Aquaculture

Abu Dhabi economic zone operator to put up aquaculture hub

Baird Maritime

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), an operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones, recently unveiled plans to develop a specialised zone for aquaculture and related industries.

The 1.1-square-kilometre zone is the result of growing demand within the industry for dedicated infrastructure and connectivity to serve the domestic and international markets from Abu Dhabi. The KEZAD Group is a key partner in Abu Dhabi’s AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) Cluster, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office.

Currently, the UAE consumes approximately 220,000 tonnes of seafood annually, with 70 per cent of this demand being met through imports. KEZAD’s new aquaculture zone is designed to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen domestic production.

The AD Ports Group, KEZAD's parent company, said that by developing a hub for aquaculture and related industries, KEZAD is not only enhancing the UAE’s food supply chain but also establishing the country as a regional leader in sustainable seafood production.