The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) announced a key agreement with the Federal Government of the UAE to streamline regulatory approvals for the food and water industry, advancing AGWA (AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance), Abu Dhabi’s newly launched food and water economic cluster, which aims to play a leading role in global efforts to tackle food shortages and water scarcity.
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) will form part of a steering committee that will streamline approvals necessary to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global food and water hub. The robust business environment will enable Abu Dhabi to be a leader in the future of food and water by facilitating the development and commercialisation of innovative solutions.
Led by ADDED and ADIO, AGWA is set to become a global hub for novel food and ingredients, as well as technologies that increase access to, and enable, the efficient utilisation of water resources. This cluster is designed to support local suppliers and exporters alike, serving as a platform to maximise commercial opportunities. The cluster aims to meet increasing global demand, alleviate pressures on agricultural systems, address shifting dietary patterns, capitalise on technological advancements, and support global food security, ensuring a reliable and resilient supply chain for food and water.
Through active engagement, efficient licensing, and high standards to ensure safe and secure operations, AGWA will support pioneers in the food and water industry to not only leverage innovations in alternative proteins, algae and reverse osmosis technologies, but also to enhance traditional food and water production and supply.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: “This agreement highlights the UAE’s proactive approach and commitment to developing appropriate regulatory frameworks and building synergies to ensure a lasting impact. AGWA’s efforts to address the needs for sustainable water and food sources, both locally and globally, necessitate close cooperation with the federal government to achieve its goals and support the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036.”
“Through collaboration between federal and local governments, as well as the private sector, we aim to ensure a resilient agricultural and water production ecosystem and establish AGWA as a global hub for novel food and ingredients, as well as technologies to increase access to and the utilisation of water resources.”
His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “Our natural resources are under immense pressure due to climate change and environmental degradation. We follow a collaborative approach to overcome challenges and enhance our food and water systems. This agreement is a shining example of how we join forces with our partners to ensure a conducive environment for growth for our food and water industries. The UAE has achieved high results in this regard. A United Nations report indicated that the UAE has achieved an average of 100 per cent in providing safe drinking water and sanitation services, and 80 per cent in integrated water resources management, which is one of the best results regionally. We are pleased to support AGWA in its mission of turning the UAE into a global hub for innovative food and water solutions.”
Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “Food and water security are pressing concerns for the world today and need to be addressed with utmost urgency. The UAE has been leading the efforts on the national as well as global level to address food systems transformation and water security. We are working towards building sustainable, resilient and inclusive food and water systems by strengthening sustainable production, reducing waste and shifting behaviours for efficient use of these resources.”
“We acknowledge the fact that technology, innovation and deployment of proper funding mechanisms will play a central role in achieving food and water security in the future. Through this partnership with AGWA (AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance) we look forward to tackling food shortages and water scarcity while also contributing to building climate resilience and sustainable growth in the food and water ecosystems.”
His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, said: “Food and water security are a strategic priority for the UAE. We are pleased to partner with the relevant government entities to strengthen AGWA’s efforts in reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s and the wider UAE’s leading role in the food and water security space. These efforts are well aligned with our ongoing initiatives supply chain resilience, self sufficiency and boosting the contribution of the F&B sector to the country’s GDP in the next decade, through enhancing the quality, sustainability and competitiveness of local products.”
AGWA taps into an AED77.4 trillion industry with immense potential for economic growth and job creation. By 2045, AGWA is expected to contribute AED90 billion in incremental GDP to Abu Dhabi’s economy, create more than 60,000 new jobs, and attract AED128 billion in investments.
The cluster represents the next phase of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to focus investment and resources into key growth sectors of the future. AGWA follows the 2023 launch of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, which aims to position Abu Dhabi at the forefront of future mobility solutions across air, land and sea.
