ADQ and Aqua Development launch pilot shrimp farming in KEZAD

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

ADQ (Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company) has partnered with Aqua Development, a South Korean aquaculture start-up, to explore the possibility of land-based shrimp farming in the UAE. This collaboration aims to test the feasibility of producing shrimp locally by using Aqua Development’s innovative agricultural systems and patented solutions. The goal is to cultivate shrimp efficiently and in large quantities, adapting to the UAE's climate while ensuring sustainability.

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A pilot facility covering half a hectare will be built within the aquaculture zone at KEZAD (Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi). This zone offers specialized infrastructure and utilities to support aquaculture projects. The pilot facility will be co-funded by ADQ’s Growth Lab, and both parties aim to evaluate the possibility of growing shrimp onshore in controlled environments. The system will replicate the shrimp’s natural habitat by combining aquatic biology with advanced farming technology.

Unlike traditional shrimp farming, which tends to be labor-intensive and yields lower production, this modern system uses advanced filtration techniques to recycle water, improving efficiency and boosting shrimp production. Aqua Development’s modular, nature-based solution is expected to reduce costs and deliver up to ten times the productivity of traditional and modern shrimp farming systems. If the pilot is successful, production will be significantly scaled up, marking a major milestone in local shrimp farming in the UAE.

Currently, 70% of seafood consumed in the UAE is imported. Shrimp is one of the most widely consumed seafoods in the country, with 18,700 metric tonnes of shrimp consumed in 2023. The demand for shrimp is forecasted to increase by 4.2% annually, reaching nearly 23,000 metric tonnes by 2029. However, local shrimp production accounts for only 1.6% of the total annual demand, leaving the country highly dependent on imported shrimp.

Aqua Development was founded in 2017 and focuses on sustainable and high-quality seafood production. The company operates a facility in South Korea, producing between 60 and 80 tons of shrimp annually. Aqua Development also plans to establish a new facility in Saudi Arabia to expand its operations in the region.

Mansour AlMulla, Deputy Group CEO at ADQ, stated that this partnership highlights ADQ’s commitment to improving food security and self-sufficiency in the UAE. He emphasized that the collaboration could help develop a sustainable, scalable model for shrimp production in the UAE. By using advanced technologies and cutting-edge agricultural systems, the partnership aims to meet the growing demand for shrimp while reducing the need for imports.

Doohyun Lee, CEO of Aqua Development, expressed excitement about the partnership, saying that Aqua Development is eager to help replace a significant portion of seafood imports with locally produced shrimp. Lee also acknowledged that adapting the technology to the UAE's climate presents an exciting challenge, and Aqua Development is grateful for ADQ’s trust in their capabilities.

This partnership represents a step forward in the UAE’s efforts to increase local food production and reduce reliance on seafood imports. By leveraging advanced aquaculture technologies and focusing on sustainability, ADQ and Aqua Development hope to meet the growing demand for shrimp while contributing to the UAE’s food security and self-sufficiency goals.