The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has partnered with Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Abu Dhabi Customs, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Silal, Pure Harvest Smart Farms, ESG Agro, and Elite Agro Holding to enhance the trade of high-quality perishable goods. The initiative focuses on Al Ain and other regions across Abu Dhabi, uniting every stage of the agri-trade chain from policy and infrastructure to production and innovation. By working together, the entities aim to improve logistics efficiency, simplify trade processes, and ensure timely delivery of produce to global markets.
ADIO will spearhead the effort to unlock new trade pathways, while Abu Dhabi Airports, ADAFSA, and Customs will secure fast and efficient movement of goods through world-class logistics hubs. Producers including Silal, Pure Harvest Smart Farms, ESG Agro, and Elite Agro will provide the scale, technology, and expertise required to deliver climate-resilient, high-quality produce that can compete internationally.
Enhancing Efficiency and Market Access
The partnership also explores aggregating volumes from both large and small local producers to support efficient shipping and broaden market access. Together, the consortium creates a connected ecosystem that transforms Abu Dhabi’s agricultural potential into a reliable trade capability.
Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said, “Abu Dhabi is working to build a more competitive economy and deepen strategic partnerships across its economic ecosystem. Together with our partners, we are creating a fully integrated environment, from regulation and logistics to production, that makes it easier and more efficient for agricultural producers to export their products seamlessly and efficiently, supporting access to international markets and strengthening the emirate’s role within global supply chains.”
Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA, added, “This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision to strengthen food security and advance the agricultural sector by supporting local producers and providing integrated solutions for transport, storage and export in line with the highest international standards. Ensuring food safety and quality is fundamental to building global confidence in Abu Dhabi’s exports.”
Driving Innovation and Sustainable Growth
Dhafer Al Qasimi, Group CEO of Silal, stated, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for sustainable agri-trade. By bringing together Silal’s diverse portfolio, which spans high-quality agricultural products, value-added services, and advanced agri-tech solutions, we enable the export of locally produced goods to international markets competitively and efficiently.”
Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs, said, “Facilitating smooth and secure trade is core to Abu Dhabi Customs’ mission. Through this collaboration, we are streamlining processes to ensure agricultural trades move seamlessly through our gateways, supporting the competitiveness of local producers in international markets.”
Elena Sorlini, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, added, “As the gateway to global markets, Abu Dhabi Airports is proud to play a central role in advancing the emirate’s agri-trade ambitions. By enhancing our cold-chain and cargo infrastructure, we are enabling faster, more efficient movement of perishable goods to key destinations around the world.”
By centring operations in Al Ain, the partnership optimises cold-chain logistics in challenging climates. Technologies and processes proven here will demonstrate resilience in global markets, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s credibility as a source of high-quality, trade-ready produce. The initiative supports ADIO’s mandate for sustainable growth and aligns with the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster to accelerate economic transformation through advanced technology.
