Saudi Greenhouse Management and Agri Marketing Co. (SGH) is partnering with Topian, the NEOM food company, to establish the Horticulture Innovation Center (HIC) at the University of Tabuk.

The facility will serve as a hub for education and innovation in the horticultural sector, supporting Saudi Arabia to develop local talent and advance controlled-environment agriculture.

The facility is being designed by the team behind the World Horti Center in the Netherlands. SGH will lead on the construction and joint operation of the HIC, while Topian will oversee its daily operations.

In a joint news release, SGH and Topian stated the HIC will “foster collaboration among industry experts, researchers and local growers. It aims to develop a new generation of skilled greenhouse operators equipped with practical knowledge and hands-on experience tailored to Saudi Arabia’s diverse agricultural conditions.”

“The establishment of the Horticulture Innovation Center at the University of Tabuk is a testament to our shared commitment to revolutionizing agriculture in Saudi Arabia,” said Mohamed Al Rasheed, CEO of SGH. “This facility will be pivotal in equipping local talent to lead the industry into a sustainable future.”

The facility will showcase a wide range of technologies and growing methods, including high-tech glass greenhouses with automated temperature and lighting control to easy-to-install shade houses, enabling operators to adopt the technology best suited to their specific needs.

“Topian is thrilled to partner with SGH in creating a landmark center for horticultural excellence,” said Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Topian. “By collaborating with the team behind the World Horti Center, we’re bringing the best in design, technology and innovation to Saudi Arabia.”

Work is due to start on the Center in Q2 2025. Once open, the Center will draw on the expertise of local and international specialists to develop sustainable practices within the Kingdom’s horticultural sector through educational programs and innovative technologies.

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