Finnforel to set up advanced fish farming facility in Abu Dhabi

UAE – Finnforel, a Finnish aquaculture company recognised for its advanced recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), has partnered with Abu Dhabi’s investment and holding company ADQ to explore the establishment of a state-of-the-art trout farming facility in the UAE. 

The proposed facility, envisioned to produce 3,000 tonnes of rainbow trout annually, would be the first of its kind in the region. 

If realised, this project would be housed within KEZAD’s specialised aquaculture zone, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s efforts to enhance domestic food production and reduce reliance on seafood imports.

Approximately 70% of the UAE’s seafood consumption is met through imports, with salmon alone accounting for over 10,000 tonnes annually. This reliance underscores the importance of initiatives like this to bolster local food resilience. 

ADQ, which has heavily invested in food-related ventures such as Silal, Al Dahra Holding, and Agthia Group, views this collaboration as a strategic move toward diversifying the UAE’s food sources. 

The facility is expected to leverage Finnforel’s expertise in RAS technology, enabling year-round cold-water fish production in controlled indoor environments. 

RAS systems use advanced biofiltration to recycle water, significantly reducing resource use while maintaining optimal conditions for aquaculture. 

This technology supports sustainability and ensures high-quality and safe seafood production.

By employing this system, the farm would be equipped to overcome the challenges posed by the UAE’s arid climate, demonstrating the adaptability of modern aquaculture technologies.

Founded in 2015, Finnforel operates two RAS facilities in Finland, which produce 3,000 tonnes of rainbow trout annually. 

The company’s vertically integrated model spans the entire value chain—from hatcheries to farming, processing, and packaging. 

Finnforel’s zero-emission and zero-waste practices have positioned it as a leader in sustainable aquaculture, a reputation it plans to expand globally. 

This Abu Dhabi venture aligns with the company’s long-term vision to establish a network of sustainable aquaculture facilities worldwide by 2032.

ADQ Deputy Group CEO, Mansour AlMulla, highlighted the collaboration as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to leveraging innovative technologies to meet local food demands. 

He remarked, “With imports catering to the vast majority of protein demand in the UAE, our focus is to work toward closing supply gaps by introducing a new way of cultivating high-quality seafood cherished for its nutritional value.”

Echoing this sentiment, Pekka A. Viljakainen, CEO and co-founder of Finnforel Group, emphasised the global imperative for localised food production. 

“The current global realities heighten our awareness of the critical importance of food security. In the foreseeable future, every nation must ensure the local production of most of their consumed food, including fresh fish. Finnforel’s mission is to build a network of local facilities based on our tried-and-tested vertically integrated concept, pursued sustainably and with environmental responsibility.”

The proposed facility aims to provide a reliable local source of trout and serve as a hub for advanced aquaculture research and development in the region. 

Modelled after Finnforel’s Varkaus facility in Finland, the Abu Dhabi plant would integrate cutting-edge technologies, offering knowledge exchange and capacity-building opportunities in the aquaculture sector. 

This approach aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to position itself as a sustainable food production and technology innovation leader.

ADQ’s track record in food security initiatives further strengthens the project’s feasibility. Its portfolio includes investments in fresh produce, agtech, and essential food commodities, reflecting a holistic approach to building a robust food system. 

Through partnerships like this, ADQ aims to set a precedent for sustainable aquaculture practices in the Middle East, addressing both environmental concerns and economic opportunities.

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