Saudi Arabian company Tabuk Agricultural Development Co. has signed a (non-binding) memorandum of understanding with TOPIAN Limited Company, (NEOM's Food Company) for cooperating to plan, develop, construct, and operate hydroponic greenhouse for the production of fruits and vegetables in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Main obligation for Tabuk Agriculture Development Co is tasked to source 100 hectares of agricultural land appropriate for constructing a mid-tech hydroponic vegetable facility in a suitable location in the TABUK with sufficient water and electricity for the purposes of the Project. Also, warehousing, cold store, labour and other available appropriate equipment for the use of the project will be integrated, and Tabuk is to provide support for the supervision of the construction of the facility.
The company is also to assist in arranging the offtake to TOPIAN for Saudi-Arabian supermarket, retail and wholesale buyers for the products
Topian itself is responsible for the design and installation of the greenhouse and will provide technical expertise in the establishment, running and operation of the facility. They will also negotiate and place contracts for all indoor growing, greenhouse, packing and grading supplies, define the production plan and manage customer relations, assist in the recruitment, supervision and manage the workforce, and provide training to the local workforce. At last, they are to secure the sale and distribution of all production from the facility.
This memorandum begins from the date of its signing for a period of one year and ends at the end of it or with the signing of a binding agreement
Neom and Topian
NEOM, the Saudi megaproject developer, launched the food company Topian in December 2023, to focus on food production and distribution. Topian is supported by the Saudi Environment, Water & Agriculture Ministry to work towards the kingdom's food security goals. The company explores sustainable and innovative food solutions, including climate-proof agriculture; regenerative aquaculture; novel foods; personalized nutrition; sustainable food supply; and environmental, social, and corporate governance issues.
NEOM comprises four 'megacities' and is perhaps most well-known for its mirrored city THE LINE. Currently under construction, the 170-kilometer-long 'ground scraper' is planned to be car-free and powered by 100 percent renewable energy. The recently announced greenhouse facilities will further NEOM's self-sustaining vision. Earlier on, NEOM contracted Dutch greenhouse company Van Der Hoeven in an effort to introduce flourishing gardens amidst the arid deserts of Saudi Arabia, to further their self-sustaining vision.
Tabuk
Tabuk Agriculture Development Company (TADCO) is an agricultural company in Middle East and North Africa (MENA), managing its operations regionally from Tabuk city at the North West of Saudi Arabia, where its core operations run on a 35000 hectares farm.