Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced a new partnership with several key organizations, including 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. This collaboration aims to advance the trade of high-quality perishable goods from Al Ain and across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership encompasses every segment of Abu Dhabi’s agri-trade chain, integrating policy, infrastructure, production, and innovation to enhance the emirate’s role in global agri-trade and improve the competitiveness of local producers. The entities involved will work collaboratively to optimize logistics efficiency, streamline trade processes, and expedite the delivery of perishable goods to international markets. By leveraging Abu Dhabi’s advanced infrastructure, clear regulations, and strategic location, the partnership seeks to provide reliable and cost-effective market access.
ADIO will spearhead the initiative to unlock new trade pathways, while Abu Dhabi Airports, ADAFSA, and Abu Dhabi Customs will ensure the swift, efficient, and secure movement of perishable goods through the emirate’s logistics gateways. On the production front, companies such as Silal, Pure Harvest Smart Farms, ESG Agro, and Elite Agro, along with other producers, will contribute scale, technology, and regional expertise to deliver high-quality, climate-resilient produce that can compete on the global stage.
The initiative also considers the potential for aggregating volumes from a diverse mix of large and small local producers to support efficient shipping and broaden market access. This landmark agreement fosters a connected ecosystem, transforming Abu Dhabi’s agricultural capacity into a reliable trade capability.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, emphasized the focus on building a competitive economy and deepening strategic partnerships across the emirate’s economic ecosystem. He highlighted the integrated environment being created, which spans regulation, logistics, and production, making it seamless for agricultural producers to export their products, thereby strengthening the emirate’s role within global supply chains.
Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA, stated that the initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision to enhance food security and advance the agricultural sector by supporting local producers and providing integrated solutions for transport, storage, and export in accordance with the highest international standards.
Dhafer Al Qasimi, Group CEO of Silal, remarked on the partnership’s commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for sustainable agri-trade. Silal’s diverse portfolio, encompassing high-quality agricultural products and advanced agri-tech solutions, is instrumental in enabling competitive and efficient export of locally produced goods to international markets.
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, noted the importance of facilitating smooth and secure trade to enhance the competitiveness of local producers in international markets. Similarly, Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, highlighted the central role of the airport’s cold-chain and cargo infrastructure in advancing the emirate’s agri-trade ambitions.
By focusing operations in Al Ain, with its advanced air cargo and logistics infrastructure, the partnership aims to optimize cold-chains in challenging climates, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in global markets. This initiative underscores ADIO’s commitment to sustainable growth and supports the objectives of the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster, which aims to drive economic transformation by leveraging advanced technology to address food security and water scarcity.