ABU DHABI: AGWA (AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance), Abu Dhabi’s innovative food and water cluster, has joined forces with Believer Meats, a global leader in cultivated meat production.

The collaboration aims to develop capabilities in cultivated meat and establish a presence in Abu Dhabi, leveraging the Emirate’s strategic location and resources for growth in the Middle East & North African (MENA) region.

Believer Meats, known for its efficient and scalable cell-cultivation technology, is constructing the world’s largest cultivated meat production facility in North Carolina, USA. Now, it plans to establish a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi to support market expansion, product manufacturing, and research and development.

As part of the collaboration, AGWA and Believer Meats will explore creating a Believer Meats Innovation Academy focused on sustainable food technologies. This initiative will foster talent development in collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based universities and research centers. Additionally, AGWA will work with Believer Meats to establish regulatory pathways and halal certification standards for cultivated meat products in Abu Dhabi.

Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), AGWA aims to become a global hub for novel food, ingredients, and water-efficient technologies. The cluster supports local suppliers and exporters, addressing global demand, agricultural pressures, and shifting dietary patterns. By 2045, AGWA is projected to contribute AED 90 billion to Abu Dhabi’s economy, create over 60,000 jobs, and attract AED 128 billion in investments.

This collaboration represents a significant step toward advancing food security and water sustainability in the region, ensuring a reliable and resilient supply chain for cultivated meat products.

Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), said: “When Abu Dhabi established AGWA, it sought to attract the greatest innovators in food and water. Our partnership with Believer Meats is a firm example of this objective coming to life. A base of operations in Abu Dhabi would enable Believer Meats to bring the very best innovations and products in cultivated meats to the entire region with speed and safety, radically changing the dependency on imported food to the region.”

Gustavo Burger, CEO of Believer Meats, said: “Partnering with AGWA represents a significant step forward in our mission to create a global powerhouse of cultivated meat solutions bringing products to new strategic markets. This collaboration will not only enable us to expand our operations, but also aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a sustainable and more resilient global food system. By leveraging AGWA’s innovative framework and support, we are confident that we can address food security challenges and bring our safe, healthy, and delicious cultivated meat products to the MENA region and beyond.”

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