Key Takeaways
- The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has formed a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Abu Dhabi Customs, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Silal, Pure Harvest Smart Farms, ESG Agro, and Elite Agro Holding.
- The collaboration aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position in global agri-trade by improving logistics, simplifying trade processes, and ensuring the efficient export of high-quality, climate-resilient produce.
- The initiative unites policy, infrastructure, production, and innovation to create an integrated ecosystem that supports local producers and enhances international market access.
- ADIO will lead efforts to unlock new trade pathways, while government and private-sector partners coordinate infrastructure, regulation, and production capabilities.
- The partnership aligns with the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster, an ADIO-led platform advancing food security and economic diversification in the UAE.
Building a Unified Agri-Trade Ecosystem With Abu Dhabi Investment Office
The new partnership, announced by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), brings together public and private entities across the agriculture and logistics value chain to boost Abu Dhabi’s role in global food exports.
The collaboration connects government agencies, producers, and logistics operators to streamline the movement of perishable goods, reduce export barriers, and strengthen the competitiveness of Abu Dhabi-grown produce in international markets.
“Together with our partners, we are creating a fully integrated environment, from regulation and logistics to production, that makes it easier for agricultural producers to export their products seamlessly,” said Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO.
Supporting Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
The initiative will enable the aggregation of produce from both large and small-scale local growers to improve shipping efficiency and reduce costs. By leveraging Abu Dhabi’s advanced infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, the partnership seeks to ensure food safety, maintain product quality, and reinforce global confidence in the emirate’s exports.
“Ensuring food safety and quality is fundamental to building global confidence in Abu Dhabi’s exports,” said Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA. “This initiative supports local producers while advancing a sustainable agricultural economy.”
Industry Collaboration and Technology Integration
Private-sector partners—including Silal, Pure Harvest Smart Farms, ESG Agro, and Elite Agro Holding—will contribute their expertise in high-tech agriculture, supply chain efficiency, and climate-smart production.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for sustainable agri-trade,” said Dhafer Al Qasimi, Group CEO of Silal. “Through collaboration and innovation, we continue to advance the UAE’s food security and economic diversification goals.”
Abu Dhabi Customs and Abu Dhabi Airports will play key roles in facilitating smooth, secure, and rapid processing of agricultural exports through improved cold-chain logistics and cargo infrastructure.
“By enhancing our cold-chain and cargo infrastructure, we are enabling faster, more efficient movement of perishable goods to key destinations worldwide,” said Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports.
Al Ain as a Strategic Logistics Hub
With operations centered in Al Ain, home to advanced air cargo facilities and logistics networks, the initiative will serve as a testbed for optimizing cold-chain operations in challenging climates. Proven models developed here will support global best practices for reliable and energy-efficient transport of perishable goods.
This initiative supports ADIO’s mandate to promote sustainable growth and aligns with the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster, which leverages advanced technologies to enhance food security, manage water resources, and position Abu Dhabi as a global center for sustainable agri-trade.
