Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group), the largest operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the UAE, has signed a lease agreement with Astha Biotech, a UAE-based investment and development company. This agreement will facilitate the launch of the first UAE company focused on the production of high-value microalgae for the health, cosmetics, food, and aquaculture industries.
Astha Biotech’s sustainable microalgae facility
Astha Biotech will invest an initial AED44 million ($12 million) to establish a 38,000 sqm facility in KEZAD Al Ain. This facility will capture up to 1,000 metric tonnes of CO2 annually, using carbon emissions from local industries to cultivate the microalgae. The company further plans to hire and train a team of 30 highly skilled personnel to operate the production unit and laboratory.
Commitment to sustainability
“We are more than happy to welcome Astha Biotech, an infrastructure company with a focus on the green economy,” said Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group. “At KEZAD Group, we are developing new enabling infrastructure for companies to further improve their sustainable practices, including transitioning to a greener economy,” he added.
Vision for sustainable development
Zouheir Bensaid, CEO of Astha Biotech Group, expressed pride in being part of Abu Dhabi’s ambitious sustainable development program. “Our project is in-line with our values where we aim at translating our will to seek out new solutions to deal with the challenges of organic dietary nutriments and the contribution to the environment’s decarbonization,” he further noted.
Read more: Abu Dhabi’s environment agency joins UAE Alliance for Climate Action Advisory Committee
Microalgae production for the dietary supplements market
Astha Biotech’s initial focus will be on the dietary supplements market, producing microalgae strains such as Spirulina, Haematococcus pluvialis, and Chlorella using sustainable closed culture processes and photobioreactors. Additionally, by capturing local industrial CO2 emissions, the company aims to surpass the carbon sequestration capacity of forests or corn fields.
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