Al Rostamani Group has officially opened three state-of-the-art agricultural facilities at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) headquarters in Dubai. The inauguration, held in the presence of H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, marks the successful conclusion of a partnership spanning several years aimed at strengthening sustainable agriculture, scientific research and skills development nationwide.
Those attending included H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group; H.E. Hassan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Vice-Chairman; and H.E. Dr. Tarifa Ajeif Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, along with senior figures from public bodies, academia, research organisations and international agencies.
The opening follows a partnership that began in November 2023 with a grant from Al Rostamani Group to expand ICBA’s agricultural training programmes for farmers, students and researchers. In October 2024, the foundation stone was laid for the new facilities, funded entirely by Al Rostamani Group as part of its wider commitment to community development and sustainability.
H.E. Marwan Abdulla Al Rostamani, Chairman of Al Rostamani Group, said: “It is with immense pride that our support and collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and ICBA have reached this significant milestone: the inauguration of the new ICBA facilities. These facilities are pivotal to advancing the UAE’s strategic objectives in environmental and agricultural sustainability. The Al Rostamani Group’s funding initiative is driven by our deep commitment to social responsibility and our firm belief in the impactful results of such projects. We view such collaboration as fundamental to Al Rostamani Group’s endeavors in sustainability, innovation, education, and environmental preservation.
H.E. added: “We take great stride in being part of these significant strategic projects, as our cooperation seeks to advance our nation’s vision for environmental sustainability and food security by utilizing cutting-edge research and technology for the benefit of future generations.”
The three new centres significantly enhance the UAE’s agricultural research infrastructure. The Training and Knowledge Transfer Building offers facilities for up to 300 participants to take part in seminars, hands-on training and expert-led courses aimed at farmers, policymakers and scientists.
The Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory is equipped with modern technologies to study, cultivate and conserve key plant varieties, including date palms and mangroves, supporting genetic improvement and biodiversity resilience.
The Integrated Agri-Aquaculture System provides a versatile research platform for sustainable food production techniques suited to harsh, arid environments. Together, these facilities offer an interconnected environment for innovation, applied research and specialist learning focused on climate-resilient agriculture and efficient water use.
This partnership contributes to Al Rostamani Group’s wider mission to support impactful national projects aligned with the UAE’s sustainability, environmental protection and food security ambitions. The Group remains deeply committed to advancing science, developing local expertise and supporting communities in line with its values of Commitment, Care and Vision.
