As it nears its 25th anniversary, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) celebrates a legacy of innovation and dedication to sustainable farming in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Founded in 1999 through a partnership between the UAE Government and the Islamic Development Bank, ICBA has grown from a regional effort into a global leader in biosaline and climate-resilient agriculture.

Based in Dubai, UAE, ICBA was established to tackle agricultural challenges in saline and arid regions. Originally focused on addressing soil and water salinization, its scope has expanded to include food security, water scarcity, and climate change adaptation. Over 25 years, ICBA has supported communities in more than 50 countries, offering solutions for sustainable agriculture.

From identifying salt-tolerant crops to advancing climate-adaptive farming, ICBA’s work includes projects like resource-efficient technologies and a genebank preserving drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant plants. Initiatives such as the Emirates Soil Museum and Desert Life Sciences Laboratory further enhance knowledge of arid ecosystems.

ICBA continues to empower farmers and researchers globally, building resilient food systems and driving agricultural innovation to address climate challenges for a sustainable future.