Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AD Ports Group, and Al Ghurair Foods have signed 50-year land lease agreements for three mega food processing projects involving investments of over $272 million (AED 1 billion).
Al Ghurair Foods is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality food and is part of Al Ghurair Investment, one of the largest diversified family business groups in the UAE.
The agreement will mark the first phase of Al Ghurair Foods division’s investments in KEZAD. The first two projects are set to establish the region’s first of its kind Starch Processing Plant, in addition to one of the top Broiler producers in the UAE, in terms of capacity, implementing the highest standards of food safety in line with International Biosecurity standards, in a boost for local and regional food security.
According to the statement, “The third project, details of which are set to be announced later this year, will see the division’s involvement in the debut of Abu Dhabi Food Hub – KEZAD, which will form an all-new supply market for the UAE.”
Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed CEO – KEZAD Group
“We are excited to include Al Ghurair Foods to our expanding portfolio of clients in KEZAD’s Food Ecosystem. Al Ghurair Foods’ establishment of its first-of-a-kind plants in Abu Dhabi speaks volumes of KEZAD’s leading position as a regional and global trade hub. The company’s presence will significantly strengthen the food supply chain and guarantee domestic supply as well as exports from one of the region’s fastest growing trade and industrial ecosystem.”
The projects are set to drive the UAE’s food production capabilities and enhance the Emirates’ position as a regional hub driven by innovation and technology.
Mr. John Iossifidis, Group CEO of Al Ghurair Investment, said that, “Through this agreement, we are proud to continue the pioneering legacy of Al Ghurair, establishing future-focused projects that support the national food security agenda with a partner whose vision of a connected world, aligns with our own.”
“As we reimagine the future, we do so with an innate understanding of the evolving needs of our customers, locally and beyond. We look forward to working with KEZAD to deliver high-quality food products across a future-focused supply chain platform, strengthening the nation’s role as a regional food hub,” Mr. Iossifidis added.
The investments also mark Al Ghurair Investment’s growing footprint across the nation beyond its existing investments across the Northern Emirates and Dubai, a key milestone for the group. Beyond their economic benefit, the plants are also set to support the nation’s sustainability agenda by introducing a range of sustainable practices.
