Established in 1953, AREC is among the largest non-profit agricultural research and education centers in the Middle East, encompassing 100 hectares of research facilities and agriculture land. Since its founding, AREC was considered as an intrinsic part of AUB. It has been used by many AUB faculties and departments. The Family Medicine department operates a regular clinic. Many researchers have used AREC as a base for launching investigations targeting the communities and the resources of the Beqa’a. IBSAR, relies on AREC for the production of wild native trees seedlings used in the "Seeds of Hope" greening campaign.

AREC contributes to the preservation of biodiversity through its collection of native tree species and its Seed Bank where traditional crop varieties are collected in order to prevent their disappearance. It is a research and education center equipped with modern facilities (labs, fast internet, amphitheaters). It is also a training and retreat center for conferences and workshops. Many of the workshops were held in collaboration with NGOs.  

AREC is an AUB campus in more than one way: it is warm, green, comfortable, very well maintained and very secure. Many members of the AUB community spend leisurely weekends or retreats on the grounds, either in the well-equipped modern guest houses or in the more frugal dormitories. They can also enjoy AREC produce such as fruits, vegetables, dairy and poultry products, and especially sweet corn which was introduced to Lebanon by AREC.


I invite you to pay us a visit to familiarize yourself with AREC and its facilities!

Nicolas El Haddad
AREC Farm and Facilities Manager
Agricultural Research and Education Center
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences