DesertBoard Wins “Sustainable Building Material Manufacturer of the Year” at Sustainability Excellence Awards 2025
DesertBoard is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the “Sustainable Building Material Manufacturer of the Year” at the Sustainability Excellence Awards 2025, organised by Gulf News in collaboration with Being She.
This prestigious recognition reinforces DesertBoard’s position as a leader in sustainable innovation within the construction sector and highlights the company’s ongoing contribution to the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision. As the world’s first manufacturer of engineered palm-based wooden boards — known as Palm Strand Board (PSB®) — DesertBoard is redefining the future of construction by transforming agricultural byproducts into high-performance, eco-friendly building materials. This approach not only reduces reliance on imported materials but also promotes circular economy practices, supporting sustainable growth within the region.
Palm Strand Board (PSB®) is an engineered wooden board sustainably manufactured from locally sourced pruned date palm fronds. PSB® wooden boards are formaldehyde-free, highly moisture-resistant, have a fire rating of up to 90 minutes, offer termite resistance, and possess high structural strength. PSB® is designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern construction while significantly reducing waste and carbon footprint, making it a truly sustainable alternative to traditional wood-based boards.
Independent testing by the Engineering Department at Abu Dhabi University confirmed PSB®’s superior moisture resistance, recording a water contact angle of 72° — significantly higher than MDF (50.2°) and plywood (65°). This reduced surface wettability minimizes water absorption, ensuring consistent performance and lasting protection even in humid environments.
PSB® also demonstrates exceptional structural performance, offering a screw withdrawal capacity of 1,356 N at the edge and 1,112 N on the face, as certified under BS EN 320:2011. Combining these technical advantages with zero formaldehyde emissions, PSB® empowers event designers and fabricators to create impactful, eco-conscious environments that reflect innovation, reliability, and lasting appeal.
Winning this award represents more than just industry acknowledgment. It underscores DesertBoard’s commitment to supporting the nation’s sustainability agenda, strengthening the local economy, and advancing environmentally conscious manufacturing practices across the UAE.
“We are truly honored to receive this recognition,” said Kamran Farah, Director at DesertBoard. “This award motivates us to continue driving impactful change and to keep shaping a greener, more resilient future for the UAE and beyond.”
DesertBoard remains dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and responsible manufacturing, continuing to lead the way in transforming construction practices for a sustainable tomorrow.
Mr. Kamal Farah, Director at DesertBoard, gave an exclusive interview to Gulf News. Watch here
