Abu Dhabi Investment Office partners with The EVERY Company and Vivici to build regional hub for protein fermentation

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced a strategic partnership with The EVERY Company and Vivici to accelerate the development of a large-scale protein fermentation ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates. The collaboration will explore the design and commercialization of a 4-million-litre industrial facility dedicated to alternative protein production, positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional leader in biotechnology and sustainable food systems.

Protein fermentation uses microorganisms to produce high-value proteins and other functional ingredients, offering a scalable, sustainable alternative to animal-based production. With the global market for fermented proteins projected to grow from US$3.03 billion in 2024 to US$54.04 billion by 2032, the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to future food innovation and resilience.

The partnership marks a key milestone for Abu Dhabi’s AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster, which focuses on food security and water conservation through advanced technologies and international collaboration. The proposed facility will meet the highest standards of food safety and Halal certification and operate as a multi-tenant site, enabling participation from additional fermentation-based companies.

In parallel, the partners will support the creation of a regulatory framework for fermented proteins across the UAE and the wider region, while exploring export opportunities through the country’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) to reach high-growth markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

“Abu Dhabi is building a resilient food ecosystem rooted in science and sustainability,” said Fatima Al Dhaheri, Head of AGWA at ADIO. “By partnering with global leaders in fermented proteins, we are catalyzing an entirely new industry for the region – one that delivers high-quality nutrition, attracts investment, and creates skilled jobs. This collaboration is a clear signal of our commitment to technologies that generate long-term economic value.”

Arturo Elizondo, CEO of The EVERY Company, said the UAE’s investment in alternative proteins will accelerate food system transformation. “EVERY exists to make egg proteins a staple for every food company in the world – without the risks of avian flu, supply shortages, or salmonella,” he said. “The UAE and wider region stand to benefit tremendously from protein independence, and we’re excited to help build this ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. The city combines supportive regulation, global market access, and a strong innovation culture.”

Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici, said the partnership represents a key step toward commercializing precision fermentation at scale. “Vivici was founded to make the promise of precision fermentation a commercial reality and meet the world’s growing need for nutritious and sustainable proteins,” he said. “Abu Dhabi offers a unique combination of capital, talent, and infrastructure that enables rapid growth while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.”

Beyond the facility itself, the collaboration will engage with local universities, research institutions, and training providers to support talent development in biotechnology and food science. This will help build a skilled national workforce and foster international knowledge exchange.

Vivici and The EVERY Company each bring proven expertise in scaling protein fermentation. Vivici achieved self-affirmed GRAS status and launched its first nature-identical whey protein within its first year of operation, while The EVERY Company holds a foundational US patent for its precision-fermented ovalbumin protein, delivering egg-equivalent functionality for food and beverage applications.

ADIO said the initiative demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to shaping industries that address global challenges through innovation. By investing in advanced food technologies, the emirate aims to strengthen regional food resilience and provide a model for sustainable economic growth across the Middle East and beyond.