Abu Dhabi Investment partners with Al Ain Mills and EIH to bolster UAE's food security
Al Ain Mills has partnered with Ethmar International Holding and Abu Dhabi Investment Office to build a new food processing facility in Abu Dhabi. The project aims to boost the UAE's food security capabilities and position Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for sustainable food production.
The facility will expand Al Ain Mills' operations in Abu Dhabi and directly increase the country's national food production capacity. This comes as part of the UAE's broader food security strategy, which has become increasingly important given global supply chain disruptions and the country's heavy reliance on food imports.
Ethmar International Holding is leading the initiative. The Abu Dhabi-based investment company manages a diverse portfolio across multiple sectors and focuses on strategic investments that support the UAE's sustainable economic growth.
The partnership reflects the UAE's push to become more self-sufficient in food production. The country currently imports about 80% of its food, making food security a national priority. Recent global events have highlighted the risks of depending heavily on international supply chains for essential goods.
For investors, this represents the UAE's commitment to diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas. The government has been actively supporting projects that build domestic capabilities in critical sectors like food production, technology, and renewable energy.
The facility is designed to serve not just the UAE but the broader Middle East and North Africa region. This positions Abu Dhabi to capture value from regional food processing and distribution, potentially creating new revenue streams and job opportunities.
The project also aligns with Abu Dhabi's long-term economic vision, which emphasizes sustainability and innovation. As climate change and population growth put pressure on global food systems, countries that invest early in food technology and production infrastructure may gain significant competitive advantages.
Layla Al Mansoori