QITAF Holding and Japan’s Global Academy Limited have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a large land-based aquaculture project in Abu Dhabi that could eventually produce about 30,000 metric tonnes of seafood each year.
The proposed facility would be developed subject to feasibility studies and regulatory approvals. Production would be expanded in stages, with the 30,000-tonne annual capacity targeted once full-scale operations are reached.
QITAF Holding is a wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development. Under the agreement, it will help advance the project in Abu Dhabi by coordinating with relevant authorities and assessing requirements related to land, licences, utilities and infrastructure.
Land-based systems and seafood species
The partners are considering modular Recirculating Aquaculture Systems for the facility. These systems treat and reuse water in controlled fish-farming settings.
Early production is expected to focus on commercially important species, including grouper, known locally as hamour, cobia, sea bass, snapper, flounder, halibut and shrimp.
The project could also extend beyond fish farming to include hatcheries, seafood-processing facilities, rapid-freezing units, cold storage, fish-feed production and distribution networks.
Japanese technology and local expertise
A central element of the cooperation is the planned transfer of Japanese aquaculture technology and expertise to Abu Dhabi. The proposed operation is expected to use artificial intelligence, Internet of Things monitoring, automated water-quality controls and advanced feeding systems.
The partnership also aims to build specialised local capabilities in aquaculture operations, biosecurity, water management, research and seafood processing.
Global Academy will lead engagement with Japanese technology providers, government institutions and development organisations, as well as potential international investors.
Food security and phased development
The initiative is intended to support the UAE’s food-security objectives by increasing domestic seafood output and reducing dependence on imports. QITAF will also examine possible investment and financing options, subject to feasibility assessments and final agreements.
The agreement follows a previous memorandum of understanding between Global Academy and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, signed during Global Food Week 2025. That earlier cooperation covered aquaculture research, development, innovation, training and knowledge exchange.
The new agreement moves the proposed venture towards technical assessment and phased commercial development. If developed, it could provide locally farmed seafood for regional and international markets and support Abu Dhabi’s stated ambition to become a hub for sustainable aquaculture and seafood production.
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