Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Approves Launch Of AgriFood Growth And Water Abundance Cluster In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has given his approval for the establishment of the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) Cluster. This integrated economic cluster, located in Abu Dhabi, aims to address global food shortages and water scarcity. Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), AGWA will serve as a global hub for innovative food and ingredient solutions, as well as technologies to enhance water resource utilization.AGWA is designed to support both local suppliers and exporters, providing a platform for maximizing commercial opportunities. The cluster's primary objective is to meet the increasing global demand for food while alleviating pressures on agricultural systems. It also aims to address shifting dietary patterns, capitalize on technological advancements, and ensure a reliable and resilient supply chain to support global food security.H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the crucial role of AGWA in strengthening the national food and water security ecosystem. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, the cluster will foster sustainable local production and effectively address the growing international and regional demand for food and water.Food and water security is a top priority for the UAE leadership, ensuring a resilient agricultural and water production ecosystem through smart solutions and research-driven innovation projects in modern agricultural technologies. These efforts align with the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036.AGWA will support pioneers in the food and water industry to leverage innovations in alternative proteins, algae, reverse osmosis technologies, as well as enhance traditional food and water production and supply. With significant potential for economic growth and job creation, AGWA taps into a AED77.4 trillion industry. By 2045, it is expected to contribute AED90 billion in incremental GDP to Abu Dhabi's economy, create over 60,000 new jobs, and attract AED128 billion in investments.According to Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, the launch of AGWA is a game-changer in efforts to diversify the economy, enhance innovation, and achieve the objectives of the UAE food security strategy 2051. It accelerates innovations in advanced technologies to address the pressing needs for sustainable water and food sources both locally and globally.Abu Dhabi has a long history of exploring sustainable solutions to food production challenges. In 1969, the late Sheikh Zayed established the first network of greenhouses on Saadiyat Island, employing advanced technologies of that era to ensure sustainable food production. The recent initiatives continue this legacy of long-term vision and commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive socio-economic development.Badr Al-Olama, Director General at ADIO, stated that Abu Dhabi's new food and water economic cluster addresses sustainability, critical global challenges, and new investment opportunities. It is a significant step towards achieving Abu Dhabi's economic diversification strategy by accelerating non-oil sectors.The World Bank predicts that by 2050, feeding a global population exceeding nine billion will require a 50% increase in agricultural production and a 15% rise in water withdrawals. AGWA acknowledges these challenges and represents the next phase of Abu Dhabi's strategy to channel investment and resources into future-focused economic clusters while addressing critical global challenges.AGWA is the second economic cluster launched by Abu Dhabi to drive economic growth, diversification, job creation, and investment opportunities in future-focused industries. In October 2023, Abu Dhabi launched the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster to position itself as a leader in future mobility solutions across air, land, and sea applications.The launch of AGWA strengthens Abu Dhabi's pioneering role in harnessing advanced innovations and solutions in food and water production while developing traditional agricultural methods. Abu Dhabi is home to 24,000 farms, with 50% located in Al Ain City. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office has signed partnerships with various innovative food and water production companies, focusing specifically on solutions applicable to the desert environment.

With inputs from WAM