Regulators Unite In Support Of AGWA To Accelerate Abu Dhabi's Food And Water Ambitions

AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA), Abu Dhabi’s newly launched food and water cluster, has announced a collaborative effort among key stakeholders to create a regulatory environment aimed at making Abu Dhabi a leading global hub for food and water security. The initiative involves the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC).

These organisations will work together to build regulatory frameworks and support mechanisms that enable efficient and effective solutions in agriculture, food, and water. The establishment of robust regulations is expected to attract innovative solutions to the cluster.

AGWA, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADIO, aims to become a global centre for novel food ingredients and technologies that enhance water resource utilisation. This cluster is designed to support local suppliers and exporters, maximising commercial opportunities while addressing global food security challenges.

The cluster's objectives include meeting increasing global demand, alleviating pressures on agricultural systems, addressing shifting dietary patterns, capitalising on technological advancements, and ensuring a reliable supply chain for food and water. AGWA will leverage the regulatory environment to support pioneers in the industry, enabling innovations in alternative proteins, algae, reverse osmosis technologies, and traditional production methods.

Badr Al-Olama, Director General at ADIO, stated: "As Abu Dhabi forges ahead to become a global food and water powerhouse through AGWA, it is essential that our regulatory environment matches our aspirations. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration, we will identify ways to create the optimal environment for innovators in Abu Dhabi."

Dr. Helal Humaid Al Kaabi, Secretary General of ADQCC, welcomed the initiative: "We look forward to playing a leading role in enhancing quality standards and sustainable performance in the food and water sectors." He added that close cooperation between AGWA and governmental bodies would ensure best practices and high standards.

Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of ADAFSA, described AGWA as a strategic initiative aimed at supporting innovation in agriculture, food production, and water solutions. He emphasised the importance of regulatory support and effective operational frameworks to attract companies and innovators to invest in Abu Dhabi.

AGWA taps into an industry with immense potential for economic growth and job creation. By 2045, it is expected to contribute AED 90 billion in incremental GDP to Abu Dhabi’s economy, create 62,000 new jobs, and attract AED 128 billion in investments.

Building on Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advanced food and water production methods, AGWA leverages its strong traditional farming base. The emirate is home to more than 24,000 farms, with 50 percent located in the Al Ain region. In recent years, ADIO has partnered with many innovative companies to develop solutions for desert climates.

AGWA represents the next phase of Abu Dhabi’s growth strategy, focusing investment into key economic clusters of the future. This follows the 2023 launch of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster aimed at positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of future mobility solutions across air, land, and sea.

With inputs from WAM