A man in traditional Emirati clothing is pictured between rows of leafy plants. He looks at the plant.

HortiRoad2TheGulf

Joining forces for food safety and 
food security in the Gulf region

About us


 

We are HortiRoad2theGulf, a public-private partnership that combines knowledge and expertise from the entire horticulture sector in the Netherlands. We are keen to foster long-term collaboration to execute food security strategies.

Why? In the dynamic landscape of the Gulf region food security, there’s an increased focus on ensuring local safe, fresh food production. A key move towards sustainability and self-reliance. With our knowledge and innovative solutions, we can meet the rising demands for fresh produce in The Gulf nations.

Joining forces for food safety and food security in the Gulf


 

The Dutch horticulture sector plays a vital role in feeding millions globally. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and sustainable techniques, we cultivate a diverse array of fruits and vegetables. Collaboratively, we can enhance sustainable food production, minimize food loss, and innovate new strategies and business models. 

With our combined knowledge, technology, and experience, we can accelerate the achievement of food security and food safety worldwide. By adapting our proven technology to local circumstances, we can provide support in producing ultra-fresh, safe, and delicious vegetables and fruit all year round, at fair prices, and as close to the point of consumption as possible. By reintroducing sustainable food production, we address critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, food waste, and public health

The Netherlands as your partner

In the Netherlands, the government, companies, knowledge institutes and R&D centres develop the tools required to farm the future. HortiRoad2theGulf, as a public-private partnership, was established to assist Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar in improving food self-sufficiency. In close cooperation with the Embassies of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, and the Consulate General in Dubai, our public-private partnership business cluster is uniquely positioned to understand and navigate the climate and market dynamics of the Gulf region. 

Our public-private partnership business cluster partners are ready to collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance their businesses sustainably. Together, we cover all aspects of CEA (Controlled Environment Agriculture), from breeding and cultivation to lighting, climate control, and crop protection. Specializing in facilitating your transition from low and mid-tech solutions to high-tech alternatives, we propel your enterprise toward sustainability and profitability. We advocate for minimizing water and energy usage to make sustainability more tangible while optimizing yield and crop quality.

Contributing to the following SDG’s

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SDG 3 good health and well-being

SDG 03 | Good health and well-being

The aim of the cluster is to increase the availability of fresh, healthy and locally produced food.

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sdg 11 sustainable cities and communities

SDG 11 | Sustainable cities and communities

The cluster stimulates local and sustainable production through Dutch technology and knowledge transfer, such as reducing CO2 emissions and water.

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SDG 8 decent work and economic growth

SDG 08 | Decent work and economic growth

Encouraging “fair” and “decent” work and involvement of the local community should promote economic growth.

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SDG 12 responsible consumption and production

SDG 12 | Responsible consumption and production

The current Dutch horticultural technology can serve as an example for the transition towards climate-neutral production systems and already has many circular features.

Download our infographics

Trade missions and activities

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Showcases

a greenhouse with a view on the open blue sky and rows of potted plants on either side of a pathway

Armela Farms | Location: Dubai | Crop: Lettuce and Kale | Type: ModulAIR, | Turn-key Surface: 20.000 m²

visit Armela Farms
A farmer standing on a crane is lifted up between rows of hanging fruit in a greenhouse

Pure Harvest Smart Farms | Location: Abu Dhabi | Crop: Tomatoes | Type: SuprimAir | Surface: 10.000 m²

visit Pure Harvest Smart Farms
rows of medium sized leafy plants in a greenhouse

The Green Mast | Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Crop:Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers | Type: High-tech hydroponics

visit The Green Mast
The hallway of a research facility for agriculture. Lined with machinery.

Estidamah | Location: King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Crop: Different vegetables and fruits | Type: Research on agricultural activities and crop management, control of environmental conditions, fertilization and irrigation methods, and integrated pest management

visit Estidamah
a large field of solar panels in the middle of desert land

Miraah | Location: Miraah, Oman | Type: The special greenhouses generate steam using solar energy; that steam is then used in oil production | Surface: 190.000 m²

visit Miraah
A man in a lab coat and protective mask inspects crops that are growing in a vertical set up at a greenhouse

Bustanica | Location: Dubai | Crop: Leafy greens | Type: Indoor farm | Surface: 330.000 m²

visit Bustanica
rows of potted green plants growing un a greenhouse. Yellow labels hang above them.

Dar Aqua | Location: Hoarat A’ali | Crop: Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, leafy greens | Type: Aquaponic farm

visit Dar Aqua
rows of leafy greens growing vertically in a greenhouse

Agrico | Location: Qatar, Al Khor | Crop: Vegetables, fruits, leafy greens | Type: Aquaponic, hydroponic and indoor farms

visit Agrico
an infrared light illuminated greenhouse

Growy | Location: Al Wafrah | Crop: 550kg of fresh salads and culinary herbs daily | Type: Indoor Farm

visit Growy
A sunrise on the line structure of NEOM

Topian | Location: NEOM | Type: Two separate horticultural test facilities as part of the NEOM development | Surface: 110.000 m²

visit Topian
 A blue sky and the outside facade of a large glass greenhouse

Elite Agro Projects | Locations in entire GCC-region | Crop: Vegetables

visit Elite Agro Projects

Coordinators

Partners

Breeding and plant propagation

Climate control and Energy

Crop Control

Greenhouse Construction

Automation and logistics

Knowledge providers, consultants and service

Horticultural suppliers

Water Management

Let's Connect! 

portrait of Giovanni Angiolini

Giovanni Angliolini, Director Middle East and Africa at Dutch Greenhouse Delta | LinkedIN

News

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lady smiles in front of Farming the Future banner

Netherlands and Gulf States: Logical Partners in Sustainability & Biodiversity

The challenges in the Gulf States (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar) are immense. However, their ambitions are equally significant. Agricultural Counsellor for GCC-countries, Simone Landhuis, based at the Dutch embassy in Riyadh, aims for the Netherlands to be recognized as the logical partner for knowledge and technology, sustainability, and biodiversity.

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A man in traditional Emirati clothing is pictured between rows of leafy plants. He looks at the plant.

Dutch horticultural mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 

From October 16 to 19 a Dutch horticultural trade mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia takes place. The aim of the mission is to show that the Dutch horticulture sector offers an answer to Saudi Arabia’s demand for self-sufficiency in food security. The trade mission is initiated by Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) and organized in close cooperation with InnovationQuarter and the Agricultural agency of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Eric Egberts, CEO of Dutch Greenhouse Delta speaks to a camera

Recap Horticultural Days at the Netherlands Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai

The Dutch horticultural industry organized a successful event on the 21st and 22nd of February, where they brought together horticulture and agriculture experts from all over the world, who explored new ways to apply an integrated eco-system approach to boost local and sustainable food production.

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A man in traditional Emirati clothing shakes the hand of a Dutch man in a suit at a conference. In the background the orange NL letters are visible

Integral Solutions for Food Security in Saudi Arabia

The Dutch water and horticulture sectors are joining forces to effectively address the global challenges that Saudi Arabia is facing in its transition to food security. This holistic approach aligns with the goals of the Saudi Government to accelerate its food security agenda and embrace sustainable water use.

At the Saudi Agriculture, the largest B2B event for the agricultural sector in the Gulf region, the Dutch horticulture and water sectors are ready to meet and cooperate with local partners to join forces in achieving Saudi Arabia’s agriculture vision for 2030.

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rows of medium sized leafy plants in a greenhouse

Large delegation of dignitaries and entrepreneurs from UAE to the Netherlands for Greentech week

In the week of 12 to 17 June, dignitaries, investors and horticultural entrepreneurs from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be visiting the Dutch food & flower industry. The incoming mission from the UAE is officially chaired by Her Excellency Sheikha Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and the Environment.

Whitepaper

How Dutch knowledge and innovative technologies help the Gulf countries to achieve their food-sufficiency goals 

This whitepaper explains how Dutch horticulture can help boost local food production and contribute to achieving sustainability goals, which leads to

  • Efficient production & waste reduction
  • Efficient use of scarce resources
  • Efficient water use
  • Efficient use of alternative energy resources
  • Also, successful projects in the Gulf are presented in this whitepaper.

Contact us! 

portrait of Abdulaziz Raheb Alharbi

Dr. Abdulaziz, Rabeh ALharbi, Liaison PIB NL HortiRaod2theGulf | anne-claire.vanaltvorst@innovationquarter.nl