A new research hub aimed at strengthening food security in arid climates has taken root in the UAE’s Al Ain region, following a partnership between Silal, the Emirati agri-food and technology company, and Limagrain Vegetable Seeds (LVS), a global leader in seed development. The Center of Excellence for Abiotic Resilience and Crop Genomics (ARC-GEN), located at Silal’s Innovation Oasis, will focus on breeding crops capable of thriving under extreme heat, drought, and salinity—challenges that define much of the UAE’s agricultural landscape.
The collaboration, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony attended by His Excellency Dhafer Al Qasimi, Group CEO of Silal, and Sébastien Chauffaut, Group CEO of Limagrain, aligns with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. The strategy seeks to diversify food sources and enhance domestic production, reducing reliance on imports in a region where water scarcity and rising temperatures threaten traditional farming.
**A Two-Pronged Approach to Crop Resilience**
ARC-GEN’s research will unfold through two specialized units. The Plant Physiology Research Unit will examine how crops respond to environmental stressors, testing seed varieties for adaptability in controlled and real-world conditions. Meanwhile, the Gene Editing Research Unit will employ advanced biotechnological tools to refine plant traits, accelerating the development of hardier, more productive vegetable varieties.
This dual approach reflects a growing trend in agricultural science: combining traditional breeding methods with cutting-edge genomics to create crops that can withstand climate volatility. For the UAE, where freshwater resources are limited and summer temperatures routinely exceed 40°C, such innovations could prove critical in sustaining local food production.
**A Strategic Partnership with Global Implications**
The initiative underscores the UAE’s push to position itself as a leader in arid agriculture, leveraging international expertise to address domestic challenges. Limagrain, a French cooperative-owned seed group with a century-long history, brings deep experience in crop genetics, while Silal contributes local knowledge and infrastructure—including its Innovation Oasis, a 14,000-square-meter facility designed to foster agri-tech advancements.
His Excellency Dhafer Al Qasimi emphasized the center’s role in transforming agricultural obstacles into opportunities. “The groundbreaking of ARC-GEN marks the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s agricultural research,” he said, highlighting its potential to empower farmers and reinforce the UAE’s status as a hub for innovation in harsh growing conditions.
For Limagrain, the partnership extends beyond commercial interests. Sébastien Chauffaut described it as “a human adventure,” built on mutual trust and a shared vision for sustainable farming. The collaboration also strengthens Franco-Emirati ties, with Sébastien Vidal, Limagrain’s Chairman, noting the alignment between France’s agricultural expertise and the UAE’s ambition to pioneer climate-resilient food systems.
**Broader Impact on Food Security**
While ARC-GEN’s immediate focus is on the UAE, its findings could resonate globally. Over 40% of the world’s land surface is classified as dryland, much of it in regions already grappling with food insecurity. Technologies and crop varieties developed at the center may offer solutions for farmers in similar environments, from the Middle East to Sub-Saharan Africa.
The project arrives at a pivotal moment. Climate models predict more frequent and severe heatwaves, while freshwater depletion remains a pressing concern. By investing in abiotic stress-resistant crops, the UAE is not only safeguarding its own food supply but also contributing to a body of research that could benefit millions of smallholder farmers worldwide.
As construction begins on the ARC-GEN facility, the partnership between Silal and Limagrain signals a pragmatic step toward climate-adaptive agriculture—one rooted in science, collaboration, and the urgent need to future-proof food production.