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ADQ and Finnforel study feasibility of developing a state-of-the-art fish farm in United Arab Emirates

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The Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company ADQ has signed an agreement with Finnforel, the leading aquaculture technology company headquartered in Finland, under which it will explore the feasibility of a land-based fish farming facility with a capacity of 3,000 tons per year in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The potential facility will be strategically located within Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi’s (KEZAD) dedicated zone for aquaculture and related industries, featuring dedicated infrastructure, utilities and connectivity.

Under the terms of the agreement, it is expected that ADQ and Finnforel will collaborate with the aim to cultivate rainbow trout -considered a cold-water fish species and popular alternative to salmon- in the UAE by utilizing recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS).

“Our collaboration with Finnforel exemplifies our commitment to harnessing state-of-the-art technology to facilitate the expansion of local food production capabilities. With imports currently catering to the vast majority of the demand for protein in the UAE, our focus is to work towards closing supply gaps by introducing a new way of cultivating high-quality seafood that is cherished for its nutritional value,” said Mansour AlMulla, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer at ADQ.

Inaugural large-scale implementation RAS

Upon satisfactory conclusion of the feasibility stage, the development of the fish farming facility would mark the inaugural large-scale implementation of recirculating aquaculture systems in the UAE, representing a significant milestone for the food and agriculture sector. The facility will be modeled after Finnforel’s unique indoor aquaculture concept.

It is good to know that approximately 70% of the total seafood consumed in the UAE is currently imported, with the total volume of salmon imports alone amounting to 10,000 tons per year. Collaboration with Finnforel complements ADQ’s existing initiatives aimed at exploring solutions to bolster the UAE’s food resilience

High degree of vertical integration

Founded in 2015, Finnforel is an innovative aquaculture technology company that currently operates two recirculating aquaculture systems facilities in Finland with a total production volume of 3,000 tons per year. Through a high degree of vertical integration from hatchery to farming and packaging, Finnforel achieves significant efficiency and scale, and is seeking to multiply its capacity through global expansion by 2032.

Pekka Viljakainen, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Finnforel Group, said: “The current global realities are heightening our awareness of the critical importance of food security. In the foreseeable future, it will become imperative for every nation to ensure the local production of most of their consumed food, including fresh fish. Finnforel’s mission is to build a network of local facilities based on our tried-and-tested vertically integrated concept; an endeavor which must be pursued sustainably and with environmental responsibility. It is a tremendous honor for Finnforel to embark on this exciting journey of prospective growth with ADQ.”

Enable and enhance local production

With investments across the entire food value chain, ADQ is contributing to bolstering the UAE’s food resilience. According to them, through its portfolio companies, ADQ is working to strengthen the nation’s sustainable agricultural footprint by adopting cutting edge technologies to enable and enhance local production as well as distribution of essential foods domestically and globally.

Established in 2018, ADQ is an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company with a broad portfolio of major enterprises. Its investments span key sectors of the UAE’s diversified economy including energy and utilities, food and agriculture, healthcare and life sciences, and transport and logistics, amongst others. As a strategic partner to the Government of Abu Dhabi, ADQ is committed to accelerating the transformation of the Emirate into a globally competitive and knowledge-based economy.

Innovative agritech company

Headquartered in Finland, Finnforel is an innovative agritech company at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture. The company has pioneered a comprehensive concept which encompasses the entire value chain—from advanced selective breeding programs to its feed, farming, processing, packaging and branding of its fish products.

Collaborating closely with both local and global partners, Finnforel is dedicated to revolutionizing the fish farming industry. According to them, the company’s ambitious goal is to shift towards a model that achieves zero emissions, eliminates waste, and maximizes the circularity of essential resources such as water, energy, and nutrients. This approach underscores Finnforel’s commitment to sustainable, antibiotic- and microplastic-free fish and its leadership in eco-friendly aquaculture practices.

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