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Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has greenlit the launch of the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) Cluster, Economy Middle East reported.
Positioned in Abu Dhabi, AGWA is set to become a global hub for innovative food and ingredient production alongside cutting-edge water resource technologies. This integrated economic cluster will be pivotal in addressing global food shortages and water scarcity, tapping into a $21 trillion industry with significant economic growth potential.
By 2045, the report says, AGWA is projected to contribute AED 90 billion ($24.5 billion) to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, create over 60,000 new jobs, and attract AED 128 billion in investments.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) lead the initiative. AGWA will serve as a global centre for novel food, ingredients, and water resource technologies, supporting local suppliers and exporters.
The cluster will capitalize on innovations in alternative proteins, algae, and reverse osmosis technologies, enhancing traditional food and water production and supply.
AGWA’s mission includes alleviating agricultural pressures, adapting to shifting dietary patterns, leveraging technological advancements, and bolstering global food security to maintain a resilient supply chain.
Sheikh Khaled highlighted the cluster’s critical role in enhancing national food and water security by adopting advanced technologies and innovative solutions. This approach aims to foster sustainable local production and meet the growing regional and international demand for food and water.
Emphasizing food and water security as a top national priority, he noted the importance of smart solutions and research in modern agricultural technologies to diversify the local economy and promote sustainable development, aligning with the country’s National Food Security Strategy 2051.
Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, chairman of ADDED, said: “AGWA is a game changer in our efforts to further diversify the economy, enhance innovation, and achieve objectives of the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051. It enables us to accelerate innovations in advanced technologies to address the pressing needs for sustainable water and food sources both locally and globally.”
According to Badr Al-Olama, Director-General at ADIO, “Abu Dhabi’s new food and water economic cluster addresses sustainability, critical global challenges, and new investment opportunities. Accelerating non-oil sectors is the next step in achieving Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy.”
