Finnforel and ADQ partner to develop advanced fish farming facility in Abu Dhabi.
Finnforel, a Finnish aquaculture technology company, has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based investment firm ADQ to establish a state-of-the-art land-based fish farming facility in the UAE.
The project, utilizing recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), will produce 3,000 tonnes of rainbow trout annually, marking a significant step in bolstering the UAE’s food security and reducing reliance on seafood imports.
The facility will be located within KEZAD’s aquaculture zone near Abu Dhabi, leveraging dedicated infrastructure to cultivate rainbow trout year-round under controlled indoor conditions.
The RAS technology ensures efficient water reuse, zero wastewater discharge, and high biosecurity standards. Construction is expected to commence in the second quarter of 2025, with operations starting by 2027, following the completion of feasibility studies.
Strategic Collaboration for Food Security
Mansour AlMulla, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer at ADQ, highlighted the initiative’s importance in enhancing local food production capabilities. “Our collaboration with Finnforel exemplifies our commitment to harnessing advanced technology to address supply gaps and promote sustainable seafood production,” said AlMulla.
Pekka A. Viljakainen, CEO and co-founder of Finnforel, emphasized the project’s alignment with global food security goals. “Ensuring local production of fresh fish is becoming a necessity. This partnership allows us to bring our proven, vertically integrated model to a region with increasing demand for sustainable aquaculture solutions,” he noted.
Growth in Aquaculture
The agreement comes as global aquaculture surpasses capture fisheries in production, driven by rising seafood consumption. The UAE currently imports approximately 70% of its seafood, including 10,000 tonnes of salmon annually, underscoring the need for local solutions.
Finnforel, established in 2015, operates two RAS facilities in Finland with a combined output of 3,000 tonnes per year. The Abu Dhabi facility will be the first commercial-scale implementation of its concept outside Finland, positioning the company as a leader in sustainable aquaculture innovation.
ADQ, founded in 2018, manages a diverse portfolio across sectors including food and agriculture, energy, and healthcare, aiming to transform Abu Dhabi into a globally competitive economy.
