Seeds From The UAE Find A Home In The Arctic To Preserve Agricultural Future

In a landmark step towards securing the future of agriculture , seeds cultivated in the UAE have been transported to the Arctic, where they are now securely stored in the world's most protected agricultural vault.

Located on an island above the Arctic Circle, between Norway and the North Pole, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault plays a critical role in preserving the world's agricultural heritage.

These seeds were carefully collected and studied by the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai, marking the first ever contribution from the Gulf region. The seeds are particularly notable for their ability to thrive in some of the harshest environments.

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Among the seeds are those from the iconic Ghaf tree, the UAE's national symbol, chosen for their remarkable resilience to drought , heat, and salinity - traits essential for agriculture in extreme climates.

A total of 315 seed samples from 110 plant species, including 61 species and 24 genera, have been stored in the frozen vaults of Norway's Svalbard archipelago.

This deposit represents a vital contribution to the global fight for food security in the face of climate change, as these seeds now rest alongside some of the most important plant genetic resources in the world. Preserving these seeds ensures they will be available for future generations, should they be needed.

Dr Tarifa Alzaabi, director general of ICBA, emphasised the profound impact of this deposit.“From the heart of the UAE to the Arctic permafrost, ICBA's seeds from UAE have embarked on a journey through time, ensuring future generations can access the genetic resources needed to sustain food production in a changing world,” he said.

As climate change continues to pose challenges for agriculture, this deposit offers hope by preserving not only the UAE's agricultural legacy but also contributing to a global effort to create resilient, sustainable crops for future generations.

Alzaabi further explained,“These seeds represent decades of research in plant breeding, biotechnology, and environmental adaptation. Many have been specifically selected for their ability to thrive in extreme conditions, making them invaluable for global food security. By preserving them in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, we are securing a vital agricultural legacy that will support innovation and resilience for years to come.”

Often referred to as the“Doomsday Vault,” the Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the ultimate safeguard for agricultural biodiversity. It is essentially a giant safe, housing the world's largest collection of plant genetic resources.

Operated by the Nordic Genetic Resources Centre, the vault is situated 1,300km from the North Pole, designed to protect seeds from conflicts, natural disasters, climate change, and other global crises.

With over 1.3 million seed samples from 6,200 plant species, the Svalbard Global Seed Vault stands as the last line of defence for crop diversity. Established under a United Nations treaty that governs more than 1,700 seed banks, it serves as“the ultimate insurance policy for the world's food supply”.

The vault's entrance features a kaleidoscope of illuminated mirrors, which shine brightly during the long Arctic nights, attracting numerous visitors. From the desert sands of the Arabian Peninsula to the frozen chambers of Svalbard, these seeds represent resilience, adaptability, and survival, embodying the UAE's vision for a sustainable, food-secure future.

The ICBA Genebank, which houses over 17,000 accessions from 325 plant species, is among the world's largest collections of crops that are tolerant to drought, heat, and salt.

This important deposit ensures that future generations of scientists, farmers, and policymakers will have access to the seeds crucial for agricultural resilience.

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