The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced a strategic partnership with Wusoom Holding, a next-generation investment firm, through a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at developing large-scale protein fermentation projects in the emirate. This collaboration marks a significant step in Abu Dhabi’s strategy to diversify its economy and enhance global food security by investing in cutting-edge sustainable technologies.
A Cornerstone of The AGWA Cluster
This initiative is a foundational element of Abu Dhabi’s recently launched AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster. The AGWA cluster is designed to establish the Emirate as a global leader in food and water innovation. The ambitious goals for AGWA by 2045 include contributing AED 90 billion in incremental GDP to Abu Dhabi’s economy, creating over 60,000 new jobs, and attracting AED 128 billion in investments. The partnership with Wusoom will leverage advanced biotechnology and fermentation science to create high-quality alternative protein products, directly aligning with AGWA’s mission.
Fostering A Global Food Tech Hub
Leaders from both organizations highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration in positioning Abu Dhabi as a center for novel food solutions. Fatima Al Dhaheri, Head of AGWA at ADIO, stated, “Our collaboration with Wusoom reflects ADIO’s commitment to anchoring transformative investments within the AGWA cluster… Protein fermentation represents a breakthrough in food production that is poised to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for novel food innovation, creating high-value jobs and establishing new pathways for economic growth in the novel food ecosystem.”
Echoing this sentiment, Alessandro Cataldo, Agrifood Vertical CEO at Wusoom Holding, commented, “Abu Dhabi and the AGWA cluster represent the ideal environment to invest and scale a global protein fermentation platform. Our partnership with ADIO combines access to capital, strategic government support and a commitment to support building a world-class ecosystem that will accelerate our mission to create transformative novel food solutions.”
Economic Impact and Global Reach
The partnership is expected to yield substantial economic benefits for Abu Dhabi, including significant foreign direct investment inflows and the creation of high-value jobs across research, development, and production. By fostering an advanced manufacturing sector for alternative proteins, the initiative will enhance the emirate’s GDP. The collaboration also includes plans for global distribution, exploring commercial partnerships across countries within the UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA) network, as well as key markets in China, the GCC, Africa, and Europe.
About Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is the government vehicle responsible for accelerating Abu Dhabi’s growth and enabling the emirate’s economic transformation. Through comprehensive support services, ADIO enables both local and foreign investors to shape industries of the future set to transform liveability, technology, resources, and value-added services. With a robust network of investors, strong collaboration with key stakeholders, and a global presence, ADIO is committed to empowering those who invest with Abu Dhabi to make a lasting global impact.
About Wusoom Holding
Wusoom is a next-generation investment holding company that takes an active approach to build, operate and scale transformative businesses from Abu Dhabi. Through its portfolio, innovative companies and strategic partners will be introduced to Abu Dhabi’s growth ecosystem, creating networking effects and enabling additional high-value investments to the emirate.
Source: Zawya
