Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The recently launched AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster is poised to present significant opportunities for economic expansion with substantial contributions to Abu Dhabi’s GDP, according to officials.
Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, noted that AGWA is integral to realising key strategies like the National Food Security Strategy and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036.
“AGWA stands poised to capitalise on these ecosystems, presenting significant opportunities for economic expansion by attracting experts, industries, and also talent in this space,” she said.
Her remarks were made during an AGWA event on Saturday, marking the announcement of a number of important partnerships across federal government departments and key international players.
His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), also noted that AGWA presents immense opportunities for economic growth and job creation by tapping into a global industry worth Dh 77 trillion.
“By 2045, AGWA is expected to infuse Abu Dhabi’s GDP with an additional Dh90 billion, with exports reaching Dh52 billion, poised to attract investments of Dh128 billion and generate more than 60,000 new dynamic jobs. The cluster will employ advanced technologies focusing on essential sectors such as food ingredients and water treatments,” he said.
Al Zaabi stressed that these efforts play a pivotal role in driving the economic diversification of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, ensuring resilience and sustainability.
Honouring the Legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father The AGWA cluster, which is committed to pioneering advancements in food and water solutions, aims to continue the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, according to the officials. “The vision for AGWA is deeply rooted in the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, whose vision and commitment to sustainable development have long inspired our actions,” Al Zaabi said.
“His foresight and commitment to positive impact projects - such as establishing the first network of greenhouses in 1969 to ensure sustainable food production - have charted the course for our nation’s growth and continue to inspire our ambitious endeavours. AGWA, in essence, is a modern tribute to his vision, propelling sustainable development in line with the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036”.
Meeting Global Needs AGWA is positioned as to play a key role in the future of food and water security in the UAE and beyond, said Al Zaabi.
“This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi’s forward-thinking ethos and our proactive approach to the pressing needs of food and water security on a global scale”.
By 2050, studies predict the world to experience a 50% rise in food demand and a 42% increase in freshwater demand, with a rising number of global populations affected by water scarcity, according to Al Zaabi.
The AGWA cluster will capitalise on Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, its world-class business ecosystem, and advanced infrastructure to drive a new era in agri-food production, setting new benchmarks for sustainable and innovative solutions in food and water, he said.
Alternative Proteins Almheiri highlighted alternative proteins as a key strategic focus area of the AGEA cluster, adding that AGWA aims to establish a conducive ecosystem to position the UAE as a global leader in the alternative proteins sector.
Developing an alternative protein industry in the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi, is strategically aligned with national goals, including sustainable development, food security, and environmental stewardship, she said, noting that this step promises a myriad of economic and health benefits.
Alternative proteins contribute to food security by diversifying protein sources and reducing water use, thereby supporting water security objectives. They also produce much less greenhouse gas emissions, which is in line with the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, she explained.
