KEZAD Group, Al Ghurair Foods team up for Dhs1bn food processing projects

Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AD Ports Group and Al Ghurair Foods, a manufacturer and supplier of food and part of Al Ghurair Investment have announced the signing of 50-year land lease agreements for three mega food processing projects involving investments of over Dhs1bn.

The agreement will mark the first phase of Al Ghurair Foods division’s investments in KEZAD. The first two projects are set to establish a Starch Processing Plant, in addition to one of the top Broiler producers in the UAE, in terms of capacity, implementing the highest standards of food safety in line with International Biosecurity standards, in a boost for local and regional food security.

The third project, details of which are set to be announced later this year, will see the division’s involvement in the debut of Abu Dhabi Food Hub – KEZAD, which will form an all-new supply market for the UAE.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO Economic Cities and Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said: “As front runners in the UAE’s efforts in Food Security, we are delighted to welcome Al Ghurair Foods to KEZAD and the Abu Dhabi Food Hub as we continue to build the largest integrated ecosystem for trading of all food commodities in the region. We are confident that this agreement will drive the nation’s food security agenda and further enable KEZAD’s aim of improving domestic food supply and enhancing the nation’s capacity to respond to future challenges.”

“We are excited to include Al Ghurair Foods to our expanding portfolio of clients in KEZAD’s Food Ecosystem. Al Ghurair Foods’ establishment of its first-of-a-kind plants in Abu Dhabi speaks volumes of KEZAD’s leading position as a regional and global trade hub,” added Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, KEZAD Group.

“The company’s presence will significantly strengthen the food supply chain and guarantee domestic supply as well as exports from one of the region’s fastest growing trade and industrial ecosystem.”

John Iossifidis, group CEO, Al Ghurair Investment, stated: “Through this agreement, we are proud to continue the pioneering legacy of Al Ghurair, establishing future-focused projects that support the national food security agenda with a partner whose vision of a connected world, aligns with our own.

As we reimagine the future, we do so with an innate understanding of the evolving needs of our customers, locally and beyond. We look forward to working with KEZAD to delivering high-quality food products across a future-focused supply chain platform, strengthening the nation’s role as a regional food hub.”

Ibrahim Al Ghurair, non-executive board director, Al Ghurair Investment, commented: “As part of the nation’s fabric, Al Ghurair Investment remains committed to fostering meaningful change in pursuit of a sustainable future. To create real impact at scale, we must be bold and committed. Through launching these instrumental projects, our impact will be felt across the Emirates’ and beyond as we continue to redefine the benchmark for family business groups in the region.”

Djamal Djouhri, CEO, Al Ghurair Foods division, commented: “As we accelerate our pursuit of better, we will continue to invest in producing a range of nutritious, healthy and sustainable food products of the highest standard whilst remaining dedicated to supporting the local ecosystem and communities in which we operate.”

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