The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has finalised new additions to the Musataha agreement. The additions give private sector investors opportunities to deliver long-term projects in the emirate, including the development of land owned by government agencies.
According to statement from ADIO, the new form of Musataha agreement maximises benefits for the private and public sectors, including implementing a competitive pricing model with flexible and attractive terms for companies looking to grow in the emirate. Musataha agreements can be applied to land use in any economic sector, the statement noted.
ADIO is said to be working with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) on a $27.2m pipeline of investments in the food production and processing space. The move is said to be in line with its focus on expanding Abu Dhabi’s advanced agriculture sector.
“Unlocking the full potential of Abu Dhabi’s public land is an important step towards unleashing the full power of our economy. Long-term investment decisions that stretch decades into the future require certainty and clarity from the outset. ADIO is working with partners across the government to maximise the benefits of Musataha agreements and ensure they continue to play an important role in facilitating strategic investments into the economy,” said Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development chairman Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa.
Each project will utilise sophisticated farming methods and can quickly move to commercial production, significantly expanding the supply of local produce, the ADIO explained.
Al Shorafa added, “The newly structured Musataha agreement will enable stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors, and aim to encourage investors to commit with confidence to long-term business opportunities and expand existing operations in Abu Dhabi.”
ADIO director general Dr Tariq Bin Hendi explained, “We are here to ensure that Musataha agreements deliver value for investors while providing reasonable benefits to land owners. We have taken steps to add flexibility and efficiency to the form of Musataha agreement to be entered into between a private sector participant and government, to increase investor confidence. By unlocking the potential of our land, Abu Dhabi is providing investors and companies with increased opportunities to bring bold projects to life. We already have a strong pipeline of projects in place and are keen to grow this further.”
The statement said that the ADIO is working with partners across government to review an extensive pipeline of projects that will support long-term investment into Abu Dhabi. The sectors include food production and processing, leisure and tourism, community services, industry and technology and energy.