Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development (ADID) has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, QITAF Holding, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Reagenics Research Ltd. to explore advanced saffron production and plant biotechnology opportunities in Abu Dhabi.
The agreement was signed on October 8, 2026, during Global Food Week 2026 in Abu Dhabi.
The partnership aims to introduce and evaluate advanced plant-cell cultivation technology in the UAE, with saffron identified as the first priority for potential commercial production.
Reagenics’ proprietary biotechnology platform enables the cultivation of valuable plant-derived materials in controlled environments, potentially allowing year-round production without the seasonal and geographical limitations associated with conventional agriculture.
Under the agreement, QITAF Holding and Reagenics will explore establishing saffron-related production capabilities in Abu Dhabi, targeting applications across the food, wellness and specialty industries.
The collaboration will also examine opportunities for technology localisation, research and development, commercial applications and potential expansion into other high-value plant-derived products.
Shamsa Sulaiman AlFahim, Chief Executive Officer of QITAF Holding, said the partnership represents another step in ADID’s diversification into high-value industries and advanced agricultural technologies.
Eran Lagon, Chief Executive Officer of Reagenics, highlighted the potential to combine the company’s biotechnology expertise with QITAF’s development capabilities to explore commercially viable production opportunities in the UAE and potentially serve international markets.
The initiative forms part of ADID’s broader strategy to expand its investment portfolio into agriculture, food security, agricultural technology, biotechnology and the bioeconomy.
ADID clarified that the MoU establishes an initial framework for cooperation. Any investment commitments, commercial production arrangements or implementation plans remain subject to further technical and commercial assessments and, where applicable, definitive agreements.
Source: Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development (ADID)
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, or legal advice.
