CENTER FOR DESERT AGRICULTURE
Research center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Dedicated to the study, engineering, and implementation of sustainable agriculture in extreme environments
The global population is projected to reach
10 billion by 2050
How do we ensure a secure, safe, nutritious, and sustainable food supply for future generations?
The Center for Desert Agriculture is committed to finding smart and efficient solutions to
produce high-value crops and staples
reduce reliance on water, fertilizer, and pesticides
reduce greenhouse gas emissions
increase plant growth potential on marginal lands
empower the next generation of Saudi Arabian
citizens to be global leaders in sustainable agriculture
Photo by Linda Polik.
RESEARCH THEME
Our primary research focus is on field-based cropping systems, with 4 collaborative projects covering important aspects of sustainable agroecosystem agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
RESEARCH GROUPS
Our international team of scientists investigate a broad variety of biology topics within 10 specialized research laboratories.
CDA NEWS
18 September, 2023
Plant Science Family Night
The Plant Science Family Night stands as one of the key initiatives jointly organized by the CDA and TKS. The primary aim is to promote a sustainable future by actively involving young individuals in meaningful ways and empowering them to take action.
10 September, 2023
Fungal enzymes may enhance provitamin A content and stability in crop plants
The BioActives Lab has pioneered an innovative biofortification technique designed to boost the production and storage of provitamin A in crop plants. This groundbreaking technology holds the potential to combat vitamin deficiencies prevalent in malnourished populations.
29 August, 2023
Sourcing a sustainable new vegetable oil
A long-term breeding initiative is underway to cultivate superior strains of Salicornia with the goal of producing a sustainable and nutritionally valuable source of seed oil.