Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – Kizad Group and Astha Biotech Company, which operates in investment and development, today concluded a Musataha agreement to develop a new facility in Kizad Al Ain.
Under the agreement signed on the sidelines of the Make in the UAE 2024 Forum, the first Emirati company specializing in the production of microalgae with high-value uses in the health, cosmetics, food and agriculture sectors will be launched, with an initial investment of 44 million dirhams (12 million US dollars) from Estha. Biotech.
The Astha Biotech facility, to be developed on an area of 38,000 square meters, will capture up to 1,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, by using carbon generated by local industries to grow microalgae. For this purpose, the company will employ and train a team of 30 highly skilled employees to work in the microalgae laboratory and production unit.
- Sustainable practices
Mohammed Al Khader Al Ahmad, CEO of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – Kizad Group, said: “We are working together to develop a modern infrastructure that encourages companies to improve their sustainable practices, and accelerate transition efforts towards a green and sustainable economy. Kizad leads efforts towards accelerating the pace of sustainable development in line with the vision and directives of the wise leadership, and we have a firm commitment to continuous improvement and development, with the aim of creating a better future for future generations.”
While Zuhair Bensaïd, CEO of Astha Biotech, said: “This project represents a step towards achieving our common goals by finding innovative solutions to overcome the challenges of organic food production and expanding the application of natural carbon removal solutions.”
Astha Biotech will initially focus on producing specific strains of microalgae, namely “Spirulina”, “Hemanococcus pluvialis” and “Chlorella”, in sustainable ways using closed culture processes and photobioreactors, and will initially direct its production to the nutritional supplements market.
Astha Biotech will rely on carbon dioxide emissions from local industries as a source of carbon needed for the growth of microalgae in its agricultural facilities. The new facility aims to capture up to 1,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which exceeds the ability of forests or cornfields to sequester carbon.