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.
