His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has sanctioned the launch of the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster in Abu Dhabi. This integrated economic cluster aims to be a global leader in addressing food shortages and water scarcity, spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). AGWA is set to become a central hub for innovative food products and technologies that enhance water resource utilization. It will support local suppliers and exporters, aiming to meet the rising global demand for food, relieve stress on agricultural systems, and promote technological advancements. By doing so, AGWA seeks to bolster global food security and ensure a resilient supply chain.
His Highness Sheikh Khaled emphasized AGWA's crucial role in fortifying national food and water security through the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative solutions. This initiative aligns with the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, focusing on sustainable local production and addressing the increasing regional and international demand for food and water. AGWA will leverage innovations in alternative proteins, algae, and reverse osmosis technologies to enhance traditional food and water production methods. The cluster is projected to significantly impact Abu Dhabi's economy, contributing AED 90 billion in GDP by 2045, creating over 60,000 jobs, and attracting AED 128 billion in investments. This launch marks a continuation of Abu Dhabi's long-standing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification, further solidified by initiatives like the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster launched in 2023.
