Join the Water for Green PIB Initiative

Together, we are unlocking access to the Gulf region’s booming market for sustainable water and horticulture solutions!

The Gulf region faces unique challenges related to its climate, such as extreme temperatures, limited water resources, and the need for food security to support a growing population. To address these challenges and meet regional demands, the Partners in Business programme has chosen a combined focus on open-field and protected cultivation. These approaches complement each other and together provide a solution to the region’s diverse agricultural needs.

Open field cultivation: focus on efficient use of scarce water

Open field cultivation plays a crucial role in large-scale crop production and aligns well with traditional agricultural practices in the Gulf region. Efficient water management is a key focus in this approach. Dutch technologies, such as precision irrigation, soil sensors, and data-driven irrigation systems, provide solutions that reduce water consumption while enhancing yields. These techniques enable the optimal utilisation of limited water resources, directly impacting food security in the region.

Additionally, open field cultivation offers opportunities to purify and reuse urban wastewater through cascading systems. This not only supports the region’s sustainability goals but also strengthens the water-energy-food nexus—a central element of the Dutch approach.

Protected cultivation: focus on sustainability and productivity for horticulture

Protected cultivation, including high-tech greenhouses, creates a controlled environment for growing crops despite the Gulf region's extreme climatic conditions. Innovative technologies such as water recycling, climate control, and advanced substrate techniques allow Dutch companies to maximise water efficiency and significantly boost crop yields. This makes protected cultivation an indispensable component of the region's agricultural strategy.

State-of-the-art greenhouses, paired with substrates and precision systems, offer integrated solutions tailored to the Gulf region's specific needs. These systems not only save water but also enable the production of high-quality crops that contribute to local food security.

A combined focus for maximum impact

The decision to combine open and protected cultivation reflects the need for a comprehensive and flexible approach that addresses the region’s diverse agricultural challenges. While open cultivation focuses on large-scale crop production and the efficient use of existing water resources, protected cultivation provides solutions for high-value, intensive production in controlled environments.

Moreover, the integration of open and protected cultivation allows for the incorporation of diverse technologies and expertise, such as water management, agritech, and data-driven solutions. This synergy enables Dutch companies to deliver a unique proposition that not only meets local market demands but also creates a lasting and sustainable impact.

Why join the Water for Green PIB?

The Partners for International Business (PIB) programme allows Dutch businesses to enter into a public-private partnership together with other Dutch organisations to achieve their international ambitions. 

Doing business abroad is not always easy. Companies may face trade barriers, a lack of knowledge among local governments and businesses, or restrictive local laws. Uniting with other businesses in your industry, and knowledgeable partners such as NWP, puts you in a better position to enter the market or expand your business in the Gulf region.

The Water for Green Partners for International Business (PIB) programme offers the following benefits:

• Unmatched collaboration: Become part of a powerful cluster supported by three leading branch organisations, ensuring Dutch expertise in water and horticulture is highly visible and impactful.
• Open doors to success: Benefit from embassy support and Government-backed economic diplomacy to connect with key decision-makers, investors, and partners in the Gulf.
• Tailored to your needs: Activities are customised based on participants' goals and market opportunities, maximising your impact.
• Access high-growth markets: Seize opportunities like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s sustainable agriculture initiatives, and Oman’s interest in advanced water management.
• Amplify your impact: Showcase Dutch innovation in water efficiency, circularity, and irrigation technologies through a multidisciplinary, public-private approach.

The PIB programme offers a range of support to participating organisations. A tailored action plan provides a strategic framework specifically designed for the water and horticulture sectors, with a strong focus on circularity and sustainability.

Next to that, participants in the programme will benefit from co-financed opportunities, as Government funding of up to EUR 350,000 is allocated to the PIB programme to help reduce costs for collective activities and to facilitate project implementation.

Participation costs

The programme starts on 1 January 2025 and consists of a one year action plan for the cluster of Dutch businesses and knowledge institutes, listing the strategic activities that provide the best possible platform for the participants from the water and horticultural sectors. The aim is to subsequently extend it to a two to three year programme.

The programme calls for market sector participation next to the Government funding that is supplied. 

Investment costs per participating organisation are:

• Members of NWP / Water Alliance / Dutch Greenhouse Delta: EUR 7,500 per year (plus standard membership fees for the branch organisation)
• Non-members: EUR 10,000 per year.

Each participant is expected to deliver an in-kind contribution for time and money spent on preparations, event hosting, travel, and active participation in the PIB programme activities.

Register to participate

This is your chance to co-create the future of water and horticulture in the Gulf region while entering the fast-growing market or strengthening your business position in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman.

For more information or to register, contact Mirjam van Buchem of NWP.

Together, let’s create sustainable solutions for the Gulf region and lay the groundwork for expanding to regions such as Morocco, Egypt, and India in the future!