The Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai in co-operation with the UAE Ministry of Food Security, has introduced 14 new business activities in the field of agricultural production as well as aquaculture.
These new business activities could mean new investment opportunities to potential Middle East-based salmon farmers. They include sea-based aquaculture, land-based aquaculture, operations of aquaculture hatcheries, aquaculture post-harvest services and local aquaculture products trading.
The move is part of DED’s strategy to enable business owners to engage in activities that respond to market needs while successfully competing and growing in the local market, reports The Department of Economic Development (DED) in a press release on Zawya.
The UAE relies heavily on imports to secure its food products. But salmon in the UAE and Dubai is fast increasing in its popularity.
The joint initiative also reflects the Government’s keenness in developing key sectors in the UAE and enhancing the country’s global standing as a pioneer in line with the directives of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the national strategy to develop a comprehensive framework to enable food production and ensure quality food for future generations.
DED Director General Sami Al Qamzi said: “The introduction of the new activities comes within the framework of enhancing coordination and integration of government work at both the federal and local levels, realising the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021, activating initiatives that facilitate business related to agricultural production, and achieving sustainable development.”
“It will improve local agricultural production, encourage the consumption of fresh local produce and particularly meet the growing demand for fish locally,” he added.
In February, SalmonBusiness reported in the father-son duo tapping into the huge growth potential for salmon in Dubai, using land-based expertise from the Danish company Gråkjær to make a USD 90 million 5,000-tonne grow-out hatchery.
“Food security is a big topic here, especially around aquaculture. The Ministry is putting a lot of resources in over the next 10 years,” said Vikings Label CEO Lukas Havn at the time.
