Food and water supplies are under mounting pressure worldwide, and their demand is only expected to continue rising. According to predictions from UNESCO, almost 600 million people will face hunger by 2030. These concerns will be exacerbated further as the global population, based on UN estimates, rises to 10 billion by 2050.
With food and water insecurity set to affect numerous communities, unless urgent action is taken, we must develop impactful solutions to safeguard health, well-being, and living standards. These solutions must ensure nourishment and hydration for an ever-growing global population and minimise carbon emissions to protect our planet. The ask may be challenging but given Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive support of innovators keen to make a difference, it is a barrier we are confident in overcoming.
Supporting innovative investments
Earlier this year, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office launched the AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster in Abu Dhabi. Explicitly designed to drive innovative advances in food and water security, the cluster will serve as a platform that maximises commercial opportunities for solutions capable of meeting 21st-century demands.
In Abu Dhabi, innovation – which includes future-forward solutions like alternative proteins, meat substitutes, and algal proteins – has the potential to effectively address the nexus of food, population, and climate concerns. Simultaneously, GlobalData predicts that by 2028, the meat substitute and plant-based milk market will reach a global value of USD67.5 billion in retail, and USD14.9 billion in food service.
Responding to the urgent need to invest in new forms of food, AGWA is positioned to become a global hub for the production and development of novel foods, technologies, and ingredients, including alternative egg and dairy proteins, cultivated meats, and others. AGWA will also work to advance the on-shore cultivation of protein-rich microalgae to bridge the nutraceutical food gap. The cluster will support innovations in reverse osmosis desalination, water purification, and black water recycling to facilitate water abundance.
By 2045, the integrated cluster is expected to contribute AED90 billion in incremental GDP to Abu Dhabi’s economy, create over 60,000 jobs, and attract AED128 billion in investment.
World-class business hub
Ranked first for ease of doing business in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by the World Bank Group, Abu Dhabi has emerged as a leading business hub, and our work at AGWA is enhancing the Emirate’s status as a premier global destination for entrepreneurs and innovators across all sectors, including traditional and novel agriculture and water purification.
Simplified requirements for setup, a range of long-term visas, and low taxes are just a few factors influencing businesses to collaborate with us. Our government continues introducing new business-friendly legislation to facilitate market entry for new entrepreneurs, including full foreign ownership of the companies within Abu Dhabi.
The logistical advantages afforded by Abu Dhabi are equally significant. With its strategic location, placing 33% of the world just a 4-hour flight away, the Emirate offers the perfect gateway to markets across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Abu Dhabi’s world-class infrastructure includes two international airports, six commercial ports, a robust road network, and unparalleled Internet penetration and connectivity.
Abu Dhabi has also established itself as a talent hub, with professionals from more than 200 nationalities choosing to live, work, and contribute their expertise to its growth and development. This offers a vibrant talent pool for companies operating in the Emirate, further enhanced by graduates from Abu Dhabi’s top-ranked universities.
At AGWA, we offer further advantages to future-ready businesses by connecting them to a broad range of stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and generating investment. Partner companies also receive exclusive financial and non-financial support and access to international trade opportunities by leveraging our comprehensive trade partnership agreements and connections to the Abu Dhabi business ecosystem.
We also work with a diverse mix of regulatory, infrastructure, and innovation partners to bolster our efforts. Our initiatives are fully supported by the Abu Dhabi Government, which is committed to sustaining a holistic business environment that provides an ideal platform for companies to leverage advanced technologies and generate value-driven returns.
Our partners
Recognising these benefits, Swiss alternative protein innovation and production specialists, NUOS, have partnered with AGWA, choosing Abu Dhabi as their base for expanding operations across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. As NUOS seeks to widen its global presence, the company is taking advantage of the Emirate’s favourable climate to power a large proportion of its facilities through solar panels, thus significantly reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
Shaping the future
Our role at AGWA remains focused on finding new food and water solutions to address the rising global demand for resources and to alleviate pressure on agricultural systems. We are also keen to leverage shifting dietary patterns and technological advancements, presenting valuable opportunities for developing new supply chains and strengthening established ones.
The world is at a crossroads, potentially impacting food and water security for generations to come. At AGWA, we are determined to forge ahead by empowering businesses that share our vision for a healthy and abundant future for all.
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