TRAVEL DIARY – OUR RECENT TRIP ACROSS SAUDI ARABIA AND UAE

SAIS export manager made in February a significant business trip across Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates .

That trip normally conducted yearly in the area allows  our company to strengthen our existing partnerships in markets that are becoming increasingly favorable for advanced horticultural.

It is evident a powerful drive to reduce reliance on food imports with a direct consequence of increasing high quality seed request,  supported by both government initiatives and private entrepreneurs.

This push is being realized through high-tech companies that are leading the way in hydroponics, floating systems and vertical farming.

Water security is a top priority , driving massive investment in desalination and innovative irrigation techniques to grow in almost desert areas .

The seed industry is being asked to breed varieties with lower water requirements or better adaptation to local conditions.

The vegetables markets  are highly segmented and are designed to serve a multi-ethnic population characterized by diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

One of the most enlightening parts of the journey was visiting large-scale wholesale vegetable markets .

We visited several farms across various regions.

In Saudi Arabia, in the Al Kharj area, our Ninfa F1 eggplant and Gaon F1  pepper are increasing their market share year after year.

Specifically, Ninfa F1 stands out in both tunnel and open field for its vigorous plant, high productivity and brilliant glossy color of the fruits.

Besides, Gaon F1 pepper is proving its value through its excellent adaptation to late summer transplants, its earliness, and a thick wall with a high percentage of four-lobed fruits.

In the United Arab Emirates, our distributor Agrimatco took us to visit high-tech facilities producing value-added vegetables destined for premium supermarkets in the most exclusive districts of Dubai.

The visit highlighted the fascinating contrasts between the ultra-modern urban lifestyle and the rural landscapes.

Obviously , the journey was also enriched by short turism and the discovery of local gastronomy .