Inside the UAE's Plant Genetic Resource Centre

Abu Dhabi’s Plant Genetic Resource Centre, the first-of-its-kind in the region. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
Abu Dhabi’s Plant Genetic Resource Centre, the first-of-its-kind in the region. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
The centre was established for the conservation of the UAE’s native flora
The centre was established for the conservation of the UAE’s native flora
Specialist Faisal Alkhazraji in the centre's herbarium
Specialist Faisal Alkhazraji in the centre's herbarium
Mohammed Hayez, a specialist in terrestrial protected areas management, in the minus 20°C seed bank
Mohammed Hayez, a specialist in terrestrial protected areas management, in the minus 20°C seed bank
Salama Almansoori, a specialist in plant conservation
Salama Almansoori, a specialist in plant conservation
Nuri Asmita works in the seed collection area
Nuri Asmita works in the seed collection area
Dried and catalogued flora at the centre
Dried and catalogued flora at the centre
Ms Asmita studies seeds
Ms Asmita studies seeds
The centre works to preserve the UAE's genetic diversity
The centre works to preserve the UAE's genetic diversity
Catalogued seeds at the centre
Catalogued seeds at the centre
The centre's glass house, where native plants are grown in a controlled environment
The centre's glass house, where native plants are grown in a controlled environment