The Desert Environment Research Center (DERC) is a strategic initiative at UAEU established to serve as a leading regional hub for innovative, interdisciplinary research on desert and arid environments. The Center’s primary focus is on advancing knowledge and practical solutions for desert ecosystems, water resources, and climate change adaptation, directly supporting the UAE’s national development priorities, sustainability, and climate resilience.
DERC’s main research themes include biodiversity in desert environments, groundwater and water resources, agriculture in arid environments, climate change and resilience, heritage and cultural landscapes, socio-economic development in desert regions, space exploration analogues, and GIS, Remote Sensing and Machine Learning (Geomatics).
By fostering interdisciplinary engagement and strategic partnerships, DERC aims to address the unique scientific and socio-economic challenges of arid regions.
