Abu Dhabi Advances Alternative Protein Ecosystem with Regulatory Framework and Strategic Partnerships
The AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance cluster has convened industry leaders, government officials and innovators to accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation food technologies, unveiling new guidelines for novel food evaluation and strengthening local supply chains through strategic partnerships.
The AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office has assembled a distinguished gathering of government leaders, global and regional food companies, investors, regulators and innovators at PALT 2026 to advance Abu Dhabi’s alternative protein and novel food ecosystem. The conference addressed the critical conditions necessary to transition next-generation food technologies from the innovation phase to commercial scale production.
Held at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, the programme examined pressing commercial considerations including the economics of fermentation processes, the significance of feedstock availability, energy requirements, infrastructure development and production scale. Discussions encompassed evolving market dynamics for alternative proteins and novel foods, the funding mechanisms bridging pilots and industrial production, and the instrumental roles of regulation, halal frameworks and consumer confidence in facilitating broader adoption.
Regulatory Framework and Industry Guidance
As part of Abu Dhabi’s commitment to establishing an enabling environment for novel food innovation, the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and with support from AGWA, unveiled comprehensive guidelines for the safe conduct of tasting and sensory evaluation of novel foods prior to full UAE market authorisation. The framework encompasses alternative proteins, cultivated foods, precision fermentation and biomass fermentation products, whilst enabling industry perspectives to shape the evolving regulatory landscape.
Strengthening Local Supply Chains
PALT 2026 marked significant progress in Abu Dhabi’s planned protein fermentation ecosystem, with Al Ghurair Foods joining the Starfish consortium as a strategic feedstock partner. The company will provide locally produced dextrose, a critical fermentation input, strengthening the local supply chain supporting the planned facility as it advances through the engineering phase.
This development reflects ADIO’s broader endeavours through AGWA to establish a comprehensive end-to-end ecosystem for future food industries. Through AGWA, ADIO coordinates the regulatory, investment and industrial capabilities essential to support the growth of alternative proteins, novel foods and next-generation food production in Abu Dhabi. The initiative builds upon established partnerships with Vivici, The EVERY Company and New Agrarian to advance industrial-scale alternative protein production using fermentation technology, alongside ongoing efforts to strengthen the infrastructure, supply chains and commercial pathways required for sector growth.
Economic Impact and Long-Term Vision
By 2045, AGWA is projected to contribute AED 90 billion to Abu Dhabi’s incremental GDP, create more than 60,000 jobs and attract AED 128 billion in investment, supporting economic diversification and the emirate’s long-term food resilience. The cluster connects investment, research, technology, regulation and industry to accelerate the development and commercialisation of food and water solutions.
Conference participants included representatives from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, ADQCC, ADAFSA, Nestlé, Arla Foods, Al Ain Farms Group, Vivici, Al Ghurair Foods, UPSIDE Foods, Perfect Day, and numerous other organisations across the global food and alternative protein ecosystem.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office