Swiss alt-protein producer NUOS has announced a strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Growth Fund to establish the ‘world’s most advanced’ facility for producing alternative protein at scale.

Together the companies expect to create a category-leading innovation, production and commercialisation ecosystem serving global markets from Abu Dhabi.

NUOS will establish a headquarters in Abu Dhabi, to leverage the area’s strategic location and resources to further its growth in Europe, North America and the Middle East North African market. NUOS MENA will be a central innovation, production and commercialisation hub to facilitate and manage its major projects.

Under the partnership, NUOS expects to become a major independent contract development and manufacturing organisation for alternative proteins, able to overcome current limitations by delivering scale, quality and price-parity with conventional meat products – unlocking mass demand at price points and product quality that the consumer expects.

The company will also collaborate with Abu Dhabi-based R&D institutes in areas related to innovative and sustainable food technologies. It plans to form partnerships with Abu Dhabi-based universities to build talent capabilities related to sustainable food technologies.

Badr Al-Olama, director general at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said: “The development of a world-leading alternative protein production facility in Abu Dhabi marks a significant step forward for both the UAE and the wider region. Once operational, the facility will add scale, diversity and accessibility to our growing food ecosystem, bringing with it real-world benefits that will be immediately felt by consumers. Importantly, this development sends a strong vote of confidence about Abu Dhabi’s intent to be an influential global player in sustainable food solutions, where the Emirate is openly embracing a future for food characterised by innovations that deliver impact.”

Bjoern Witte, chairman of NUOS, added: “NUOS was created to accelerate the transition to a sustainable food system. Foundational to achieving this goal is creating a giga factory for alternative protein that can meet the global consumer demands for high quality meat alternative products at competitive prices. For the launch of our first giga facility, we have been looking for the right partner who shares the vision, mission and has the ecosystem to drive a global transition.”

Witte continued: “Among all of the nations’ proposals NUOS received, it was clear from the outset that Abu Dhabi would be the natural partner. Through a combination of their vision, commitment, local infrastructure and long-term partnership appetite we felt that we could accelerate this transition to a sustainable food system together, and create the gold standard for the food industry globally.”

Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Abu Dhabi Investment Office, AGWA is expected to become a global hub for novel food and ingredients, as well as the technologies that increase access to and enable the efficient utilisation of water resources.

This cluster is designed to support local suppliers and exporters, serving as a platform to maximise commercial opportunities. The cluster aims to meet increasing global demand, alleviate pressures on agricultural systems, address shifting dietary patterns, capitalise on technological advancements and support global food security, ensuring a reliable and resilient supply chain.

This is the latest in a number of investments in the cell-ag space in Abu Dhabi. In June, Israeli cultured meat firm Believer Meats announced it was partnering with AGWA to boost cultivated meat capabilities in Abu Dhabi, and, in March, Novel Foods Group unveiled plans to build a new $500 million biotech production hub in the United Arab Emirates.

By 2045, AGWA is expected to contribute AED 90 billion (approx. $24.5 billion) in incremental GDP to Abu Dhabi’s economy, creating 60,000+ new jobs and attracting AED 128 billion (approx. $34.85 billion) in investments.

Top image: ©NUOS

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