Abu dhabi: AD Ports Group today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BUA Group, a prominent African conglomerate in foods, mining, manufacturing, and industrial sectors, and MAIR Group, a strategic investment entity in the UAE focusing on grocery retail and commercial real estate. The agreement aims to explore the development of integrated sugar refineries and edible oil facilities in Abu Dhabi and other international markets.
According to Emirates News Agency, the collaboration seeks to establish a leading food manufacturing and processing ecosystem, aspiring to create the region's largest agri-food hub that caters to both regional and global markets. This initiative aligns with the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051, contributing to economic diversification, promoting industrial growth, and enhancing the UAE's status as a global center for agri-food trade and distribution.
The MoU outlines potential projects at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, as well as in Africa and Latin America. It aims to utilize Khalifa Port's advanced infrastructure and multimodal connectivity to bolster AD Ports Group's expanding global presence in the agro-industrial sector. The group is currently involved in developing agri-bulk handling and storage infrastructure with partners in Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
The agreement also includes exploring opportunities in grains, pulses, animal feed, agricultural commodities, and associated maritime, logistics, port, and distribution solutions. The partnership combines AD Ports Group's trade and logistics capabilities with BUA Group's agro-industrial expertise and MAIR Group's focus on the food sector to strengthen food supply chains and enhance trade ties between Africa and the UAE.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, emphasized the MoU's alignment with the UAE National Food Security 2051, aiming to expand strategic agro-processing value chains and drive industrial value creation. Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, highlighted the partnership as a significant step in BUA's international expansion and its commitment to building globally competitive industrial platforms.
Nehayan Hamad Alameri, Managing Director and Group CEO of MAIR Group, noted that the collaboration leverages complementary strengths in investment, industrial development, and logistics, supporting the integration of agro-industrial and food industries. The initiative aims to contribute to a more integrated and resilient food ecosystem enhancing national and regional food security.