Abu dhabi: Abu Dhabi Food Hub, AD Ports Group's integrated food trade and logistics hub, has signed an agreement with Axione Development for the development of advanced cold chain infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. Under the agreement, Axione Development will develop a dedicated cold chain facility on a 37,000 sqm plot under a 50-year land lease agreement to support the broader ecosystem of traders and businesses that will operate within Abu Dhabi Food Hub's integrated marketplace.
According to Emirates News Agency, the facility is designed as enabling infrastructure for the wider market, intended to strengthen critical cold chain capabilities that serve wholesale trade, distribution, and value-added food supply activities. Abdulla Al Hameli, Chief Executive Officer of Economic Cities and Free Zones at AD Ports Group, emphasized that food security remains a national priority for the UAE and a key pillar of sustainable economic development. He noted that partnerships like the agreement with Axione Development support the UAE's long-term goals through investment in infrastructure, diversified trade corridors, and public-private sector cooperation.
Al Hameli stated, "Within this wider vision, Abu Dhabi Food Hub represents how national priorities can be translated into practical market infrastructure that supports the efficient movement, storage, and trade of food products. We are pleased to see the project continue to progress through partnerships such as this, reinforcing its role in becoming a central food trade gateway for the UAE and the wider region."
The agreement demonstrates ongoing progress in the development of Abu Dhabi Food Hub's next-generation wholesale market ecosystem. This ecosystem integrates wholesale trade, logistics, warehousing, distribution, and digital enablement within a single platform designed to enhance the efficiency and resilience of regional food supply chains. The development of advanced cold chain infrastructure forms a crucial component in supporting the UAE's long-term food security ambitions through modern, future-ready trade and supply chain infrastructure.
The agreement also indicates expanding customer and investor interest in Abu Dhabi Food Hub as construction advances, with the project moving toward operational readiness by Q4 2026. Jens Michel, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Food Hub, highlighted that the objective is to build an ecosystem where traders and supply chain partners can operate with greater efficiency, reliability, and access to modern infrastructure. He remarked that the agreement with Axione Development marks an important client milestone for Abu Dhabi Food Hub and reinforces the market demand for purpose-built facilities that support the evolving needs of regional and global food trade.
Mikhail Zarkhi, Managing Partner of Axione Development, said that the agreement marked an important milestone and reflected growing demand for specialized infrastructure supporting regional and global food trade. "Through this project, we aim to support food trade with efficient and reliable infrastructure capabilities that enable business growth, strengthen supply continuity, and contribute to a more resilient food ecosystem," he added.
Daniel Ilizarov, another Managing Partner of Axione Development, commented that the project represents a strategic step in expanding institutional-grade infrastructure within the UAE. He observed that Abu Dhabi Food Hub is a unique platform combining trade, logistics, and regulatory efficiency, creating a compelling environment for long-term capital deployment. Ilizarov added that their objective is to deliver scalable, high-performance assets that align with global standards and support the continued growth of regional food supply chains.
Strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi Food Hub is set to become a central gateway for food trade, connecting global supply with regional demand through modern infrastructure, efficient logistics, and a collaborative business environment.