Hamdan Bin Zayed Inaugurates Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi’s Seed Preservation Centre in Al Dhafra Region
Umer Jamshaid
Published October 29, 2026 | 11:45 PM
AL DHAFRA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 29th Oct, 2026) H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), has inaugurated the agency’s Seed Preservation Centre in Al Dhafra Region.
The centre is dedicated to conserving and propagating the seeds of Abu Dhabi’s native plants through sustainable methods, contributing to the protection of biodiversity and supporting habitat rehabilitation programmes.
During the tour, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the centre’s advanced facilities, including four cold storage rooms capable of holding more than eight tonnes of seed for up to 10 years, as well as specialised laboratories for research and germination testing. These laboratories are equipped with 24 state-of-the-art devices, including one that uses AI for seed imaging and quality analysis.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan stated:
“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. In Abu Dhabi, we are translating this vision into tangible results through investment in scientific research and innovation. This strengthens our ability to **protect native plants, restore their natural habitats, and build ecosystems that are more resilient to climate change, safeguarding and sustaining our natural heritage for future generations.”
The centre’s opening aligns with the UAE’s vision to safeguard its natural heritage and supports national initiatives aimed at propagating native plants and rehabilitating their natural habitats.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan also visited the nursery, which has an annual production capacity of more than half a million seedlings. Its three automated irrigation systems improve water efficiency by collecting and reusing surplus water from irrigating the seedlings.
Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri remarked:
“With the Seed Preservation Centre in Al Dhafra Region working hand in hand with EAD’s Plant Genetic Resources Centre, Abu Dhabi now has the scientific expertise and capabilities to move from protecting its natural habitats to actively rebuilding them. We are setting a new benchmark for biodiversity conservation and habitat protection, strengthening the role of the community while continuing to exchange knowledge and expertise with our partners facing similar environmental challenges.”
The Seed Preservation Centre in Al Dhafra Region complements