At the time of writing, the Eden Project in Cornwall, England, is possibly the largest and most well-known greenhouse facility in the world, consisting of multiple biomes, which are large, geodesic domes that house different ecosystems and plant species from around the world. It will, though, soon have competition in the form of the latest NEOM venture – a horticultural haven spanning an area equivalent to 15 soccer fields.
Enlisting the expertise of the Dutch greenhouse firm, Van Der Hoeven, to establish an ‘artificial climate’ conducive to cultivating crops in regions unsuitable for traditional agriculture, the project will help NEOM to redefine the ways in which food is produced, distributed, and consumed.
A horticultural haven spanning an area equivalent to 15 soccer fields
This undertaking marks the most significant food technology investment embarked on in the Kingdom, which wrestles with the necessity of food imports due to its arid terrain and extraordinarily high summer temperatures.
This undertaking marks the most significant food technology investment embarked on in the Kingdom
A key facet of the $120 million contract signed between Van Der Hoeven and the Saudi government is that the Dutch greenhouse company will shoulder responsibility for the design, construction, and establishment of two trial facilities on the peripheries of the NEOM development. Van Der Hoeven’s engagement will also extend to encompass the ongoing management and operation of these facilities over several years.