Abu Dhabi: Federal regulators unite to bolster new AGWA cluster

Federal regulators in the UAE have joined forces to support Abu Dhabi’s newly launched food and water economic cluster, AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA).

The cluster 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) have united under a new steering committee.

The committee will streamline regulatory frameworks crucial for positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in the growing food and water market.

Read: Abu Dhabi unveils new economic cluster to boost food security

This initiative comes as global demand for sustainable food and water solutions intensifies, with projections estimating the market’s value to soar to Dhs 77.4tn by 2045.

AGWA, championed by ADDED, to drive agriculture innovation

AGWA, spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), aims to harness the UAE’s strengths to become a pivotal hub for innovative food technologies and efficient water management systems.

This collaborative effort underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to pioneering solutions that address evolving global challenges, enhancing both local resilience and international partnerships.

“This agreement underscores the UAE’s proactive stance in crafting robust regulatory frameworks and fostering synergies crucial for sustainable development,” remarked Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED. “AGWA is poised to advance our National Food Security Strategy 2051 and UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, cementing our role as a global leader in sustainable food and water solutions.”

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasised the strategic importance of collaborative efforts in fortifying the UAE’s food and water systems against environmental pressures: “By pooling resources with our partners, we are creating an enabling environment for growth in our vital industries.”

Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, highlighted the urgency of addressing food and water security: “Through technology and innovation, AGWA will play a pivotal role in enhancing our resilience to climate impacts while fostering sustainable growth.”

AGWA’s strategic vision includes substantial economic contributions, with projections indicating an incremental GDP boost of Dhs90bn to Abu Dhabi’s economy by 2045, alongside the creation of 60,000 new jobs and Dhs128bn in investments.

Key partnerships

In other news, AGWA and Believer Meats announced their collaboration to develop capabilities in cultivated meat.

Believer Meats will pursue establishing a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi that can support commercial operations for regional market expansion, product manufacturing, and research and development.

Additionally, as part of a partnership with AGwA, Swiss alternative protein innovation and production specialists NUOS will also begin operations in Abu Dhabi and establish an innovation centre and food manufacturing facilities for alternative protein production.