Five years of collaboration between Dutch horticultural companies and partners in the Gulf region have helped strengthen connections, exchange knowledge and create new business opportunities. This week, Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) and its partners marked the final phase of the Partners for International Business (PIB) programme HortiRoad2theGulf at GreenTech Middle East.
The Gulf region is investing in food security, local food production and more efficient use of natural resources. With challenging climatic conditions and increasing demand for locally produced food, the need for innovative and climate-smart horticultural solutions continues to grow.
Connecting the Dutch horticultural ecosystem
The strength of Dutch horticulture lies in its integrated approach. Greenhouse design and construction, climate control, water management, seeds, growing media, biological crop protection, sensors and cultivation expertise come together to provide solutions tailored to local circumstances.
Through HortiRoad2theGulf, DGD and its partners have worked to connect this expertise with opportunities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Over the past five years, the programme has facilitated roadshows, sector events, business meetings and exchanges with regional growers, companies and policymakers.
Strengthening partnerships at GreenTech Middle East
At this year’s GreenTech Middle East, DGD joined partners Rovero, Van der Hoeven Horticultural Solutions, Klasmann-Deilmann, Koppert and Bayer–De Ruiter Seeds to further strengthen these connections.
The programme included discussions with the newly established National Agricultural Centre (NAC), Nature Group and Tathmeer Agro, as well as a reception hosted by the Netherlands Consul-General.
A notable milestone was the signing of a partnership between DGD partner Wireless Value and UAE-based Agritek. In addition, Dutch experts contributed to two panel discussions: one on adapting horticultural modernisation to GCC conditions, moderated by Giovanni Angiolini of DGD, and another on regenerative agriculture in water-scarce environments, moderated by Nienke Gelderloos, Agricultural Advisor at the Netherlands Consulate-General in Dubai.
The next chapter of collaboration
While the HortiRoad2theGulf programme is coming to an end, the opportunities for Dutch horticulture in the Gulf region continue to develop.
Its lasting value lies not only in the business connections established, but also in the knowledge, trust and mutual understanding built over time. Successful technology transfer requires more than introducing innovative solutions. It depends on adapting them to local conditions, strengthening local capabilities and building partnerships for the long term.
Dutch Greenhouse Delta will continue to connect the Dutch horticultural ecosystem with international opportunities, contributing to more resilient, productive and resource-efficient food systems.
The programme may be concluding, but the collaboration continues.
