ICBA, Zayed University to support sustainable development in UAE

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and Zayed University have agreed to join forces to contribute to sustainable development efforts in the UAE.

Dr Tarifa Alzaabi, acting directo-general of ICBA, and Dr Khalid Al-Khazraji, vice-president of Zayed University, signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect in the presence of Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of State for Food and Water Security, at ICBA’s headquarters in Dubai.

“The food security landscape is evolving at an ever-faster rate, with the adoption and implementation of new forms of technology and advanced research increasingly defining the food ecosystem. This makes human capacity building a priority. Research and technology are the essential underpinning in what ICBA does through its pioneering work into crops with a high nutritional value that can not only tolerate, but thrive in harsh environments," said Almheiri.

"This new partnership between the centre and Zayed University will utilise the expertise of both institutions to further human capacity development, with the ultimate aim being to create a sustainable food production ecosystem in the UAE - a key goal of the country’s National Food Security Strategy. Uniquely positioned to introduce much-needed climate-smart crops and technologies in different parts of the world to alleviate projected food and water crises, ICBA is proving instrumental in enhancing the UAE’s food security agenda, as well as in meeting national and international efforts towards the United Nations’ second Sustainable Development Goal – Zero Hunger by 2030. I wish the centre every success in the future.”

Building on many years of collaboration between ICBA and Zayed University, the agreement focuses on, among other things, capacity development and agricultural research in areas related to sustainable development.

Dr Al-Khazraji said: “Through the College of Natural and Health Sciences, the emphasis of Zayed University is to provide a high-quality learning experience, to nurture and develop effective health and environment professionals, and to create opportunities of lifelong learning experiences for our graduates. Our partnership solidates our mission to contribute towards the advancement of the UAE’s national agenda through capacity building, research, services, and outreach activities that progress the development of the country’s intellectual assets.” — sandhya@khaleejtimes.com