AGWA Abu Dhabi and Believer Meats, a leading player in the cultivated meat industry, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing cultivated meat capabilities in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration includes plans for Believer Meats to establish a significant presence in Abu Dhabi, leveraging the emirate’s strategic location and resources to enhance its operations across the Middle East & North African (MENA) region.
Believer Meats intends to set up a regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi to support various functions including commercial operations, product manufacturing, and research and development. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to AGWA’s efforts in addressing global food security and water scarcity challenges.
AGWA, focused on harnessing technological advancements, aims to lead the sector by driving innovations in alternative proteins, functional ingredients, algae farming, and reverse osmosis membranes. The collaboration with Believer Meats underscores AGWA’s commitment to strengthening traditional food and water production methods while integrating cutting-edge technologies.
Believer Meats, known for its pioneering work in cultivated meat production, is currently building the world’s largest facility in North Carolina, USA, slated for completion by the end of 2024. This facility will feature an innovation center and tasting kitchen, facilitating further advancements in the industry.
The partnership with AGWA aligns with Believer Meats’ global expansion strategy, offering a platform to showcase scalable and sustainable food production models in new markets. The collaboration also includes plans to establish the Believer Meats Innovation Academy in Abu Dhabi, focusing on sustainable food technologies and talent development in collaboration with local universities and research centers.
Additionally, AGWA and Believer Meats will collaborate on establishing regulatory frameworks and halal certification standards for cultivated meat products in Abu Dhabi, further supporting market penetration and consumer acceptance.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, emphasized the strategic importance of attracting innovative companies like Believer Meats to Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a hub for food and water innovation.
Gustavo Burger, CEO of Believer Meats, highlighted the partnership’s significance in advancing their mission to create a resilient global food system through sustainable practices and innovative solutions.
AGWA, spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and ADIO, aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global center for novel food technologies and water management solutions. The initiative is projected to make substantial economic contributions, create thousands of jobs, and attract significant investments by 2045.
