Dr. Osama Gazal

From 30 years of advancing drought-resistant crops in Jordan and the area, as well as the establishment of the Jordanian seeds bank, to leading the world's largest research platform for securing agriculture's future throughout dry lands, particularly in the Middle East and Central Asia. Dr. Nizar Jamal Haddad exemplifies exceptional leadership, driven by tremendous work and the persistent determination of a honeybee; a young leader with the spirit of the great characters of a bygone, honorable era—a man who adds distinction to the positions he holds. We cordially congratulate Dr. Nizar Haddad, the subject of our current feature, on his well-deserved appointment as Director General of the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA). But Dr. Haddad's job is more than just prestigious in the field of dry area rehabilitation and agricultural support in degraded poor environments; he is also a rescuer and an added value, he is a person of excellent character, outstanding behavior, and an admirable reputation. Rather, his appointment represents a qualitative leap, for he possesses a remarkable ability to orchestrate paradigm-shifting successes with an almost uncanny mastery, a mastery rooted not in magic, but in relentless diligence, unwavering determination, and an extraordinary capacity to devise breakthroughs and bypass any obstacle standing in the way of progress.

Much like a football player who changes the course of the game and wins the admiration of all—even opponents—Dr. Haddad is a warrior of the highest caliber: a passionate environmentalist, a fierce defender of natural resource integrity and sustainability, and a master at balancing optimal resource utilization with long-term preservation. Consequently, he is beloved by nature itself, by environmental advocates, by farmers, and by investors in water and agricultural land alike, because he knows how to strike that delicate equilibrium and how to craft eco-friendly investment models alongside climate-resilient agricultural solutions—solutions that not only adapt to local ecosystems and climate shifts, but also respect the fragility of resources in arid zones. This is particularly significant given that Dr. Haddad has spent an extensive period working in Jordan, where arid lands constitute over 96% of the country's total area."

Dr. Nizar Jamal Haddad, who has been appointed Director General of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), one of the world's leading scientific and research institutions, comes from a Jordanian family that places a high value on education and patriotism; he grew up in the Hauran plains, which has long been regarded as the "breadbasket" of wheat and grains. He grew up in Irbid's Al-Husn, a wheat and barley production center that has played an important agricultural role since the Roman era. His father was an educator and one of the founders of Irbid's Wasfi Al-Tal Industrial Secondary School; this had a huge impact on his character, as offspring of pioneering educators tend to have a deeper sense of belonging and a higher passion for study than others. Dr. Nizar completed his schooling at Prince Al-Hassan bin Talal Secondary School in Irbid before heading to Russia to specialize in agriculture, according to Wikipedia. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizar_Haddad?shem=isphe,).


His academic specialization in the science of bees and natural honey may have shaped his personality and professional nature, molding him into a tireless individual who refuses to stagnate or succumb to constraints—whether imposed by limited resources, the challenges of diverse work environments, or personal challenges. Throughout his lengthy and successful career, he has continuously exhibited a strong commitment to achievement and punctuality, while effectively mobilizing the entire team under his direction. He stands out as a natural-born leader and role model, traits developed through hard labor, determination, and a deep passion for his homeland, environment, agriculture, and people, appropriately like bees.

Dr. Nizar Haddad reflects the Hashemite leadership's vision for leaders, particularly those in high positions, in terms of the traits required of a role-model leader. Such a leader favorably impacts and motivates their team, so contributing efficiently and effectively to goal achievement and cost reduction. This approach is consistent with Jordan's need to stay up with global advancements in all sectors while functioning within the restrictions of its limited natural resources, particularly water, which is the lifeblood of economic development and food security and a primary priority for the government. Dr. Haddad specializes in the integrated management of natural resources, food production, energy, and environmental conservation, sometimes known as the "quadruple nexus."

Dr. Nizar Haddad brings to ICARDA a wealth of experience honed over decades of dedicated environmental work, with a particular emphasis on dryland agriculture and the ecological rehabilitation of regions devastated by climate change and unsustainable anthropogenic practices—particularly in water-scarce arid zones. His remarkable track record in environmental research and resource management is an invaluable strategic addition to the Center. It is our sincere hope that he will continue to demonstrate the extraordinary resolve and tireless dynamism that has defined his career, bringing ICARDA's mission to new heights of impact. In doing so, he will not only uphold Jordan's proud legacy of excellence in global food security but also serve as an inspiring role model for all Jordanians, following in the footsteps of Hashemite leadership and projecting a luminous image of his country's commitment to environmental stewardship. We extend our sincerest wishes for his continued success, and we pray that the dry lands of the Middle East and beyond may be enriched—ecologically and agriculturally—through the knowledge, innovation, and tireless dedication of Dr. Nizar Haddad.

Dr. Osama MN Gazal, Hydrogeological and Environmental Applied Engineering Advisor