Join us for a tailor-made programme at Saudi Agriculture

Following the major success of last years programme at Saudi Agriculture, the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) will again host an exclusive mission programme designed to foster collaboration between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the Netherlands. NWP is coordinating the programme, which will focus on the water and agriculture sectors, with Dutch Greenhouse Delta (DGD) and the Dutch Embassy. Join the custom-made programme and benefit from the business opportunities for your organisation!

The 41st Saudi Agriculture, the biggest international B2B exhibition for agriculture, Food, Aquaculture, Packaging and the Agro-industry in the region, will showcase leading technologies and solutions, cutting-edge engineering, and innovations. The agriculture event will bring together business people, policy-makers, industry professionals, decision-makers, and solution providers working in the largest and fastest growing market in the Middle East.

The following Dutch organisations are participating in the programme:

• Eleaf
• NX Filtration
• Nijhuis
• Plantlab
• The Hague Academy of Governance
• Van Essen

The mission programme coordinated by NWP, DGD and the Dutch Embassy centres around the Saudi Agriculture event and is complemented by networking and matchmaking activities.

Programme highlights: water, agriculture and horticulture

The programme contains the following components:

• Networking events: Engage with key stakeholders in Saudi Arabia.
• Presentations & speaking opportunities: Showcase your cutting-edge solutions and innovations.
• Workshops: Take part in interactive sessions to gain valuable insights.
• Pre-set meetings: Connect with local stakeholders such as NEOM, KAUST University, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), Saudi Water Authority (SWA), Estidamah, the Dutch Embassy, Chambers of Commerce, and other major players in Saudi Arabia and the region.
• Match-making: Let us know who you would like to meet. Over the past three years NWP has built an extensive network and by working with Dutch Greenhouse Delta and the Dutch Embassy, the programme promises unparalleled opportunities to expand your network, share your expertise, and explore potential partnerships.
• Netherlands Pavilion at Saudi Agriculture: Benefit from the shared landing spot at the Netherlands Pavilion and the joint booth with the PIB (Partners for International Business) cluster on horticulture.
• Branding: Create and expand your product’s brand awareness in the region by promoting them through NWP’s media channels and Dutchwatersector.com.

Saudi Agriculture is made possible through the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. The event attracts around 27,000 visitors that include distributors, farmers, and government officials. Spread over approximately 24,200 m2, more than 420 international and Gulf region exhibitors are expected.

New Partners for International Business programme on water in horticulture in the Gulf

We are also excited to announce that a new Partners for International Business programme (PIB) is likely to start in 2025 that will focus on water and horticulture in the Gulf region. This is your chance to be at the forefront of this initiative, and to play a role in shaping the future of water and horticulture in the Gulf region. The water sector is vital in this.

Day to day programme (subject to change)

Sunday 20 October, from 13:00-16:00: Workshop 

An event is planned in collaboration with the recently established Saudi AgriFood Tech Alliance, an initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture (MEWA), KAUST, and Topian by Neom. The preferred location for the event is MEWA. If this is not feasible, alternative locations such as Estidamah or the Ministry of Investment (MISA) will be considered.

Potential topics for discussion during this event include the Dutch contribution to the alliance (how the Netherlands can support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), water management in the horticulture sector (including the plans for the new PIB Water & Horticulture programme), knowledge exchange (such as through the K2K program), and the primary challenges in supporting the Kingdom's food security strategy, aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

If no other event is scheduled in the evening, a reception will be organised at the Dutch Embassy in Riyadh for the Dutch participants of Saudi Agriculture and the local network in Saudi Arabia.  

Monday 21 October: Kick-off session, networking at Saudi Agriculture trade fair, and KAUST drinks reception

Prior to the trade fair, a kick-off session combined with an extensive and interactive IMVO session is planned. Tine Tytgat, responsible for Responsible Business Conduct in the Gulf region, will travel to Riyadh for this purpose. The kick-off session will focus on the new plans for the current PIB Water & Horticulture programme and future plans for the PIB Water Management Open & Closed Cultivation programme. The option for both PIB programmes to be integrated into one will also be discussed.

Following the kick-off session, participants are scheduled to be at the Netherlands Pavilion for the opening of the Saudi Agriculture trade fair, possibly including official protocol activities. The Saudi Agriculture exhibition floor is open on 21 October from 16:00-21:30.

In the evening, KAUST will host a reception for the participants at the nearby Radisson Blu in connection with the opening of their new Centre of Excellence near Jeddah.

Tuesday 22 October: Fieldtrip, networking at Saudi Agriculture trade fair

A field trip may be organised, depending on interest. Details are to be discussed and determined. Next to that, there will be networking opportunities by attending the Saudi Agriculture trade fair.

Wednesday 23 October: Pre-set meetings in the morning, networking at Saudi Agriculture trade fair in the afternoon

A 2-hour session is proposed between the K2K student team, DGD, NWP, and the Agricultural Council, facilitated by NEOM. This session will most likely be held at the trade fair complex and would focus on public-private partnerships, the goals of the K2K program (impact), and the intended collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. 

Following the session, a tour of the trade floor for the students is planned, with particular attention to Neom Topian (as co-sponsor), MEWA, and the Dutch pavilion.

Thursday 24 October: Networking at Saudi Agriculture trade fair

The Saudi Agriculture exhibition floor is open on 22-24 October from 13:30 - 21:30.

Pre-set meetings

With the support of the Dutch Embassy, NWP is working on arranging pre-set meetings for the programme participants with local stakeholders such as, but not limited to:

• NEOM
• KAUST University
• Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
• Saudi Water Authority (SWA)
• Estidamah
• Chambers of Commerce

Register to join

Gain insight into the largest and fastest growing market in the Middle East and secure future business opportunities in the country and the wider Gulf region by signing up to join. Participating in the programme allows you to benefit from the substantive matchmaking programme, pre-scheduled meetings with organisations from the Gulf region, and presentation opportunities. There are still a few spaces available!

The cost of joining the programme with up to two people from your organisation is EUR 950, excluding travel & lodging, catering, local transport and VAT.

Participation in the Saudi Agriculture mission programme is supported by the Dutch Topsector Water and Maritime and NWP collaborates with Dutch Greenhouse Delta on this project.

Please fill in the form below to join the programme, registration deadline is 16 October.

For more information, please contact Mirjam van Buchem, NWP Project Manager Events.