The UAE is set to develop cultivated meat capabilities through a collaboration between AGWA (AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance), Abu Dhabi’s new food and water cluster, and Believer Meats, a global leader in the cultivated meat industry. Cultivated meat is produced in a lab directly from animal cells, eliminating the need to raise live animals for food. With a growing focus on environmental protection and changing dietary habits, this collaboration aims to establish a reliable model for lab-grown meat to enter and expand in the region and other markets.
AGWA will work with Believer Meats to establish regulatory pathways and halal certification standards for cultivated meat products in Abu Dhabi. The partnership seeks to lead advancements in areas like alternative proteins, functional ingredients, algae farming, and reverse osmosis membranes while enhancing traditional food and water production and supply. Believer Meats is focused on developing the world’s most efficient and scalable cell-cultivation production technology to create safe, healthy, and delicious cultivated meat products. The company is currently building the largest cultivated meat production facility in the world in North Carolina, USA, set to be operational by the end of 2024.
This collaboration could enable an increased presence for Believer Meats in the MENA region, with plans to establish regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi to support commercial operations for product manufacturing and research and development. This initiative may bring job opportunities and industry-leading capabilities to the region. Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), highlighted the importance of attracting innovators in food and water to Abu Dhabi, with the partnership with Believer Meats exemplifying this objective.
Gustavo Burger, CEO of Believer Meats, expressed excitement about partnering with AGWA and the opportunity to expand their operations to new strategic markets. This collaboration aligns with their vision of creating a sustainable and resilient global food system. AGWA, led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADIO, aims to support local suppliers and exporters, maximizing commercial opportunities. By 2045, AGWA is expected to contribute Dh90 billion in incremental GDP to Abu Dhabi’s economy, create over 60,000 new jobs, and attract Dh128 billion in investments.
