In a significant move to protect agricultural diversity, seeds cultivated in the UAE have been transported to the Arctic and are now stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This facility, located on an island above the Arctic Circle, serves as a crucial safeguard for global crop diversity.

The seeds were meticulously collected and studied by the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) in Dubai, marking the Gulf region’s first contribution to this global initiative. Among the seeds are those from the Ghaf tree, which is a national symbol of the UAE, known for its exceptional resilience to drought, heat, and salinity—qualities vital for agriculture in extreme climates.

A total of 315 seed samples from 110 plant species, including 61 species and 24 genera, have been deposited in the frozen vaults of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago. This contribution is critical in the ongoing battle for food security, especially as the world faces the challenges posed by climate change. The preservation of these seeds ensures their availability for future generations if needed.

Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, the director general of ICBA, highlighted the importance of this deposit, stating, “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.”

As climate change continues to threaten agriculture, this deposit offers hope for preserving not only the UAE’s agricultural legacy but also for contributing to a global effort aimed at developing resilient and sustainable crops for future generations. Alzaabi further elaborated that these seeds represent decades of research in plant breeding, biotechnology, and environmental adaptation, making them invaluable for global food security.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, often referred to as the “Doomsday Vault,” is designed to protect seeds from conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change. It houses over 1.3 million seed samples from 6 200 plant species and stands as the last line of defense for crop diversity. Operated by the Nordic Genetic Resources Centre, the vault serves as an “ultimate insurance policy for the world’s food supply,” established under a United Nations treaty governing more than 1 700 seed banks.

The entrance to the vault features a kaleidoscope of illuminated mirrors, which attract numerous visitors during the long Arctic nights. The seeds, ranging from the desert sands of the Arabian Peninsula to the frozen chambers of Svalbard, symbolize resilience and adaptability, reflecting the UAE’s vision for a sustainable and food-secure future.

The ICBA Genebank, which contains over 17 000 accessions from 325 plant species, is recognized as one of 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 essential for agricultural resilience.