Last week, Dutch Greenhouse Delta led a strong horticultural delegation on a mission of to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, further deepening collaboration with partners in the Gulf region. The mission combined participation in AgraME 2025 with field visits and high-level meetings, organised in close cooperation with the Netherlands Agricultural Network in the GCC and the Netherlands Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Doha.
Showcasing Dutch Excellence at Agra Middle East
The visit began in Dubai with a strong Dutch presence at Agra Middle East 2025, where DGD organised a broad delegation of Dutch AgTech innovators together with the Netherlands Agricultural Network in the GCC, represented by Simone Landhuis and Nienke Gelderloos. The exhibition offered a valuable platform to meet regional stakeholders and exchange insights on the development of controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
A networking reception at the residence of H.E. Paul Ymkers, Consul-General of the Netherlands in Dubai, brought together leading UAE and Saudi agrifood players, including TechAgro, Uns Vertical Farms, KRISPR, Elite Agro Holding, and the Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance (SAFTA).
Field Visits and Knowledge Exchange in the UAE
The following days focused on collaboration. Visits to TechAgro LLC and Silal Innovation Oasis in the UAE provided a close look at local initiatives driving innovation and sustainability in food production. These visits encouraged open dialogue on how Dutch expertise can complement regional efforts and help accelerate the shift towards resilient food systems. An investment roundtable brought together financial experts and agtech innovators to discuss how sustainable horticultural projects can be scaled and financed effectively.
DGD Roadshow in Qatar
The mission continued in Doha, where the delegation was received by H.E. Ambassador Ferdinand Lahnstein and the Netherlands Embassy team. In Qatar, meetings with Hassad Food, Arab Qatari Agricultural Production Company (QATFA), and other key organisations offered insight into the country’s National Food Security Strategy 2030 and its integrated approach to local food production, water efficiency, and technology adoption.
The evening reception at the Ambassador’s residence fostered new connections between Dutch and Qatari stakeholders.
The following morning, H.E. Ambassador Lahnstein and DGD hosted a breakfast dialogue bringing together representatives from both nations, including Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality, Hassad Food, Qatar Foundation, Qatar Science & Technology Park, QATFA, and Earthna, alongside Wageningen University & Research and several DGD members. The discussion, joined by H.E. Fahad bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, former Qatari Ambassador to the UK and Russia, centered on enhancing supply chain resilience and bridging the gap between ambition and implementation in CEA.
A subsequent meeting with H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, Minister of Municipality, explored future cooperation and included an invitation to visit the Municipality of Westland and GreenTech Amsterdam 2026.
The program concluded with visits to Qatar Shell, examining collaboration and energy solutions for sustainable greenhouses, and Agrico Qatar, where participants toured advanced facilities for hydroponics, aquaculture, and organic composting.
Looking Ahead
The UAE–Qatar mission reaffirmed the Gulf region’s commitment to building resilient and sustainable agri-food systems and underlined the unique value of Dutch expertise in achieving these goals.
As Dutch Greenhouse Delta, we remain dedicated to fostering long-term partnerships that translate innovation into impact and look forward to returning soon to build on this growing momentum.
