Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to complete the construction of the Emirates Soil Museum in Dubai.
The educational museum will be the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region and is set to open in December, a statement said.
Emirates Soil Museum will provide vital information on the critical role of soil in the natural environment and will demonstrate the importance of soil in urban planning and how it is the underlining measure to manage and secure food sources, the statement added.
Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of ADFD, said: “At ADFD we possess the expertise, know-how and resources to profoundly drive socio-economic growth; stemming from 45 years of experience and the successful development of 481 projects 55 of which fostered expansions in the sector of agriculture and irrigation.”
He added: “The Emirates Soil Museum, an exciting addition to our UAE portfolio, will now enjoy the use of cutting edge technologies within the spheres of augmented reality and audio-visuals, guaranteeing the museum a hub for disseminating critical information for industry stakeholders and enthusiasts alike.”
Dr Ismahane Elouafi, director general of ICBA, said: “As soil is a non-renewable resource, it is essential to ensure its preservation for food security and a sustainable future. This requires continued public awareness of the importance of soil and the negative impact of unsustainable uses of soil.
“Therefore, we are setting up the Emirates Soil Museum… so that the museum will serve as a repository of knowledge for scholars and the general public who are interested in soil preservation.”
Follow us on
