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Abu Dhabi state investor ADQ is planning to launch an agricultural technology (AgTech) park in Al Ain.
The holding company has entered into partnerships with three controlled-environment agriculture specialists to develop and operate greenhouse facilities within the park, it said in a statement on Tuesday.
ADQ, which has built up a portfolio of food and agriculture businesses both domestically and globally, said that the new AgTech Park project in Al Ain Industrial City (AAIC)--under Abu Dhabi Ports’ Industrial Cities & Free Zone Cluster--will also help position the UAE as the region’s leading fresh produce farming hub.
This strategic location will increase efficiency in processing, storage, and distribution of perishable goods and food supplies for the region, it added.
Once operational, ADQ expects the 200-hectare AgTech Park to have an annual fresh fruits and vegetables production capacity of 39 kilotonnes. Progressive tech-enabled infrastructure will support large-scale, controlled-environment farming and R&D initiatives, enabling farmers and innovators to cultivate high-quality, fresh produce.
The fund’s plans are in line with UAE's strategic goals of ensuring reliable access to food as well as economic diversification. A year ago, ADQ launched Silal to diversify food sources, increase locally grown food and support local farmers through commercial offtakes and technology enhancement.
Mansour AlMulla, Group Chief Investment Officer, commented: “ADQ is actively investing in developing the UAE’s agriculture sector into a leading regional food hub, fortifying the resilience of its food system. Efficient AgTech solutions for fresh produce can help the UAE achieve higher production levels and lower water usage, unlocking the economic and environmental benefits of having shorter supply chains.”
(Writing by Brinda Darasha; editing by Seban Scaria)
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