Asmak unveils two projects for Abu Dhabi's Western Region at SIAL Middle East 2012

The company is also showcasing its wide range of premium quality frozen seafood products at the leading industry event that opened on 26 November and will run until 28 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).

Following the official opening of SIAL Middle East 2012, His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), visited the Asmak stand. He was briefed on the new projects and Asmak's portfolio of products that comply with local and international hygiene and safety standards.

The first project, Land Based Recirculation Aquaculture System (RAS) Farm, will cover an area of 500,000 sq. meters. Construction work on the first phase will be completed between 18-24 months. With a total capacity of 4,000 MT per annum, the farm will be built in two phases with equal production capability. The farm will include a hatchery with production capacity of 30 million juveniles per annum. Species that will be farmed at the facility include hammour, sea bream, barramundi and subaiti. Asmak will additionally develop a Small Fish Farmer Cluster within its independent farm. Comprising 50 farms, the cluster will annually produce 100MT of sea bream and hammour, and endangered species.

The second project, Offshore Sea Cages Farm, will be developed on Dalma Island, covering an area of 250,000 sq. meters. Construction work will be completed within 2-4 months. As a key feature, the farm will host a processing plant with a production capacity of 800-1,000 MT per annum.

His Excellency Hamad Al Shamsi, Chairman of Asmak, said: "We are extremely thrilled to announce the launch of the Land Based Recirculation Aquaculture System Farm and the Offshore Sea Cages Farm at the Dalma Island. Located in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, the two fully integrated fish farms are aimed at supporting the government's efforts to improve food security while reducing the impact on the environment and endangered species.

"SIAL Middle East is a key platform that positions Abu Dhabi as a regional business hub for the industry and an enabling window to the MENA region. We are confident that showcasing our offerings at the exhibition will help strengthen Asmak's visibility at the local and regional level."

Mamoon Othman, Group CEO, Asmak, said: "We have witnessed SIAL Middle East rapidly grow into a key trade exhibition for the food and beverage industry. Asmak is proud to launch its latest projects at the international event. We are leveraging the event to reiterate our commitment in offering customized products that match the requirements of our valued clients."

SIAL Middle East features three co-located exhibitions that draw over 1,000 food exhibitors from 52 countries. The three-day event includes an action-packed conference program focusing on Private Label opportunity, a Food and Beverage Business Forum and Food Retail Forum, featuring high profile panel discussions and a series of interactive workshop sessions.

Asmak is the first company in the UAE to obtain European Union and Food Development Authority approvals for its processing plants. The company is also ISO and HACCP-certified, ensuring the standardization of its processes and compliance with local and international hygiene and safety guidelines.

Asmak has secured prestigious contracts with reputed clientele including top-end retailers, caterers, institutions and wholesalers in the UAE and Middle East region.