From 18 to 23 October 2025, Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) and its partners embarked on a successful mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking another important step in advancing collaboration between the Dutch and Gulf horticultural sectors. The program, organized in close cooperation with the Netherlands Agricultural Network GCC, Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance (SAFTA), and ARASCO, focused on innovation in Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) as key element of Saudi Arabia’s food security ambitions under Vision 2030.
A strong start in Riyadh
The mission began at ARASCO Headquarters in Riyadh with an inspiring kick-off event featuring keynote speakers from ARASCO, SAFTA, MEWA, and the NL–LAN GCC team. A lively panel discussion “Why CEA Matters in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” highlighted how CEA technologies can help address the Kingdom’s unique climatic challenges by enabling year-round, resource-efficient food production.
Breakout sessions on water management, greenhouse operations, and knowledge exchange brought together Dutch and Saudi experts eager to build meaningful solutions for local production systems. The day concluded with a warm reception at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, hosted by Agricultural Counsellor Mrs. Simone Landhuis and attended by H.E. Mr. Hans Peter van der Woude, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Saudi Arabia. Forming a perfect setting for strengthening ties and fostering future collaboration.
Showcasing Dutch expertise at Saudi Agriculture 2025
From 20 till 22 October, DGD and its partners took part in Saudi Agriculture 2025, the Kingdom’s leading agrifood exhibition. The Netherlands Pavilion, officially opened by H.E. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and Ambassador Van der Woude, showcased the complete future-proof food system. From sustainable greenhouse systems and advanced water technologies to post-harvest processes, seedling production, financing, marketing, and knowledge transfer.
A highlight of the exhibition was the signing ceremony between Amtar Al Khair Agricultural Crops Company and DGD member KUBO Greenhouse Projects B.V., marking the start of a landmark project in the Jazan region. Spanning over one million square meters, this greenhouse development will integrate cutting-edge Dutch technology to enhance year-round production, efficient resource use, and local job creation.
DGD also co-hosted a panel session on the Dutch contribution to CEA, featuring representatives from Water Alliance, FoodVentures, Delphy International, Rovero Systems, and Genap. The discussion emphasized the importance of sustainable water management, research collaboration, and “right-tech” solutions tailored to local needs.
Collaboration through knowledge and innovation
Beyond the exhibition, the mission deepened academic and institutional ties. DGD joined the first meeting of the Working Group on Controlled Environment Agriculture within SAFTA. This newly established platform connects leaders from academia, government, and industry, including KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology), Estidamah, and NADEC Foods. The group’s shared goal: accelerating the development of a robust CEA ecosystem in Saudi Arabia through innovation, education, and knowledge sharing.
From Riyadh to Jeddah: connecting culture and science
The final part of the mission took the delegation from Riyadh to Jeddah, where participants experienced the city’s vibrant history in Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before turning their focus to the future at KAUST.
Hosted by Prof. Dr. Mark Tester and Dr. Rebekah Waller, the KAUST visit offered an inspiring look into pioneering research in desert agriculture, water-efficient systems, and crop resilience. Discussions centered on how Dutch expertise in greenhouse design, water reuse, and climate control could further support KAUST’s research agenda. The exchange highlighted the strength of the partnership between KAUST and DGD, formalized in their Memorandum of Understanding, and the growing synergy between academic research and applied innovation.
A shared vision for sustainable food systems
The mission concluded with optimism and momentum. From policy discussions and business agreements to scientific collaboration and cultural exchange, every meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment: to co-create a resilient, high-tech, and sustainable agrifood system for the Gulf region.
Dutch Greenhouse Delta looks forward to continuing its partnership with Saudi stakeholders and contributing Dutch expertise, technology, and knowledge to help realize Saudi Vision 2030.