Abu Dhabi Launches Massive Qitaf City to Boost UAE Food Security and AgriTech

In an era where many simply order groceries through delivery apps, the disconnect between humans and farms has never felt more pronounced. However, this may be about to change as the future of farming takes shape in Abu Dhabi.

An agricultural community known as Qitaf City—twice the size of Monaco—is being developed in Abu Dhabi to help boost the country's efforts to tackle food security. Spanning four million square metres, the upcoming project will include villas, town houses, and Emirati housing integrated with farms and AgriTech projects.

Shamsa Alfahim, chief executive of Abu Dhabi National Investment and Development (ADID) and managing director of Qitaf Holding, spoke to The National about the ambitious plans during Global Food Week. She expressed hope that the community will attract individuals interested in taking up farming while incorporating the latest technologies.

“We're hopefully trying to target different university students or people who are interested in agriculture, and be able to give them this farm for their own use and giving them to the market,” she said.

In a rapidly modernising country that has put AI at the forefront, the project aims to bring Emiratis back to their roots and allow them to contribute to the growing food ecosystem. The first initiative in the agricultural city will focus on growing potatoes using solar panels as part of the laboratory process.

Months of supply chain instability, highlighted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, underscored the critical importance of food security for the UAE, which imports a majority of its food. Qitaf City, located in an area known as Al Haffar about 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi city, Al Ain, and Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), is designed to be a strategic hub for resilience and self-sufficiency.

The location also offers major logistical advantages, with Etihad Rail's track running alongside the area to facilitate future freight transport. Qitaf Holding was recently established as the agricultural arm of ADID to create a sustainable environment for food security, with the agricultural city project slated to launch in February.

Beyond farming, the broader master plan includes a sports city, a medical city, and extensive housing for the local community. Qitaf Holding is also partnering with AG Groups on international projects, including a green corridor launched with Tanzania and planned initiatives with Madagascar.