About DesertBoard.

Upcycling annually regenerated date palm fronds into sustainable building materials

The DesertBoard Story.

DesertBoard® is the manufacturer of the region’s most sustainable building material, Palm Strand Board (PSB®), crafted from annually regenerated date palm fronds.

Registered in 2011, DesertBoard® was driven by an ambitious vision to transform abundantly available raw materials into sustainable wooden boards. During this period, we undertook extensive experimentation, research, and development to create Palm Strand Board (PSB®), laying the foundation for a revolutionary sustainable building material.

A decade later, in 2021, DesertBoard® marked a major milestone with the inauguration of its factory and the successful production of the first PSB® engineered wooden board, setting a new standard in sustainable building materials.

Addressing a critical environmental challenge, DesertBoard upcycles pruned palm fronds through a one-of-a-kind patented process, becoming the world’s first factory to produce a Super E0 (zero-emission) grade board, equivalent in strength to Oriented Strand Board 3 & Oriented Strand Board 4.

The DesertBoard Story

Our History.

  • 1997

    The Seed of Innovation

    Mr. Hatem Farah, deeply moved by the profound admiration His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan held for the palm tree, embarked on a mission to uncover innovative methods to recycle biomass from palm fronds. With a strong knowledge and passion for wood, and drawing inspiration from nature's ability to rejuvenate, Mr. Farah envisioned the creation of engineered panels made from discarded palm leaves. This vision marked the beginning of a journey that would evolve into a ground-breaking initiative.

  • 2011

    Laying the Groundwork

    In 2011, DesertBoard® was officially registered, marking the beginning of an ambitious journey. The team launched extensive research and development efforts aimed at revolutionizing green construction materials. Over the following years, despite numerous challenges, their determination only grew stronger. Viewing each setback as a learning opportunity, they were guided by the principles of innovation and adaptation.

  • 2021

    Turning the Tide

    On this significant day, DesertBoard® inaugurated its manufacturing facility in the UAE and successfully produced the world’s first palm-based engineered wooden board—PSB® (Palm Strand Board). This milestone was more than just a manufacturing achievement; it symbolized perseverance, innovation, and a bold vision for eco-friendly production—utilizing sustainable sourcing, low emissions, and resource-efficient processes.

  • 2023

    Green Innovation at COP28

    In 2023, the UAE positioned itself as a leader in sustainable in- novation by introducing PSB®, a 100% sustainable engineered wooden board made from palm frond raw material, during COP28. This introduction underscored the nation’s dedication to advancing circular economy solutions and demonstrated how sustainable materials can drive positive change across global industries.

  • 2025

    Global And Local Recognition

    DesertBoard’s PSB® has earned recognition both globally and locally for its sustainable design . It proudly secured the prestigious iF Design Awards across four categories (Global), Innovation Champion of the Year (UAE), the CSR Commitment Award (UAE), the Big See Architecture Award (Europe), KEZAD Group’s Appreciation Award (UAE) and an honorary award from the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (UAE). Notably, projects utilizing PSB® boards, such as On Weaving, have been celebrated with the AlMusalla Prize (KSA) and featured prominently at major international exhibitions including the Venice Biennale, Bukhara, and Uzbekistan.

  • Our Future

    Palm Strand Board (PSB®) symbolizes more than just innovation; it represents a vision for a sustainable future. From a simple beginning, Desert Board’s factory now sets global standards, promoting environmentally-friendly solutions. As the world shifts towards sustainability, PSB® aims to redefine green construction standards. Each board embodies both functionality and a sustainable vision. Reflecting on this journey, founder Mr. Hatem Farah added: “I often express that life is a journey, as you walk through a tunnel, a door opens before you, and if you are perceptive, you take notice of that door”.

  • 1997
  • 2011
  • 2021
  • 2023
  • 2025
  • Our Future
Mission Icon

Mission.

Our mission is to leverage the UAE’s rich heritage of palm fronds to create high-strength, zero-emission structural boards. By transforming local resources into the world’s most sustainable building material, we aim to enhance indoor air quality, reduce carbon footprint within the construction sector, and contribute to the local bio-economy. As the first industrial plant in the UAE dedicated to this innovation, we support the nation's industrial growth while promoting environmental sustainability.
Vision Icon

Vision.

To be a global leader in sustainable building materials by pioneering innovative uses of natural resources, fostering circular economy practices, and inspiring industries to adopt environmentally responsible solutions for a healthier planet.

Our Accreditation Partners.

DesertBoard’s Palm Strand Board (PSB®) is accredited by leading national and international regulatory bodies, holding over 30 global, regional, and local certifications, reflecting our commitment to excellence and quality. This positions us as a trusted partner for clients across the MENA region, Asia, and beyond. By providing clients with a high-quality, certified product, we empower them to confidently deliver sustainable and innovative construction projects that meet the highest industry standards.

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Al Sa'Fat Dubai Green Building Evaluation System.

Ensures that building materials comply with formaldehyde emission limits, specifically the E0 standard (the lowest possible emission level).

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Emirates safety laboratory.

UAE-based testing and certification body specializing in fire safety, electrical safety, and product compliance for building materials and systems.

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Intertek.

A global testing, inspection, and certification organization that ensures the quality, safety, and performance of products, processes, and systems across various industries.

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Global IMQ.

One of Europe’s leading certification bodies that provides testing, inspection, and certification services for quality, safety, and environmental compliance of products and processes.

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ISO.

Develops global standards to ensure quality, safety, efficiency, and consistency in products, services, and system.

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Thomas Bell-Wright Reaction.

A Dubai-based certification body specializing in fire testing, inspection, and certification services for building materials.

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UAE Al-Futtaim Sound Transmission Test.

Measures the acoustic performance of building materials to determine how well they reduce sound transmission.

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UAE Material Lab testing services.

Evaluates the physical, mechanical, and moisture-resistant properties of construction and building materials to ensure performance and durability.

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Emirates Green Building Council.

Recognizes an organization’s commitment to sustainable building practices and supports the UAE’s green initiatives and Net Zero goals.

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Society of Sustainability and Green Materials (SSGM).

Fosters collaboration between industry experts, researchers, and companies to drive sustainable building practices.

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