Abu Dhabi aquaculture is set to expand through a proposed large-scale seafood production project. QITAF Holding and Japan’s Global Academy Limited signed an agreement for the development. The project could eventually produce about 30,000 metric tonnes of seafood each year. Meanwhile, the initiative aims to strengthen local food production and reduce import dependence.
QITAF Holding, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development, will support the project. Global Academy will contribute Japanese aquaculture expertise and advanced production technologies. Both companies will assess the project’s technical and commercial requirements before full development. Therefore, final production plans will depend on feasibility studies and regulatory approvals.
The proposed facility will use land-based Recirculating Aquaculture Systems. These systems treat and reuse water within controlled farming environments. As a result, the technology can support efficient seafood production with controlled water conditions. Production will also increase gradually as the project advances through different stages.
The initial production phase will focus on several commercially important seafood species. These species include grouper, hamour, cobia, sea bass, snapper, flounder, and halibut. Shrimp will also form part of the planned production portfolio. This approach could help meet demand for several popular seafood products.
The project could eventually include facilities beyond fish farming. Planned components may include hatcheries and seafood processing operations. The development could also feature rapid-freezing units and cold storage facilities. Furthermore, fish-feed production and distribution networks could support the wider supply chain.
Japanese technology will form an important part of the proposed development. The partnership aims to introduce artificial intelligence and Internet of Things monitoring systems. Automated water controls could also improve production management and efficiency. In addition, advanced feeding systems could support more precise aquaculture operations.
The partnership also aims to develop local expertise within Abu Dhabi’s aquaculture sector. Training could cover farm operations, biosecurity, water management, and research. Seafood processing skills will also form part of the planned knowledge development. Consequently, the project could create a stronger local talent base for the industry.
Global Academy will coordinate with Japanese technology providers and government institutions. It will also engage development organisations and potential international investors. Meanwhile, QITAF Holding will coordinate project requirements with relevant Abu Dhabi authorities. This cooperation will cover land, licensing, utilities, and infrastructure needs.
The latest agreement builds on previous cooperation involving Global Academy and Abu Dhabi’s food safety authority. The organisations previously signed an agreement during Global Food Week 2025. That agreement focused on research, innovation, training, and knowledge exchange. The new partnership now moves the proposed project toward phased commercial development.
QITAF Holding will also examine possible investment and financing opportunities. However, funding decisions will depend on feasibility assessments and future agreements. The companies must also complete required regulatory processes before construction begins. Therefore, the project remains subject to several development milestones.
Abu Dhabi aquaculture could contribute to the UAE’s broader food security strategy. Local seafood production could reduce reliance on imported products over time. It could also strengthen supply chains by creating additional domestic production capacity. Moreover, modern farming systems could support more consistent seafood output.
The proposed project could create opportunities beyond domestic consumption. Local producers may eventually supply seafood to regional and international markets. Processing and cold-storage facilities could further support those export ambitions. In turn, the development could create new commercial opportunities across the seafood sector.
The project also reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing interest in technology-driven food production. Advanced systems can help producers manage water, feeding, and environmental conditions. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence could provide additional tools for monitoring production performance. These technologies could improve efficiency as the facility expands.
Abu Dhabi aquaculture therefore has the potential to become an important part of local food production. The planned facility would combine Japanese expertise with Abu Dhabi investment and infrastructure. Its targeted capacity could make it a major seafood production development. However, the final scale will depend on technical studies and approvals.
