breakthrough technologies

Monday, April 9, 2018

Dubai, UAE, April 9, 2018 – Alternative, non-traditional crops and technologies can play an important role in contributing to future food security in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

This was one of the main points made during an open day and round-table discussions attended by H.E. Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of State for Future Food Security, at International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, the winner of the Best Arab Research Center at the Best Arab Awards in 2017.

ICBA, Dubai Carbon team up for sustainability projects

Sunday, April 8, 2018

Dubai, UAE, April 8, 2018 – To further strengthen the existing partnership and collaborate more closely in sustainable agriculture and development, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and the Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence (DCCE) joined forces today to work together on sustainability projects. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Director General of ICBA, and Mr. Ivano Iannelli, Chief Executive Officer of DCCE.

Are Net-Houses the Future of Horticulture in the UAE?

Thursday, April 5, 2018

Dubai, UAE, April 5, 2018 – A highly efficient low-cost net-house technology can help to make horticulture significantly more feasible and profitable agri-business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), while saving water and energy, an extensive study by the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has concluded.

Leading experts call for more action to fight climate change impacts in Somalia

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Tunis, Tunisia, 3 April 2018 ― A group of high-ranking experts have called for more partnerships to fight vagaries of climate change in Somalia, which has been suffering from effects of recurrent droughts since the 1980s.

Growing more food with less water is key to future food security, say experts

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

Tunis, Tunisia, 3 April 2018 ― Over 100 diplomats, scientists and high-ranking officials from the government, non-government and private-sector organizations today called for strong partnerships and more efforts to find effective and innovative solutions to saving freshwater resources and producing more food with less water.

United Arab Emirates introduces dedicated Center in Genomics as part of Future Food Security Agenda

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

ICBA, BGI partner to set up advanced genomics center in the United Arab Emirates

Dubai, UAE, March 28, 2018 – The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has joined forces with BGI, the world's largest genomics organization, to establish an advanced genomics center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

High-profile symposium looks at genomics’ role in food security

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Abu Dhabi, March 4, 2018 – Under the patronage of H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of State for Future Food Security, and H.E. Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, and in collaboration with the Emirates Scientists Council, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) organized a symposium titled “Genomics: Applications of Advanced Sciences for Food Security & Health” at the Khalifa University of Science and Technology.