ADQ And Finnforel Collaborate To Explore Fish Farming Facility Feasibility In KEZAD

ADQ, a global sovereign investor, has partnered with Finnforel, a Finnish aquaculture technology firm, to explore the possibility of establishing a land-based fish farming facility in the UAE. This facility aims to produce 3,000 tons of fish annually and will be located in KEZAD's aquaculture zone. The collaboration focuses on cultivating rainbow trout using recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which ensure efficient water use and zero waste.

Finnforel, established in 2015, operates two RAS facilities in Finland with a total output of 3,000 tons per year. Their vertically integrated approach spans from hatchery to packaging, enhancing efficiency. Finnforel plans to expand globally by 2032. The UAE project will replicate their indoor aquaculture model, marking the first large-scale RAS implementation in the region.

Mansour AlMulla, ADQ's Deputy Group CEO, stated: "Our collaboration with Finnforel exemplifies our commitment to harnessing state-of-the-art technology to facilitate the expansion of local food production capabilities in Abu Dhabi. With imports currently catering to the vast majority of the demand for protein in the UAE, our focus is to work towards closing supply gaps by introducing a new way of cultivating high-quality seafood that is cherished for its nutritional value."

Aquatic foods make up 15% of global animal protein intake according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In 2021, per capita consumption was 20.6 kilograms and is expected to rise by 12% by 2032. For the first time in 2022, aquaculture surpassed capture fisheries as the leading producer of aquatic animals.

Pekka A. Viljakainen, Finnforel Group's CEO and Co-Founder, commented: "The current global realities are heightening our awareness of the critical importance of food security. In the foreseeable future, it will become imperative for every nation to ensure the local production of most of their consumed food, including fresh fish. Finnforel’s mission is to build a network of local facilities based on our tried-and-tested vertically integrated concept; an endeavor which must be pursued sustainably and with environmental responsibility. It is a tremendous honor for Finnforel to embark on this exciting journey of prospective growth with ADQ."

UAE's Seafood Import Dependency

Currently, about 70% of seafood consumed in the UAE is imported. Salmon imports alone reach 10,000 tons annually. ADQ aims to enhance food resilience by investing across the food value chain and adopting advanced technologies for sustainable agriculture.

The global aquaculture sector is rapidly expanding and was valued at $204 billion in 2020. It is projected to grow to $262 billion by 2026. By increasing production nearly 60% above its 2018 levels, aquaculture can meet future seafood demands for an expanding global population.

ADQ's efforts contribute significantly to strengthening UAE’s agricultural footprint both locally and internationally through innovative solutions that boost domestic food production and distribution capabilities efficiently and sustainably.

With inputs from WAM