Al Rawabi to set up $177m dairy production facility in KIZAD
Under the agreement, Al Rawabi will initially develop two square kilometers in KIZAD with an additional three square kilometers set aside for the future. The dairy farm, with an investment of AED650m ($177m) will be home to 10,000 Al Rawabi cows and increase the company’s export efforts across the region.
Abdullah Al Hameli, head of EC&FZ, said, "Al Rawabi’s confidence in KIZAD is a testament to AD Ports Group’s commitment to driving the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy through the supply of high-quality dairy and food products, while also contributing to the growth of the nation’s industrial sector.
"In addition to supporting the advancement of local farms and creating job opportunities in the local farming sector, our agreement presents a positive boost for regional consumers by offering easier access to fresh produce."
Prof. Dr Ahmed El Tigani, CEO, Al Rawabi, said, "Al Rawabi’s investment in KIZAD’s food ecosystem will enable us to service a broader scope of consumers both in the UAE and the wider region. The strategic location, access to food-related services, and readiness of land area in KIZAD will help Al Rawabi grow its operations long-term, increasing business reach and potential export across markets.
"Today, Al Rawabi can look forward to growing market share in the UAE, GCC, and Africa by leveraging the strategic location in KIZAD that offers a fully integrated trade and logistics platform to facilitate export across the emirates and the region. We expect to produce 23m liters in the first operational year out of KIZAD, and to move approximately 1,000 containers of goods annually."
Al Rawabi’s dairy production facility in KIZAD will include milk parlors, a dairy plant, a mechanic and maintenance workshop, a feed factory, staff accommodation, and a biogas plant, along with fertilizer manufacturing amenities to support the wider agriculture ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, 10 megawatts of clean power will be generated by equipping a large portion of site assets with solar panels, reducing the operational costs and CO2 emissions at the site.
