Top Abu Dhabi government entities such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) have agreed to work towards supporting the newly launched AGWA (AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance) cluster.
The stakeholders will work towards creating a regulatory environment that can accelerate Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a leading global food and water hub that can tackle worldwide food shortages and water security. Therefore, the organizations will collaborate to build regulatory frameworks and support mechanisms that enable more efficient and effective solutions in agriculture, food and water.
What is AGWA?
Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADIO, AGWA will become a global hub for novel food and ingredients, as well as for technologies that increase access 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.
Read: Abu Dhabi’s new AGWA cluster to add $24.5 billion to GDP, generate 60,000 jobs
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. Thereby, it will ensure a reliable and resilient supply chain for food and water.
AGWA taps into a mega AED77.4 trillion industry with immense potential for economic growth and job creation. By 2045, AGWA is likely to contribute AED90 billion in incremental GDP to Abu Dhabi’s economy, create 62,000 new jobs, and attract AED128 billion in investments.
The cluster builds on Abu Dhabi’s leadership in advanced food and water production methods and leverages its strong traditional farming base. Abu Dhabi is home to more than 24,000 farms, of which 50 percent are in the Al Ain region.
Creating the right environment
“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,” ADIO director general Badr Al-Olama said.
“We welcome this ambitious initiative aimed at addressing global food and water security challenges. As the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, we look forward to playing a leading role in enhancing quality standards and sustainable performance in the food and water sectors,” said Dr. Helal Humaid Al Kaabi, Secretary General of ADQCC.
Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of ADAFSA, affirmed that AGWA cluster is a strategic initiative and business incubator to support innovation in agriculture, food production, and water solutions, aiming to attract and encourage companies and innovators to invest in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
“We are pleased to be part of this ambitious initiative to enhance food security, support sustainability in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, and we will collaborate with all partners to provide the necessary regulatory support and establish effective operational frameworks to help establish new companies, market their products, and provide appropriate incentives to ensure the success of the cluster and achieve its objectives,” he said.
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