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