Jan 19-20, 2025
As part of efforts to enhance regional and international cooperation in sustainable agriculture and development, the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA) participated in an official visit to the headquarters of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai. ICBA is an active and valued member of AARINENA.
During the visit, Dr. Rida Shibli, Executive Secretary of AARINENA, highlighted the importance of regional partnerships in addressing agricultural and climate-related challenges. He praised ICBA’s leading role in developing innovative scientific solutions tailored to arid and semi-arid environments.
“At AARINENA, we consider ICBA a strategic partner in our shared efforts to promote food and water security across the region. We look forward to expanding our cooperation in applied research and capacity-building initiatives,” Dr. Shibli stated.
Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA, reaffirmed the center’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that support sustainable development and enhance resilience in dry and saline-affected environments. She said:
“Through scientific innovation, we aim to develop effective solutions to the challenges facing agriculture, water resource management, and climate change, both regionally and globally. We are working hand in hand with our partners to achieve this mission.”
The visit was part of the regional annual meeting of the Arab and Asian Parliamentarians on Population and Development, organized by the Forum of Arab Parliamentarians for Population and Development (FAPPD), in collaboration with the Asian Population and Development Association (APDA), and supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The visit highlighted successful Emirati experiences in sustainable development, including ICBA’s pioneering agricultural innovations.