Is Abu Dhabi poised to become global leader in alternative protein production?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking a bold step towards becoming a global leader in sustainable food solutions. Abu Dhabi's newly launched AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster has secured a game-changing partnership with NUOS, a Swiss company renowned for its cutting-edge alternative protein innovation and production. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi's journey to establish itself as a hub for the future of food.

NUOS is more than just another player in the alternative protein market. The company boasts the world's most advanced facility for producing alternative protein at scale. This 'giga-factory' approach promises to revolutionize the industry by overcoming two major hurdles: scale and affordability. Traditionally, alternative protein production has been limited by its inability to compete with conventional meat on these fronts. NUOS, however, aims to change that.

By establishing an innovation center and food manufacturing facilities in Abu Dhabi, NUOS will leverage the Emirate's strategic location and resources to expand its reach across key markets. This partnership not only benefits NUOS but also positions Abu Dhabi at the forefront of the alternative protein revolution.  With the global food and water market estimated to reach a staggering AED77.4 trillion by 2045, Abu Dhabi is poised to capture a significant share of this rapidly growing sector.

The partnership between AGWA and NUOS is particularly significant in the context of the pressing global climate crisis. The food industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for a staggering 34% globally. This unsustainable reality necessitates a radical transformation. Disrupting our reliance on animal agriculture is crucial to achieving net-zero targets and ensuring a healthy planet for future generations.

NUOS's giga-factory approach directly addresses this challenge. By enabling large-scale production of high-quality, competitively priced alternative protein products, NUOS paves the way for mass adoption. This shift towards sustainable food options has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more environmentally friendly food system.

The collaboration extends beyond simply establishing production facilities. NUOS plans to actively engage with Abu Dhabi's research and development institutes. This collaboration will focus on developing innovative and sustainable food technologies, furthering the advancement of the alternative protein sector. Additionally, partnerships with local universities aim to cultivate a skilled workforce equipped to address the future food challenges. This focus on knowledge sharing and talent development ensures a future-proof food ecosystem within Abu Dhabi.

The AGWA cluster, spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), plays a pivotal role in facilitating this transformation. AGWA is meticulously designed to be a global hub for novel food and water solutions. It provides a platform for local and international players to collaborate, fostering innovation and maximizing commercial opportunities. Importantly, AGWA focuses not only on food production but also on efficient water resource utilization, another critical aspect of global food security.

Abu Dhabi's partnership with NUOS is not built in a vacuum. The Emirate boasts a strong foundation in food production, with over 24,000 farms, half of which are located in the fertile Al Ain region. This rich agricultural heritage, combined with AGWA's commitment to innovation, positions Abu Dhabi as a leader in shaping the future of food. The collaboration with NUOS takes advantage of these existing strengths while propelling the Emirate towards a more sustainable food future.

The partnership between AGWA and NUOS represents a significant leap forward for Abu Dhabi's ambitions in the realm of sustainable food solutions. This collaboration not only positions NUOS for global expansion but also establishes Abu Dhabi as a key player in the alternative protein revolution. With a focus on overcoming production limitations, fostering innovation, and building local expertise, this partnership has the potential to create a more sustainable and secure food system for the future. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and food security, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a beacon of hope, demonstrating a clear commitment to a more sustainable future for all.

“The development of a world-leading alternative protein production facility in Abu Dhabi marks a significant step forward for both the UAE and the wider region," commented Badr Al-Olama, Director-General at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). "Once operational, the facility will add scale, diversity and accessibility to our growing food ecosystem, bringing with it real-world benefits that will be immediately felt by consumers. Importantly, this development sends a strong vote of confidence about Abu Dhabi’s intent to be an influential global player in sustainable food solutions, where the Emirate is openly embracing a future for food characterized by innovations that deliver impact.”

“NUOS AG was created to accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system," added Bjoern Witte, Chairman of NUOS. "Foundational to achieving this goal is creating a giga factory for alternative protein that can meet the global consumer demands for high-quality meat alternative products at competitive prices. For the launch of our first giga facility, we have been looking for the right partner who shares the vision and mission, and has the ecosystem to drive a global transition. Amongst all of the nations’ proposals NUOS received, it was clear from the outset that Abu Dhabi would be the natural partner. Through a combination of their vision, commitment, local infrastructure and long-term partnership appetite we felt that we could accelerate this transition to a sustainable food system together, and create the gold standard for the food industry globally.”