New seed centre advances the UAE’s biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals.
Abu Dhabi: The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has opened a Seed Preservation Centre in the Al Dhafra Region, featuring four cold-storage rooms with the capacity to hold more than eight tonnes of seeds for up to 10 years. The facility also houses laboratories equipped with an AI-powered device for seed imaging and quality analysis.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of EAD’s Board of Directors, inaugurated the centre, which will focus on preserving and propagating seeds of Abu Dhabi’s native plants to support biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration.
“This centre embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to preserve the UAE’s natural resources and lay the foundations for sustainable development for future generations,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
The facility’s specialised research and germination-testing laboratories are equipped with 24 advanced devices, including an AI-powered system.
Sheikh Hamdan added: “In Abu Dhabi, we are translating the vision into tangible results through investment in scientific research and innovation.”
He also toured the centre’s nursery, which can produce more than half a million seedlings annually. Its three automated irrigation systems help conserve water by collecting and reusing surplus water from the seedling irrigation process.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD, said the two centres working together provide Abu Dhabi with “the scientific expertise and capabilities to move from protecting its natural habitats to actively rebuilding them.”
The new facility complements the Plant Genetic Resources Centre in Al Ain, which was inaugurated in 2024 to preserve the genetic diversity of the UAE’s plant species for up to 100 years.
While the Al Ain centre focuses on safeguarding plant genetic diversity over the long term, the Al Dhafra facility will concentrate on propagating native plants and preserving their seeds for habitat rehabilitation projects across the emirate.
While the Al Ain centre focuses on safeguarding plant genetic diversity over the long term, the Al Dhafra facility will concentrate on propagating native plants and preserving their seeds for habitat rehabilitation projects across the emirate.
