The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has partnered with M42 to launch a groundbreaking plant genome sequencing project at the Plant Genetic Resources Centre.
The initiative will decode the genetic makeup and adaptive traits of key plant species found across the UAE’s harsh ecosystems—including deserts, arid mountains and coastal zones—to better understand how they survive extreme conditions.
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The project aims to deepen knowledge of plant diversity, resilience and health, enabling EAD to:
Enhance ecosystem restoration efforts
Monitor species under environmental stress
Support conservation of high-risk flora
Drive innovation in environmental biotechnology
The initiative builds on EAD’s successful sequencing of the UAE’s national tree, the Ghaf, and expands the research to 12 additional ecologically significant species.
Chosen based on ecological importance and conservation risk, the selected plants include:
Qafas, Sarh, Qurm, Samr, Salam, Arfaj, Shua, Ochradenus arabicus, Ghadaf, and three seagrass species—Halophila stipulacea, Halophila ovalis, and Halodule uninervis.
EAD’s expert teams have already conducted field monitoring and assessments to safeguard these native habitats.
Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of Terrestrial & Marine Biodiversity at EAD, said the partnership aims to ensure native species survive for future generations:
“Our goal is to address environmental challenges and enhance sustainability. Documenting the genome of native plants will create a vital genetic library for research, preservation and innovation.”
Ahmed Al Mehiri, General Manager of Environmental Sciences at M42, emphasized the role of genomics in environmental resilience:
“Uncovering the genetic traits that help UAE plants thrive in extreme conditions enables effective conservation and applications across critical industries. This is a key component in the fight against climate change.”
Dr. Thyago Cardoso of M42 highlighted the broader impact on biodiversity:
“With more than 600 native plant species in the UAE, sequencing their genomes will open pathways for sustainable resource management and scientific innovation.”
EAD’s Plant Genetic Resources Centre plays a crucial role in ex-situ conservation, preserving seeds, tissues and DNA of native species. Equipped with advanced laboratories and cutting-edge technologies, the centre ensures that the UAE’s natural flora is protected and available for generations to come.
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