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The GCC’s agri-food sector is entering a new era of regional collaboration, sustainability, and food resilience — and strategic partnerships are becoming increasingly important in shaping the future of fresh produce supply chains.

In line with this vision, NRTC Holding Group has officially signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Arabia-based DAVA Agricultural, one of the Kingdom’s leading advanced agricultural companies, to strengthen cooperation across fresh produce sourcing, agricultural trade, sustainability, and supply chain development across the GCC.

The signing reflects a shared ambition between both organisations to contribute meaningfully to regional food security priorities while advancing sustainable and technologically driven agricultural ecosystems.

A Strategic Alliance for the Future of GCC Agriculture

As fresh produce demand across the GCC continues to accelerate — with the regional market projected to exceed USD 27 billion — the partnership positions both organisations to explore new opportunities in integrated supply chains, sustainable sourcing, and long-term agricultural collaboration.

The MoU was signed in the presence of senior representatives from both organisations. Representing DAVA Agricultural were Mr. Mohamed Kafafy, Export Manager, and Mr. Osama Nasser, Head of Public Relations, on behalf of CEO Mr. Faisal Al Battal and Deputy CEO Mr. Wissam Abdul Samad.

Under the agreement, both parties will jointly explore opportunities across:

• Fresh produce sourcing and distribution
• Agricultural trade collaboration
• Supply chain optimisation
• Sustainability initiatives
• Future agri-food development projects across the GCC

NRTC Group’s Expanding Regional Agri-Food Ecosystem

Founded in 1973, NRTC Holding Group has evolved into one of the GCC’s leading integrated agri-food businesses, managing approximately 1 million tonnes of fresh produce annually through a global sourcing network spanning over 55 trading partners.

Today, the Group operates a fully integrated farm-to-fork ecosystem covering:

• Global sourcing
• Farming and production
• Processing and packaging
• Cold chain logistics
• Distribution and wholesale
• Retail and HORECA supply
• eCommerce and consumer delivery

Supported by more than 500 cold-chain vehicles and a workforce exceeding 1,000 employees, NRTC continues to strengthen food distribution resilience across the UAE and wider GCC region.

The Group’s portfolio includes several strategic businesses and initiatives, including:

• NRTC
• Mirak
• Mahsool
• Taaza
• Al Hashemeya Farms – Egypt
• Ripe Organic

Together, these businesses contribute to regional food resilience while supporting the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051 and broader sustainability priorities under the Ghitha Holding / IHC ecosystem.

DAVA Agricultural: Advancing High-Tech Sustainable Farming

Headquartered in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, DAVA Agricultural is recognised as one of the Middle East’s largest advanced hydroponic greenhouse operators and among the region’s largest glass greenhouse projects.

The company currently operates:

• 107 hectares of advanced hydroponic greenhouses
• Production capacity of approximately 170 tonnes of premium vegetables daily
• Controlled-environment agriculture powered by advanced Dutch technologies
• Sustainable cultivation methods delivering up to 80% water savings compared to conventional farming

DAVA produces tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, lettuce, and herbs using pesticide-free cultivation methods aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 sustainability objectives.

The company’s long-term expansion roadmap is equally ambitious. By 2030, DAVA plans to scale its operations to:

• 1,000 tonnes per day production capacity
• 350 hectares of hydroponic greenhouses
• 2,000 hectares of open-field farming
• A 10 million sqm integrated agricultural hub in Taif
• A 65-hectare solar energy park
• A plantation programme comprising 1 million trees

DAVA also became the first Saudi exporter of fresh produce to Europe in 2024, further reinforcing its position as a regional leader in sustainable agriculture and agricultural innovation.

Leadership Perspective

Commenting on the partnership, Mohammed Nassar Al Rifai, Group CEO of NRTC Holding Group, stated:

“This partnership reflects our commitment towards building stronger regional agricultural alliances that contribute meaningfully to food security, supply chain resilience, and sustainable growth across the GCC.”

Faisal Al Battal, CEO of DAVA Agricultural, added:

“This strategic collaboration with NRTC Holding Group opens new opportunities for agricultural cooperation, knowledge exchange, and long-term regional market development.”

Strengthening Regional Food Security Through Collaboration

The partnership between NRTC Holding Group and DAVA Agricultural highlights the growing importance of cross-border collaboration within the GCC’s evolving agri-food landscape.

As the region continues to invest in sustainable agriculture, resilient supply chains, controlled-environment farming, and food security infrastructure, partnerships like this are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture across the Middle East.

By combining NRTC’s regional distribution scale and integrated supply chain expertise with DAVA’s advanced agricultural production capabilities, both organisations aim to contribute towards a more resilient, sustainable, and innovation-driven agri-food ecosystem for the GCC.

NRTC Group participated in the 2nd Emirates Agriculture Conference & Exhibition (EAC&E) 2026, a premier UAE platform focused on food security, sustainable agriculture, and local farm development. Held at ADNEC Al Ain from 22–26 April 2026, the event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators shaping the future of the UAE’s agri-food ecosystem.

As part of Ghitha Holding, NRTC—alongside Al Ain Farms—presented its integrated farm-to-fork supply chain, showcasing capabilities across sourcing, farming, processing, and distribution. The participation highlighted key group entities including Ripe Organic and Taaza, reinforcing NRTC’s role in building a resilient and scalable food ecosystem in the UAE.

Strategic MoU & Leadership Engagement

A major highlight was the signing of a strategic MoU with the National Agricultural Centre (NAC), aimed at empowering UAE farmers through structured market access and efficient distribution networks.

The occasion was honoured by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri (Minister of Economy), H.E. Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi (Minister of Justice), H.E. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak (Minister of Climate Change and Environment), and H.E. Jemal Beker Abdula (Ambassador of Ethiopia to the UAE)—underscoring the national priority of advancing sustainable agriculture and food systems.

Showcasing Local Agriculture & Innovation

The NRTC pavilion featured:

Locally sourced produce through Mahsool, supporting 100+ UAE farms

Organic products and consumer engagement via Ripe Organic

Value-added offerings from Taaza, including juices and ready-to-eat products

Live product sampling and interactive displays highlighted NRTC’s leadership in traceability, sustainability, and agri-tech integration.

Driving UAE Food Security & Sustainability

Through its vertically integrated ecosystem, NRTC continues to support:

End-to-end traceability and transparent supply chains

Reduced food miles and operational waste

Improved farmer livelihoods and market access

NRTC’s participation at EAC&E 2026 reinforces its alignment with the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051, positioning the Group as a key contributor to a sustainable, locally driven, and future-ready agri-food sector.

Art and freshness may not seem like obvious companions — but at NRTC, we’ve always believed that the way we think about fresh produce is as much a mindset as it is a supply chain. So when World Art Day came around this year, we decided to celebrate it in the most NRTC way we know how: by bringing our community together and letting creativity take centre stage.

The result was The Green Canvas — a guided community painting event hosted at our Nad Al Hamar facility, and one of the most vibrant afternoons we’ve had within these walls.

Twenty Voices. One Theme.

Twenty participants, each selected through our Instagram contest, arrived at Nad Al Hamar with no brief other than a theme: The Future of Fresh. It’s a phrase that sits at the heart of everything NRTC does — from the farms we source from to the technology we use to get produce from field to table. But on this day, it became a canvas prompt.

What does the future of fresh look like? Is it a colour? A landscape? A feeling? Each of our 20 participants had their own answer — and they painted it.

Guided by Katerina

The session was led by Katerina Molostova — artist, art enthusiast, and mentor — who brought both structure and freedom to the experience. Katerina guided participants through the process with warmth and expertise, encouraging them to let go of perfectionism and lean into expression. Under her guidance, what began as blank canvases quickly became a room full of colour, conversation, and creativity.

The Best Strokes Award

At the end of the session, all 20 paintings were displayed and assessed. One stood apart — a piece that captured the theme with exceptional creativity, colour, and composition. That participant was awarded the Best Strokes Award for their masterpiece.

 

But in the spirit of the day, every participant was a winner. Each person went home with a Certificate of Participation and a curated set of gifts from NRTC — a small token of appreciation for showing up, creating something meaningful, and making the afternoon what it was.

 

More Than an Event

The Green Canvas wasn’t just a World Art Day activation. It was a reminder of what community engagement can look like when it’s rooted in genuine values. NRTC’s mission has always extended beyond logistics and produce — we care about the people who trust our brand, and we want to build spaces where that relationship goes deeper than a purchase.

 

Art, much like fresh food, is about care, attention, and the belief that what you put into something matters. That’s the spirit The Green Canvas was built on — and it’s the spirit we’ll carry into every community experience we create going forward.

 

A warm thank you to Katerina Molostova for her guidance and energy, and to all 20 participants for making The Green Canvas a day worth remembering. 🎨🌿

 

Follow NRTC on Instagram and LinkedIn for updates on upcoming community events and contests.

#TheGreenCanvas #WorldArtDay #NRTCFresh #FutureOfFresh #NRTCCommunity

In times of regional uncertainty, nations are defined not only by the challenges they face—but by how they respond to them.

The United Arab Emirates continues to demonstrate a model of stability, resilience, and unity, guided by strong leadership and a clear vision for the future. This approach ensures that businesses, communities, and critical sectors continue to operate with confidence, even in evolving circumstances.

At NRTC Holding Group, we are proud to contribute to this stability by playing a vital role in the country’s supply chain ecosystem.

A Nation United

Across the UAE, a powerful sense of unity continues to bring people together.

Recent national initiatives, including the call to raise the UAE flag across homes, institutions, and workplaces, reflect a shared commitment to solidarity, strength, and collective pride. Citizens and residents alike stand united under one flag—reinforcing the values that define the nation.

This unity is not only symbolic—it is reflected in the seamless functioning of infrastructure, institutions, and industries across the country.

A Symbol Raised Across NRTC

In response to this national call, NRTC has proudly hoisted the UAE flag across all its offices, warehouses, and operational facilities.

This act is more than symbolic. It represents our alignment with the values that define the UAE: unity, resilience, and shared responsibility.

Across every location, the flag stands as a daily reminder of our role in supporting the nation’s stability—ensuring that essential goods continue to move efficiently across the country.

The Role of Supply Chains in National Stability

Behind every stable economy is a reliable and resilient supply chain.

At NRTC, our responsibility is clear:

• Ensuring uninterrupted access to essential goods
• Maintaining operational consistency across our network
• Supporting businesses that depend on timely and reliable delivery

Through proactive planning, diversified sourcing strategies, and robust logistics capabilities, we continue to operate with stability—even in complex regional environments.

Our focus remains on delivering consistency, reliability, and service excellence across every touchpoint.

People at the Core

Our people are the foundation of everything we do.

From warehouse teams to drivers and logistics coordinators, their dedication ensures that daily life continues smoothly for businesses and communities across the UAE.

Their resilience, professionalism, and commitment reflect the same values that define the nation—unity, responsibility, and pride in contribution.

Looking Ahead

As the region continues to evolve, the importance of resilient and adaptable supply chains will only grow.

At NRTC, we remain committed to:

• Strengthening operational efficiency
• Investing in future-ready logistics solutions
• Supporting the UAE’s long-term food security strategy

We see this not only as a business priority, but as a responsibility to the communities and partners we serve.

Moving Forward Together

In the UAE, stability is built through leadership, unity, and collaboration.

We extend our appreciation for the UAE’s leadership, whose vision and commitment continue to foster a secure and resilient environment for growth and progress.

At NRTC, we are proud to play our part in supporting this journey.

Together, under one flag, we move forward—stronger, more resilient, and ready for what lies ahead.

Riyadh just got a little crunchier.

Rockit Apples continues its regional momentum with a high-impact in-store sampling campaign at Spinney’s Riyadh, activating across three premium locations — La Strada, Kfad, and U-Walk.

Recently, our brand came face-to-face with shoppers in these high-footfall destinations. This campaign aimed to deepen local market presence and introduce Rockit’s crisp, ready-to-eat apple to on-the-go snackers in the Kingdom.

📍 The Experience

At each Spinney’s location, our in-store brand ambassadors created a memorable shopper experience by offering free samples of Rockit Apples, educating consumers on the product’s premium quality, portability, and natural sweetness.

Engagement highlights included:

• Smiles and instant feedback from first-time tasters
• A clear consumer preference for healthy, ready-to-eat snacks
• Visual storytelling through branded sampling counters, retail signage, and live demonstration

🔗 Why Spinney’s?

Spinney’s Riyadh locations were strategically chosen for their upscale, high-traffic positioning — ideal for Rockit’s premium snacking proposition. These activations are part of our continued efforts to localize the brand experience while maintaining consistency across global markets.

🎯 Results That Matter

• 3 locations activated in 3 days
• 250+ samples delivered directly to target consumers
• Increased brand awareness and retail engagement in a growing GCC market
• Shopper conversations that extended beyond the store and into brand advocacy

🚀 What’s Next?

The success of this activation builds on our earlier campaigns in Saudi Arabia and sets the stage for expanded presence across the region. As the appetite for better snacking grows, so does the Rockit brand — one crunchy bite at a time.

Stay tuned as we bring more fresh experiences to more cities.

#RockitApples | #SpinneysKSA | #SaudiRetail | #InStoreActivation | #SnackSmart | #MarCommInAction

NRTC Group is pleased to announce the acquisition of Ripe Organic, a well-established homegrown brand within the UAE’s organic food segment. This acquisition represents a strategic enhancement of our portfolio and supports our long-term objective of expanding our presence in the fast-growing organic food category.

The integration of Ripe Organic’s product portfolio, private-label offerings, and digital assets strengthens NRTC Group’s capability to deliver certified organic products at scale. This development aligns with evolving consumer preferences for clean-label, sustainably sourced food and enables us to serve a broader range of customers across e-Commerce, B2B Retail, HORECA, Food Services and other B2B Channels.

The acquisition also reinforces our commitment to supporting local agriculture and improving supply chain resilience. By expanding our partnerships with UAE farms and enhancing operational efficiencies, NRTC Group is well-positioned to capture increased market share in the organic segment and deliver greater value to our stakeholders.

As the UAE continues to prioritise food security and sustainability, NRTC Group remains committed to contributing meaningfully to a robust and future-ready food ecosystem. This acquisition reflects our focus on strategic growth, category leadership, and the continued expansion of our fresh and organic product capabilities.

NRTC proudly participated in Clean UAE 2025, the 24th edition of the Emirates Environmental Group’s (EEG) flagship national sustainability campaign. This year’s initiative, held under the esteemed patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, continues to strengthen community engagement and environmental responsibility across the nation.

On Saturday, 6th December 2025, the NRTC Team gathered at the Half Desert in Bur Al Ruwayyah, Dubai, joining hundreds of other volunteers from government entities, private organisations, academic institutions, and local communities. Together, we took part in a large-scale cleanup activity focused on collecting, sorting, and removing waste to help restore and protect one of Dubai’s natural landscapes.

 

A Nationwide Sustainability Movement

Clean UAE is more than an annual campaign — it is a nationwide movement that embodies collective action. Designed to unite communities across all seven Emirates, the initiative plays a key role in supporting the UAE’s broader environmental goals and its vision for a sustainable, climate-resilient future.

In 2024, the campaign attracted over 83,000 volunteers and removed more than 43,000 kg of waste, with the majority successfully diverted for recycling. This year’s continued efforts aim to build on that momentum, mobilising even more individuals and organisations to make a meaningful environmental impact.

NRTC’s Commitment to Sustainability

As a leading name in the fresh produce industry, NRTC remains committed to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices. Our participation in Clean UAE 2025 reflects our continued dedication to:

• Supporting community-driven environmental initiatives
• Promoting the protection and conservation of natural ecosystems
• Encouraging eco-friendly habits within our workforce and local community

By joining hands with national partners and volunteers, we aim to contribute to a cleaner, and greener UAE for the future generation.

Moving Forward

Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and initiatives like Clean UAE serve as vital reminders of the impact we can create when we act together. NRTC is proud to be part of this collective movement and will continue to support activities that foster environmental awareness and action.

Together, we can build a more sustainable tomorrow — one small step, one cleaner space, and one community effort at a time.

The United Arab Emirates has long been at the forefront of innovation—transforming desert landscapes into global hubs and investing in technologies that redefine possibilities. Among the most promising advancements in recent years is vertical farming, a modern agricultural method that could play a key role in ensuring the nation’s food security and sustainability.

The UAE currently imports between 80–90% of its food.  This is driven by limited arable land, scarce freshwater resources, and harsh climate conditions. Traditional farming faces steep challenges in this environment. Vertical farming provides an alternative by growing crops in controlled indoor environments using hydroponics and aeroponics. These systems can produce food year-round, with up to 90% less water compared to conventional agriculture, making them particularly well-suited to the region.

The opportunities ahead are significant. Vertical farming directly supports the UAE’s Food Security Strategy 2051 by reducing reliance on imports and enhancing local production. It also represents an important frontier for innovation.  Artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and renewable energy are being increasingly integrated into farming systems to make them more efficient and sustainable. Beyond large-scale production, vertical farms are also finding applications within cities themselves. Modular units are being installed in hotels, supermarkets, and residential communities. This urban integration not only shortens supply chains but also brings consumers closer to the source of their food. There is also potential to build an export market for premium, locally grown produce tailored to regional demand.

Nevertheless, several challenges remain. Vertical farming requires high initial investment and significant operating costs. Energy demand continues to be a concern, though greater use of renewable energy is helping to offset this. The variety of crops that can be grown in vertical farms is still somewhat limited, but ongoing research is gradually expanding the range. Just as importantly, the industry will require a skilled workforce in agritech, automation, and data-driven farming in order to scale sustainably.

Looking ahead, vertical farming is poised to become a pillar of the UAE’s food ecosystem. The country’s commitment to sustainability, combined with increasing public–private collaboration and global investment, provides a strong foundation for growth. By embracing innovation and fostering partnerships, the UAE is moving closer to creating a self-sufficient, climate-resilient ecosystem. The journey is still at an early stage, but vertical farming stands as one of the most vital steps toward a greener and more food-secure future.

#VerticalFarming #SustainableAgriculture #FoodSecurity #AgriTech #Innovation #SmartFarming #FutureOfFarming #GVF2025 #GlobalVerticalFarmingShow #NRTC #NRTCFresh #UAE