KUBO is working on a new greenhouse horticulture project in Saudi Arabia

KUBO is contributing to a new large-scale greenhouse horticulture project in the Saudi Arabian desert. Wouter Kuiper and Said El Ouakili visited the country last week for the official signing of the contracts. Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including the Dutch ambassador and the Prince of Jazan.

Construction of the project in Jazan Province is scheduled to begin at the end of this year, with a planned total area of 45 hectares. The first new greenhouse will be designed for tomato cultivation and will use KUBO’s Ultra-Clima® concept.

KUBO will provide the technology and expertise required to grow efficiently under the local climatic conditions. The KUBO team will also support the cultivation strategy and the optimisation of production. KUBO is working on the project together with Amtar Al Khair Agricultural Crops Company.

Positive results build confidence

A successful project has already been completed in the Hail region, where the initial production results exceeded expectations.

“The results confirm that controlled cultivation can be successful, even under challenging conditions,” says Said El Ouakili, Regional Sales Director at KUBO. “Discussions are already under way about the next phases. There is strong confidence in Dutch expertise and technology.”

Experience gained from previous successful projects in Saudi Arabia also contributes to this confidence. These projects demonstrate that advanced greenhouse horticulture technology can support reliable food production in a dry and hot climate.

Increasing local food production

Saudi Arabia aims to increase its domestic production of fruit and vegetables. This ambition forms part of the national Vision 2030 strategy. One of its key principles is to produce food efficiently while using as little water and energy as possible.

“In a region where water is scarce and temperatures are high, control over the growing climate is essential,” says Said. “With the right technology, growers can produce more while using fewer natural resources.”

Local involvement plays an important role in the project. The greenhouse will be constructed by local employees under the supervision of KUBO specialists. This approach not only facilitates knowledge transfer, but also contributes to employment and economic development in the region.

In this way, the project supports food production in Saudi Arabia while strengthening the position of Dutch horticultural expertise and technology in the region, with a clear focus on sustainable growth and long-term collaboration.