Scientists at the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai have been working behind the scenes to cultivate crops that leave a minimal carbon footprint. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Scientists at the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai have been working behind the scenes to cultivate crops that leave a minimal carbon footprint. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
Salty greens grown from reject brine could offer an unlikely solution to some of the world’s food security problems.
Salty greens grown from reject brine could offer an unlikely solution to some of the world’s food security problems.
Halophytes can be irrigated with saline water and grown in poor soil.
Halophytes can be irrigated with saline water and grown in poor soil.
One of the scientists showing some of the salicornia to students at the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai.
One of the scientists showing some of the salicornia to students at the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai.
Using recycled water, or reject brine, the centre has been able to grow a variety of produce including salicornia and quinoa.
Using recycled water, or reject brine, the centre has been able to grow a variety of produce including salicornia and quinoa.
Seventy per cent of the global production of reject brine is produced in the Middle East and North Africa.
Seventy per cent of the global production of reject brine is produced in the Middle East and North Africa.
The aqua agriculture system that scientists used to help grow salicornia at the centre.
The aqua agriculture system that scientists used to help grow salicornia at the centre.

UAE

Environment

Dubai's salty farming experiment could help tackle food security challenges

Traditional agriculture is facing increasing scarcity of fresh water because of climate change

Kelly Clarke
Kelly Clarke

October 17, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Salty greens grown from reject brine may not sound appetising, but it could offer an unlikely resolution to some of the world’s food security issues.

For the past few years, agronomists at the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai have been working to cultivate crops that leave a minimal carbon footprint.

Using recycled water, or reject brine, from its on-site desalination plant, the centre has been able to grow a variety of produce including salicornia, also known as sea asparagus, and quinoa.

In six months, it was able to grow more than 12 tonnes of produce from brine that would have otherwise been dumped.

The reject brine is usually dumped into the sea and it can disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the marine ecosystem
Dr Dionysia Angeliki Lyra,
halophyte agronomist

“Reject brine is the by-product of removing salts from groundwater,” said Dr Dionysia Angeliki Lyra, an agronomist at the centre.

“Seventy per cent of the global production of reject brine is produced in the Middle East and North Africa. That translates to millions of cubic metres per day.

“The brine is usually dumped into the sea and it can disrupt the balance of microorganisms in the marine ecosystem.

“It is considered environmental waste but researchers and scientists like myself are working on ways to manage it and utilise it as a water source for agriculture.”

Are halophytes the crop of the future?

In a hot and arid desert such as the UAE, farmers are often limited with the amount of crop they can produce using traditional farming methods.

Since there is little rainfall, the groundwater is often saline, and the levels of salinity increase over time because of seawater intruding into mainland areas.

Food producers are forced to bring in additional freshwater to grow crops such as potatoes, rice and tomatoes, but that puts a strain on the already dwindling global freshwater resources because of climate change.

That is where halophytes come in. These salt-loving plants show promise for unconventional agriculture in marginal environments.

Dr Lyra said they could be irrigated with "saline water resources and grown on poor soils", which could “complement and contribute substantially towards today’s food security issues".

A scientist from the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai handles some of the salicornia grown using reject brine. Pawan Singh / The National
A scientist from the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture in Dubai handles some of the salicornia grown using reject brine. Pawan Singh / The National

Examples of halophytes include quinoa, samphire, sea spinach and salicornia, and they can be eaten or used as raw materials for cosmetics, biofuels and sea-plant animal fodder.

“Even though we are in a desert, we still have to produce food, so we have to think of other land and water practices to produce crops,” said Dr Lyra.

“In a climate where there is limited fresh water and high concern to produce local food, reject brine can constitute one of the available resources for agriculture.

“In a pilot project from December 2019 to June last year, our centre utilised 38,000 cubic metres of reject brine to grow salicornia, and small amounts of quinoa, across eight of our farms.

“From that we harvested half a tonne of salicornia fresh tips and 12 tonnes of dry salicornia biomass, which is the part of the crop that grows above ground.”

During the desalination process, she said if you had 100 litres of water going in, about 40 per cent would come out as fresh water and the remaining 60 per cent as reject, high-salinity brine.

But simply dumping it is no longer an option.

Because of the climate change impact and decrease of freshwater reserves around the world, Dr Lyra said there was an “increasing trend towards saline farming” but education on its benefits was vital.

“Water and soil are becoming saltier because of worsening drought, so we need to find solutions for using high salinity water to grow food,” she said.

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“The challenge right now though is that there is no market segment established for it.

“For instance, if you say samphire to a British or French person, they may know what it is, but overall halophytes are not that well known.

“Since we have this rising urgency about local food, apart from looking at this new farming approach, we have to also look at value chains and raise awareness about halophytes and their benefits."

UAE takes firm stance to reduce food insecurity

It is no secret that our food systems are facing substantial challenges because of several factors.

The world’s population is growing, projected to rise by two billion in the next 30 years to reach nearly 10 billion. In the UAE, less than five per cent of land is fertile and water is scarce.

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced policymakers around the world to rethink their food resilience, underlining the importance of investment in local food production and a robust integrated value chain to meet growing food demand.

The UAE is taking critical actions needed to address these issues and increasing local production and its regional interconnectivity are critical for the next phase of the nation’s food ecosystem.

This latest project was funded by Expo Live and ICBA also partnered with the Environmental Agency in Abu Dhabi and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority to run the project.

Scientists grow rice crops in a remote Sharjah desert - in pictures

Emirati and Korean scientists have successfully grown rice crops in a remote Sharjah desert. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Emirati and Korean scientists have successfully grown rice crops in a remote Sharjah desert. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
In 2020, 763 kilograms of crops were harvested.
In 2020, 763 kilograms of crops were harvested.
Amal Al Ahmadi, head of agricultural research section at Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said the efforts are part of a research project to enhance the UAE's food security.
Amal Al Ahmadi, head of agricultural research section at Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said the efforts are part of a research project to enhance the UAE's food security.
The UAE is one of the largest importers of rice. Due to the country's hot climate, rice is difficult to cultivate and is better suited for nations with high rainfall.
The UAE is one of the largest importers of rice. Due to the country's hot climate, rice is difficult to cultivate and is better suited for nations with high rainfall.
The ministry has partnered with South Korea's Rural Development Administration to create innovative ways to grow rice.
The ministry has partnered with South Korea's Rural Development Administration to create innovative ways to grow rice.
An underground drop irrigation system is used to water the crops. There are four methods used, including drip and furrows (canals with drips), normal drip system, flooding with a protective layer and flooding in furrows.
An underground drop irrigation system is used to water the crops. There are four methods used, including drip and furrows (canals with drips), normal drip system, flooding with a protective layer and flooding in furrows.
Korean scientists are at the farm nearly every day to monitor the crops.
Korean scientists are at the farm nearly every day to monitor the crops.
The goal is to grow the crops in a sustainable way by using 50 per cent less water than what would be required. Pictured are water tanks that are used for farming.
The goal is to grow the crops in a sustainable way by using 50 per cent less water than what would be required. Pictured are water tanks that are used for farming.
Technology is also used to help monitor the crops' health, including cameras, sensors and weather systems.
Technology is also used to help monitor the crops' health, including cameras, sensors and weather systems.
The main challenge have been seed-eating birds that damage the crops.
The main challenge have been seed-eating birds that damage the crops.
The Asemi variety of rice has been the most successful out of the two main ones that were tested, but there are 33 other types that are also being researched in smaller patches.
The Asemi variety of rice has been the most successful out of the two main ones that were tested, but there are 33 other types that are also being researched in smaller patches.
The project is also meant to help farmers grow rice sustainably in the future.
The project is also meant to help farmers grow rice sustainably in the future.
A machine designed to distribute nutrients to the plants at the rice farm.
A machine designed to distribute nutrients to the plants at the rice farm.
The rice is only for research purposes and will not be available for commercial use.
The rice is only for research purposes and will not be available for commercial use.
The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric

Transmission: n/a

Power: 402bhp

Torque: 659Nm

Price estimate: Dh200,000

On sale: Q3 2022 

Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Whiile you're here
Wenger's Arsenal reign in numbers

1,228 - games at the helm, ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture against West Ham United.
704 - wins to date as Arsenal manager.
3 - Premier League title wins, the last during an unbeaten Invincibles campaign of 2003/04.
1,549 - goals scored in Premier League matches by Wenger's teams.
10 - major trophies won.
473 - Premier League victories.
7 - FA Cup triumphs, with three of those having come the last four seasons.
151 - Premier League losses.
21 - full seasons in charge.
49 - games unbeaten in the Premier League from May 2003 to October 2004.

More coverage from the Future Forum
Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance

Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.

Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.

The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

On Women's Day
On Women's Day
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sav%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202021%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Purvi%20Munot%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20FinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24750%2C000%20as%20of%20March%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Angel%20investors%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Who has been sanctioned?

Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.

Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.

Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.

Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.

Specs%3A%202024%20McLaren%20Artura%20Spider
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%20and%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20700hp%20at%207%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20720Nm%20at%202%2C250rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E330kph%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh1.14%20million%20(%24311%2C000)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
'Moonshot'

Director: Chris Winterbauer

Stars: Lana Condor and Cole Sprouse 

Rating: 3/5

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

While you're here
Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday. 

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow. 

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

While you're here
Neighbourhood Watch
UAE currency
While you're here
While you're here

Director: Paul Weitz
Stars: Kevin Hart
3/5 stars

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2.3-litre%204cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E299hp%20at%205%2C500rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E420Nm%20at%202%2C750rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E10-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E12.4L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh157%2C395%20(XLS)%3B%20Dh199%2C395%20(Limited)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

Dubai World Cup draw

1. Gunnevera

2. Capezzano

3. North America

4. Audible

5. Seeking The Soul

6. Pavel

7. Gronkowski

8. Axelrod

9. New Trails

10. Yoshida

11. K T Brave

12. Thunder Snow

13. Dolkong 

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
On Women's Day
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Power: 510hp at 9,000rpm
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Price: From Dh801,800
Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Long read

Mageed Yahia, director of WFP in UAE: Coronavirus knows no borders, and neither should the response

TO A LAND UNKNOWN

Director: Mahdi Fleifel

Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa

Rating: 4.5/5

Updated: October 26, 2021, 9:47 AM`
EnvironmentFood securityUAEDubai