Agriculture and Food - United Arab Emirates
The agriculture team represents the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Based at the Embassies in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the team supports cooperation between Dutch organizations active in agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, the food and food processing industry, nature management, and agricultural research and knowledge institutions, and their public and private counterparts across the GCC (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar).
The agriculture team to the GCC countries
The agriculture team facilitates cooperation between the Netherlands and the GCC countries across the agri-food value chain, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and food security. The team promotes bilateral trade in agricultural products, technologies, knowledge and services, and supports collaboration between governments, the private sector and knowledge institutions
The team provides information and guidance on Dutch expertise in agriculture, food security, agro-industry and trade, fisheries and aquaculture, nature management, and science, research and knowledge transfer. To this end, the agricultural department participates in trade fairs, provides market and policy information, organizes trade missions, seminars and networking events, mediates in discussions on market access and trade barriers, and promotes education and training opportunities in the fields of food and agriculture.
Agricultural department is particularly focused on sustainable solutions adapted to the Gulf region, including climate-resilient agriculture, efficient water use, innovation and responsible business conduct. On all levels of the public, private and knowledge sectors, the team actively pursues cooperation between Dutch and GCC partners, with a strong emphasis on capacity building and long-term partnerships.
PIB program NLHortiRoad2TheGulf
In the dynamic landscape of the Gulf region food security, there is an increased focus on ensuring local safe, fresh food production; a key move towards sustainability and self-sufficiency. The Gulf nations are in pursuit of innovative solutions and partnerships. Dutch horticulture experts, known for their sustainable practices, innovations, and advanced technologies, are eager to collaborate. Together, we can meet the rising demands for fresh produce in The Gulf nations.
Dutch Greenhouse Delta takes the lead from the private sector side in orchestrating efforts to address the evolving needs of the Gulf nations, aligning Dutch horticultural excellence with the food safety strategy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. We bring together stakeholders from The Gulf region and The Netherlands, fostering long-term collaboration to execute food security strategies. https://www.dutchgreenhousedelta.com/focus-regions/the-gulf-region/
Agrologistics, cold chain and innovation
In the area of agrologistics, cold chain and post-harvest technology, cooperation focuses on reducing food losses and strengthening efficient supply chain across storage, transport and handeling. This is also reflected in the official Innovation Mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, focused on cold chain logistics and post-harvest solutions:
Innovation Mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates 2026
Contact details
Agricultural department for the GCC-countries
Questions via e-mail, please use the contact form
Netherlands Agricultural Network in GCC | LinkedIn
For more information on the work of the Dutch agricultural network in the Gulf states, please visit AgroBerichtenBuitenland.nl (in Dutch)
Saudi Arabia:
Mrs. Simone Landhuis – Agricultural Counsellor for the GCC
Mr. Ivan Venantius – Agricultural Advisor
Ms. Fatma Elmari – Agricultural Officer
Consulate-general in Dubai:
Mrs. Nienke Gelderloos – Agricultural Advisor