Ahmed Hamoudi: The Native Plants Champion Shaping UAE’s Future

En every research centre, there are individuals who quietly carry the weight of entire scientific missions — people whose fieldwork, knowledge, and persistence build the foundation for innovation.At the Fujairah Research Centre, Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Saeed Al Hamoudi stands as one of these pillars.

His journey is defined by passion for native plants, deep agricultural expertise, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the biological heritage of Fujairah. His work is not only scientific — it is cultural, environmental, and strategic for the UAE’s future.

A Vision Rooted in the Land

Ahmed’s expertise spans across native plant ecology, agricultural systems, soil science, seed conservation, and applied field research.His work connects traditional environmental knowledge with modern tools — drones, GIS, AI-based mapping, molecular analysis, and advanced agricultural methods.

Every visit to a mountain valley, every soil sample from a desert farm, every leaf collected from an old tree — all of it contributes to a larger mission:Protecting Fujairah’s natural identity and strengthening its agricultural resilience.

1. Leading the Date Palm Mapping of Fujairah

Ahmed played a central role in one of the most ambitious agricultural initiatives in the Emirate:the official Date Palm Mapping Program 

His contributions included:

• Identifying and documenting original Emirati date palm varieties.

• Conducting fieldwork across farms, mountains, coastline, and desert areas.

• Using a smart satellite-linked application to collect geo-referenced data.

• Collecting leaves, soil, and water samples for DNA barcoding and chemical analysis.

• Coordinating with farmers, authorities, and the University of Sharjah.

This project is now a scientific reference for policy, genetic conservation, and climate-resilient palm agriculture.

2. FLORA SEEK – Using AI to Document Fujairah’s Native Trees

Ahmed co-developed FLORA SEEK, a smart application that documents local plant species across the Emirate using AI recognition

He has:

• Photographed and identified hundreds of native trees.

• Created a live digital memory of Fujairah’s botanical wealth.

• Enabled instant recognition of species and their locations.

This work modernizes traditional botanical surveys and builds a foundation for long-term biodiversity monitoring.

3. Monitoring Flowering Seasons of Native Plants

Understanding when native plants bloom is essential for:

• Seed collection

• Ecological restoration

• Beekeeping and pollination

• Climate change research

Ahmed established a multi-year phenology program, documenting flowering times across all regions of Fujairah.

His work includes:

• Field visits to mountain, coastal, and desert ecosystems

• Detailed photographic records

• Creating annual bloom calendars

• Building a long-term dataset that will guide restoration for decades

This work has never been done before at such depth in the Emirate.

4. Building Fujairah’s Native Seed Bank

Ahmed contributed to creating the first comprehensive Seed Bank dedicated to Fujairah’s native plants — a strategic resource for restoration and food security

Achievements include:

• Collecting and preserving over 65 native species

• Cleaning, sorting, drying, and storing seeds scientifically

• Supporting botanical research and future rewilding projects

• Preserving genetic memory of plants facing habitat loss

This Seed Bank is now a cornerstone of Fujairah’s environmental resilience.

5. Researching Native, Medicinal, and Invasive Plants

Ahmed led and co-led research projects covering:

• Moringa (local & exotic) adaptation studies

– Evaluating heat, salinity, seasonal variation, and survival mechanisms– Completing major portions of two multi-year studies

• Medicinal plant chemistry and pharmacology

– Preparing 18 native medicinal plants for chemical and pharmaceutical analysis at the University of Sharjah

• Invasive Prosopis (ghaf) impact studies

– Soil quality improvement from leaf decomposition– Phytochemical comparison of invasive vs. native species

• Tephrosia apollinea (Dhofar mountains species) physiology

– Research on medicinal value, survival traits, and environmental adaptation

• Banana and sweet potato nutritional studies

– Evaluating crops under Fujairah’s harsh climate

These studies significantly expand scientific understanding of the UAE’s botany.

6. Agrovoltaics & Soil Improvement Projects

Ahmed contributed to:

• Photovoltaic Agriculture Trial

Studying the effect of solar-panel shade on plant growth — generating data now included in a Master’s thesis and scientific papers.

• Soil Enhancement Research

Testing the combined effects of biochar, peat moss, and gypsum to improve local soil quality for sustainable farming.

These projects directly support Fujairah’s vision for climate-resilient agriculture.

7. National & Regional Representation

Ahmed proudly represented the Fujairah Research Centre at major national and international events:

• World Future Energy Summit – Abu Dhabi

• UAE Innovation Month – Fujairah

• National “Plant UAE” Program

• Fujairah International Adventure Tourism Conference

• UAE Agricultural Exhibition 2025 – Al Ain

• Field mission to Wadi Al-Wurayyah Protected Area

His presence reflects the value and credibility he brings to FRC and the Emirate.

A Researcher Who Builds Impact, Not Just Reports

Ahmed Hamoudi is more than an agriculture expert.He is a field scientist, a botanist, a conservationist, and a community educator.

He:

• Connects farmers with research

• Preserves genetic diversity

• Documents ecosystems

• Supports national strategies

• Strengthens food security

• Advances native plant science

• Trains students and young scientists

His work is shaping the future of Fujairah’s environmental and agricultural landscape — quietly, consistently, and with undeniable passion.

Closing Reflection

Every centre becomes stronger when it has people like Ahmed —dedicated, knowledgeable, humble, and rooted in their land.

His contributions today will guide restoration, agriculture, and conservation in Fujairah for many years to come.

A true asset to the Fujairah Research Centre.A true guardian of our natural heritage.