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.

A decade later, in 2021, DesertBoard^® marked a major milestone with the inauguration of its 55,000 sqm manufacturing facility 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. PSB^® supports projects pursuing Estidama, Al Sa’fat and LEED certification, contributing to six LEED v5 BD+C credits and prerequisites and helping projects pursue up to 20 credit points while addressing material carbon impacts.

Honors and Awards.

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

Awards & Recognition

DesertBoard’s PSB^® has received multiple global and regional awards for sustainable design, including the iF Design Awards (4 categories), Gulf News’ Sustainable Building Material Manufacturer of the Year (UAE), Big See Architecture Award (Europe), KEZAD Group’s Appreciation Award (UAE), CPI’s Innovation Champion of the Year (UAE), Dubai Wood Show’s CSR Commitment Award (UAE), and an honorary award from the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (UAE). In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the On Weaving project, constructed with PSB^® boards, won the AlMusalla Prize and was showcased at major international exhibitions such as the Venice Biennale, Bukhara, and Uzbekistan. In 2025, DesertBoard also earned certifications from the Abu Dhabi Quality & Conformity Council (QCC) and the UAE’s In-Country Value (ICV), highlighting its commitment to quality, compliance, and local value creation.
2026

Impact & Distinctions

In the first three quarters of 2026, DesertBoard secured the Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) and won two ESG Business Awards 2026: Circular Economy Award – UAE and Net-Zero Award – Building Material Manufacturer, reinforcing its leadership in circular manufacturing and sustainable building materials.
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
2026
Our Future

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.

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.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) .

At DesertBoard, we believe sustainability extends beyond products and materials. Through our CSR initiatives, we support sustainability education, professional development, employee wellbeing, and community engagement to encourage positive long-term outcomes both within our organisation and across the wider community. Built around four core pillars — Graduate Pathways Program, Seeds of Sustainability, Seeds of Care, and Employee Wellbeing Program — our programs promote innovation, environmental awareness, and the development of future talent through educational partnerships and community collaboration across the UAE.

Our CSR Pillars.

Graduate Pathways is our structured graduate development initiative, designed to help emerging industrial or production engineers transition from university into professional practice. Through practical project exposure, cross-department collaboration, and guided site-based learning, participants gain valuable industry experience across multiple disciplines within the organisation.

Seeds of Sustainability introduces students across UAE schools to sustainability-focused learning inspired by our PSB^® innovation. Through interactive projects and collaborative activities tailored to different stages of learning, the initiative encourages students to engage with eco-awareness, circular economy principles, material innovation, and creative problem-solving.

Seeds of Care reflects our commitment to community engagement, volunteering, and social impact. Through partnerships with local charities, healthcare organisations, and community initiatives, the program encourages employees to contribute their time, skills, and support to causes that create lasting positive impact across the UAE.

Employee Wellbeing focuses on creating a positive, supportive, and engaging workplace. Through wellbeing initiatives, awareness campaigns, learning opportunities, and employee engagement activities, we aim to support the health, development, and overall wellbeing of our people throughout their careers.

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.

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).

Emirates safety laboratory.

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

Intertek.

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

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.

ISO.

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

Thomas Bell-Wright Reaction.

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

UAE Al-Futtaim Sound Transmission Test.

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

UAE Material Lab testing services.

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

Emirates Green Building Council.

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

Society of Sustainability and Green Materials (SSGM).

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

In-Country Value (ICV) Certification.

Ensures increased local value creation by prioritizing UAE-based manufacturing, local sourcing, and Emiratization in government and semi-government procurement.