© Omega Farm
Dr Ahmed Gharieb, manager of Omega Farm, outlines plans to produce 1,500 tonnes of sea bream annually, alongside local species including grouper, rabbitfish, subaity and red snapper.
Can you briefly describe your aquaculture career?
I’m an ichthyo-pathologist holding MSc in fish diseases and management with 25 years aquaculture experience in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council).
What was the main motivation behind establishing Omega Farms in Fujairah?
Unlike the rest of the UAE, which is located on the Arabian Gulf, the Emirate of Fujairah is situated on the Indian Ocean. Compared to the Arabian Gulf, the waters of the Indian Ocean are deeper, providing a more suitable environment for techniques like cage culture.
Can you provide a detailed overview of the farm, including the production systems, species, production capacity and key technologies?
Omega Farms began production in October 2022, with offshore, R&D and inland phases.
The offshore section consists of sea cages, with the capacity to produce 530 metric tonnes of sea bream annually, with market sizes ranging from 400 to 600 grams.
There are currently 14 circular sea cages, each with a water capacity of 4,500 m3, a diameter of 25 metres and a depth of 10 m, with a production capacity of 40 to 45 tonnes per cage.
In addition, the growth of a small number of Arabic safi (rabbitfish) alongside the sea bream is being tested in the same cages as part of a polyculture system for biological control of parasitic infestation, eliminating the need for medication. The rabbitfish is a herbivorous species that feeds on algae found on the cage nets. This not only helps reduce the risk of disease but also serves as an effective way to clean the nets (antifouling action). This polyculture approach is being tested with varying numbers and densities inside the cages, and we’re aiming for the rabbitfish to reach a market size ranging from 250 to 300 grams as value added product.
Meanwhile the R&D unit specialises in the research and development of both local and exotic fish species (E. Seabass). Notably, grouper are being tested for production in square cages, alongside other species such as rabbitfish, red snapper and sobaity
There are also plans to establish an independent hatchery, nursery for the development of the culture of native species.
© Omega Farm
Who are the key players in the team and how do they contribute to the project?
The farm operates under Crown Farms LLC (Al-Fujairah/UAE), with full logistical and technical support from the Government of Fujairah (FEA, FRC and FG).
How does it compare to other aquaculture projects in the UAE and the wider Middle East?
Omega Farms stands out due to its focus on sustainable practices and by its commitment to research and development. Its use of polyculture systems, along with the farming of both local and exotic fish species highlights its unique approach.
What have been the major milestones so far?
Reaching approximately 90 percent of the targeted production volume of 530 metric tonnes for sea bream during the first year of production. Furthermore, we have successfully carried out experiments to cultivate local species, such as grouper.
What are the key challenges that still need to be addressed?
One of the main challenges of cage culture is that we must face the unpredictable forces of nature. These include rough sea conditions (wind, waves, seawater current, etc.) in addition to effects of climate change as fluctuations in water temperature. Such environmental factors can have an impact on the health and growth of fish. While some species thrive in these conditions, others struggle to adapt.
© Omega Farm
Where will you source key inputs such as feed and fingerlings?
The fry are sourced from a government-operated hatchery that produces millions of fry annually, while the feed is supplied by Arasco Feed.
Where do you plan to sell your produce?
Production is currently directed towards the local market to meet domestic demand, as the consumption of sea bream in the UAE is high and largely reliant on imports. However, consumers prefer local sea bream over imported due to its fresh availability within just 24 hours. As a result, local sea bream commands a higher price compared to imported ones. Rabbitfish (safi) and grouper (hamour) are also popular locally.
What are your future plans for developing the project?
We are preparing to double our sea bream production to 1,500 metric tonnes, expand our onshore facility and increase the production of local marine species.
The expanded facility will feature a dedicated inland fish breeding section, along with a nursery section that will support the offshore facility.
