The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature and its Netherlands Agricultural Network in the GCC (LAN-GCC) are organizing an Innovation Mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, focusing on post-harvest technology and cold chain logistics. The mission will take place from 17 May to 21 May 2026.
This mission is one of only six innovation missions selected for 2026, underlining its strategic importance within the Dutch international agri-food agenda. Registration is possible before 14 March 2026.
A strategic focus for the region
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are accelerating investments in food security, supply chain resilience, and logistics modernization. High temperatures, water scarcity, and long import chains make efficient post-harvest handling and temperature-controlled logistics critical to maintaining food quality and reducing losses.
Both countries are prioritizing:
- Modern distribution and logistics infrastructure
- Reduction of food loss and waste
- Digital supply chain monitoring
- Energy-efficient cooling solutions
- Strengthening local production and storage capacity
These developments create clear opportunities for Dutch innovation and expertise in post-harvest optimization and sustainable cold chain systems.
Building on earlier market insights
This Innovation Mission builds on insights gathered during the earlier Fact-Finding Mission to the UAE and Saudi Arabia on Cold Chain Logistics and Post-Harvest Solutions in 2025, which provided valuable stakeholder mapping and confirmed strong regional demand for advanced storage systems, integrated agrologistics, and smart monitoring technologies
Read the previous article here: GCC fact-finding mission confirms demand for Dutch agri-logistics and post-harvest solutions
The findings demonstrated that Dutch solutions in post-harvest handling, energy-efficient cooling, digital traceability, and sustainable logistics are highly relevant to ongoing developments in both markets.
What participants can expect
The mission program will include:
- High-level meetings and networking opportunities with public sector stakeholders, relevant private sector players, as well as knowledge institutes
- Site visits to post-harvest, cold chain and logistics facilities
- Market insights into regulatory frameworks and investment priorities
The objective is to facilitate concrete partnerships and long-term collaboration between Dutch innovators and regional stakeholders.
Interested in joining?
Dutch companies, knowledge institutions, and technology providers active in cold chain agrologistics, cold storage, and post-harvest solutions are invited to participate in this Innovation Mission.
Registration (deadline: 14 March 2026) and details are available via the RVO website.
If you would like more information about the regional context, market opportunities, or to explore how your innovation aligns with developments in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, please contact the Netherlands Agricultural Network in the GCC: Riy-LVVN@minbuza.nl