The Saudi Arabian company Dava Agricultural is further expanding its greenhouse acreage. The company Dava, owned by the Al-Batal family, has signed a contract for a new semi-closed greenhouse of 23 hectares to be built with their long-term partner Debets Schalke. Dava’s greenhouse complexes located in the Al-Kharj region will soon cover more than 110 hectares. The expansion contributes to Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify the economy and develop public service sectors and sustainable food production.
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Dava supports Saudi Arabia’s goal to become more self-sufficient in food production. While Saudi Vision 2023 is moving into the next phase, Dava is doing the same with its greenhouse complexes. Last month Dava achieved its GlobalG.A.P. certification for cucumbers and peppers. In addition to premium quality tomatoes the greenhouses are now also used for the cultivation of cucumbers and peppers. The GlobalG.A.P. certification underscores Dava’s commitment to produce high-quality, safe, and environmentally friendly food.
From start-up to a thriving company
“In 2019 we started with the construction of the first greenhouse complexes in collaboration with Debets Schalke. Dava was a start-up in the agricultural sector, but we are now a solid organization, a thriving company with an ambitious vision and our location is right at the crossroads of important international trade routes between three continents: Asia, Europe and Africa. Combining the local abundance of sunlight with energy and water efficient climate control systems makes our greenhouses the perfect solution for supplying a large part of the Middle East with sustainably grown vegetables.”
Sharing knowledge
“The decision to continue our cooperation with Debets Schalke was an easy one. Debets Schalke and Dava are both 100% family businesses that are known to value long-term relationships. As a pioneer in the Middle East, Debets Schalke is able to realize high-tech greenhouse projects suitable for the local climate conditions. The greenhouses offer the opportunity to grow vegetables year-round in an energy-efficient way,” says Faisal Al-Batal, owner of Dava, “Knowledge exchange between the Dutch horticultural sector and Dava is essential for further development in the field of horticulture in Saudi Arabia. I am proud that with our large-scale greenhouse projects we can contribute to Saudi Vision 2030 and food independence.”
Turn-key greenhouse projects
Dava’s greenhouse complexes, including the new project, will cover over 110 hectares and are spread over 6 different locations in Saudi Arabia. At the end of this month, 30 hectares will be in operation and at the end of this year another 40 hectares will be full with vegetable plants. ”The turn-key scope of the new contract allows us to implement the latest technologies with the aim of growing sustainably in this extreme desert climate,” says Dylan Schalke, owner of Debets Schalke, ”The order to build another 23 hectares of semi-closed greenhouse with all the necessary technology to grow in this challenging climate is something we are very proud of!”
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