Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi is fast emerging as a global testbed for sustainable food technologies, drawing startups, research institutions, and investors into an ecosystem designed to tackle the twin challenges of food security and climate resilience.
Central to this transformation is Masdar City's Agri-Tech Cluster, part of the AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA) initiative led by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
According to Karim Deen, Senior Manager of Business Development at Masdar City, the cluster brings together startups, scientists, and global corporations to advance technologies tailored for desert agriculture and regional food systems.
Within this growing food-tech ecosystem, companies are piloting precision-controlled farming systems, water-efficient hydroponics, and data-driven crop analytics to boost yields while conserving resources, Deen told Aletihad.
At the same time, new collaborations are taking shape in alternative proteins - spanning cellular agriculture, microalgae cultivation, and fermentation-derived ingredients - to build a sustainable, locally produced food supply tailored to the region's climate and needs.
"What makes Masdar City unique is that these technologies are tested, validated, and commercialised in a live urban environment under real UAE climatic conditions," Deen added.
"This approach directly supports the UAE's food-security goals and is fully aligned with the UAE's Falcon Economy vision, which prioritises sustainable growth, innovation, and economic diversification, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for emerging food technologies."
Masdar City's infrastructure is central to turning research into investable products.
It offers shared R&D laboratories, controlled-environment growing spaces, and access to The Catalyst, the region's first clean-tech accelerator jointly operated with BP, according to Deen.
Startups also benefit from a business-friendly free zone structure - including 100% foreign ownership and tax exemptions - as well as partnerships with ADIO, the Department of Economic Development (ADDED), and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council.
"Clear intellectual property frameworks and legal guidance ensure that ideas are protected while enabling collaboration," Deen added.
"This combination of a diverse innovation community, advanced infrastructure, strong incentives, and strategic partnerships enables food-tech companies to validate their solutions locally, scale production, and attract investment, turning pilot projects into commercial market-ready products."
Role of Academic Institutions
Abu Dhabi's academic institutions are playing an equally pivotal role in turning scientific discovery into market-ready food solutions.
At Khalifa University, the Food Security and Technology Center and its commercialisation arm, the Khalifa University Enterprise Company (KUEC), are bridging the gap between research and industry.
"These initiatives are a dream come true for anyone working in food research," said Dr. Shabir Hassan, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at Khalifa University, during a panel at Global Food Week 2025 on Wednesday.
He explained that Khalifa University brings together researchers from across disciplines to prototype new food technologies. Its Enterprise Company plays a key role in guiding those discoveries from the lab toward commercialization, helping scientists refine their ideas, attract investors, and avoid the early pitfalls that often hinder innovation.
Olga Bezukladova, Head of Regional Innovation at Givaudan Suisse, said partnerships between universities and companies are essential for speeding up breakthroughs.
She explained that building specialised expertise within private companies can take years, whereas universities are often able to develop it more quickly.
With the right funding and research partnerships in place, Bezukladova added, industry and academia can work together to accelerate the development and commercialization of technologies such as alternative proteins and ingredient reformulation.
For international players, Abu Dhabi's appeal lies not only in its infrastructure and incentives but also in its long-term vision.
Jeremiah Hux, Chief Financial Officer at UPSIDE Foods, believes that the emirate's leadership has created a uniquely stable and forward-thinking environment for food innovation.
"Abu Dhabi's blessed with leaders that have long-term vision," he said, during the Global Food Week 2025 on Tuesday.
