Swiss-based NUOS, AGWA Abu Dhabi Partner To Build World-Leading Alternative Production Facility

AGWA (AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance), Abu Dhabi’s newly launched food and water cluster, has announced that Swiss alternative protein specialists NUOS will commence operations in Abu Dhabi. NUOS will establish an innovation centre and food manufacturing facilities for alternative protein production, positioning itself as a leader in the global market from Abu Dhabi.

NUOS AG will create its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, leveraging the Emirate's strategic location and resources to expand its reach in Europe, North America, and the Middle East North African market. NUOS MENA will serve as a central hub for innovation, production, and commercialisation to manage its major projects effectively.

The company’s presence in Abu Dhabi aims to capture opportunities in the growing food and water market, projected to reach AED77.4 trillion by 2045. Addressing the global climate crisis, NUOS seeks to disrupt dependency on animals in the food system, crucial for achieving net-zero targets. The food industry accounts for 34 percent of human-made GHG emissions globally.

NUOS will be the leading independent Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation facility for alternative proteins. It aims to overcome current limitations by delivering scale, quality, and price-parity with conventional meat products, thus meeting mass consumer expectations.

The company will collaborate with Abu Dhabi-based research and development institutes on innovative and sustainable food technologies. Additionally, it plans to form partnerships with local universities to build talent capabilities in these areas.

Badr Al-Olama, Director-General at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), stated, "The development of a world-leading alternative protein production facility in Abu Dhabi marks a significant step forward for both the UAE and the wider region. Once operational, the facility will add scale, diversity, and accessibility to our growing food ecosystem."

Bjoern Witte, Chairman of NUOS, commented, "NUOS AG was created to accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system. Foundational to achieving this goal is creating a giga factory for alternative protein that can meet global consumer demands for high-quality meat alternative products at competitive prices."

Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADIO, AGWA aims to become a global hub for novel food and ingredients. It focuses on technologies that increase access to and enable efficient utilisation of water resources. This cluster supports local suppliers and exporters, serving as a platform to maximise commercial opportunities.

AGWA aims to meet increasing global demand, alleviate pressures on agricultural systems, address shifting dietary patterns, capitalise on technological advancements, and support global food security. It ensures a reliable and resilient supply chain by building on Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advanced food and water production methods.

Abu Dhabi is home to more than 24,000 farms, with 50 percent located in the Al Ain region. Over recent years, ADIO has partnered with many innovative food and water companies focused on developing solutions for desert and arid climates.

With inputs from WAM