Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development (ADID) has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, QITAF Holding, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s Global Academy Limited to develop a large-scale aquaculture and seafood production project in Abu Dhabi.
The proposed project targets an annual production capacity of approximately 30,000 metric tonnes upon reaching full-scale operations, with the aim of increasing local seafood production, strengthening food security and reducing reliance on imports.
The development will use advanced land-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), with production capacity expected to increase gradually through multiple phases, subject to feasibility studies, technical assessments and regulatory approvals.
Initial production is expected to focus on commercially important seafood species, including grouper (hamour), cobia, sea bass, snapper, flounder, halibut and shrimp.
Beyond seafood farming, the project could include hatcheries, seafood processing facilities, rapid freezing and cold storage infrastructure, fish feed production, logistics and distribution operations.
A key component of the partnership involves transferring advanced Japanese aquaculture technologies to Abu Dhabi. The proposed systems will incorporate automated water-quality monitoring, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things technologies and integrated production management.
Under the agreement, Global Academy will coordinate Japanese technology partnerships and support technology transfer, while QITAF Holding will assess land requirements, licensing, infrastructure and potential investment and financing opportunities.
The collaboration builds on Global Academy’s previous work with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, including an agreement signed during Global Food Week 2025 covering research, innovation, training and aquaculture development.
ADID said the project is intended to support Abu Dhabi’s long-term food security objectives and strengthen the emirate’s position as a regional centre for sustainable seafood production.
The project remains at the development and assessment stage, with commercial implementation subject to the necessary studies, approvals and final agreements.
Source: ADID
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, or legal advice.
