Key Takeaways
- Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have signed a sponsorship agreement to create the Middle East and North Africa’s first guide for establishing soil museums.
- The guide will support scientific education, soil conservation, and sustainable land management across arid regions.
- The initiative builds on the success of the Emirates Soil Museum, launched in 2016 with ADFD support.
- A regional symposium on soil and climate issues will be held on World Soil Day, 5 December 2025, with over 200 international participants.
- The initiative aligns with UAE Vision 2030 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, reinforcing the country’s role as a leader in environmental knowledge and sustainability.
ADFD and ICBA Partner to Develop Soil Museum Blueprint for MENA Region
In a major step towards advancing environmental education and sustainable development, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have announced a new initiative to create the Middle East and North Africa’s first comprehensive guide for soil museums.
The announcement took place during the “Make it in the Emirates” event, emphasizing the UAE’s growing leadership in science-driven policy and environmental innovation.
Guide to Soil Museums to Serve as Regional Educational Tool
Focus on Conservation and Capacity Building
The guide will act as a blueprint for institutions across the MENA region to design, launch, and manage soil museums. Funded by ADFD, the project will be developed into a training and capacity-building programme, featuring:
- Technical workshops
- Scientific mentoring
- Operational best practices for arid regions
Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, stated: “This guide will be a scalable tool for institutions across the region—advancing environmental awareness, building scientific capacity, and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.”
ADFD and ICBA Reinforce Commitment to Environmental Knowledge
Building on the Emirates Soil Museum Legacy
This initiative is rooted in the success of the Emirates Soil Museum, launched in 2016 at ICBA’s Dubai headquarters with ADFD’s support. The museum has become a regional reference center for soil education and has hosted over 13,500 visitors, highlighting the role of soil in ecosystems, agriculture, and food security.
H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, remarked: “We believe science-backed solutions like this museum guide can shape regional resilience and inform effective policies for generations to come.”
International Symposium to Coincide with World Soil Day 2025
A key component of the agreement is the organization of an international scientific symposium on 5 December 2025, to mark World Soil Day. The event will convene over 200 experts, researchers, and policymakers to explore issues of:
- Soil health and salinity
- Climate change in arid environments
- Innovation in soil monitoring and education
ICBA and ADFD Advance UAE Vision 2030 and Net Zero Strategy
The soil museum guide initiative is part of a broader effort by ICBA and ADFD to promote science-based solutions to land degradation and climate resilience in the region. It supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 and the Net Zero 2050 Strategy, which aim to foster knowledge-based, sustainable development.
