Red Sea Global launches The Red Sea Farm Cooperative to transform agricultural economy in Tabuk region

Riyadh, 27 August, 2023: Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and Amaala, has launched The Red Sea Farm Cooperative, also known as Tamala. 

Under the cooperative, RSG is enabling farmers to sell their produce directly to its resorts as well as introduce new farming technologies to increase production while prioritizing sustainability. 

Bringing together over 3,000 farms – many of which are growing citrus fruits, olives and dates – in the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia, Tamala is supporting the farming community surrounding The Red Sea and Amaala destinations. 

“Empowering and supporting regional agriculture allows Red Sea Global to bring fresh and sustainable produce to our guests while delivering on our targets to source food responsibly and support the local economy,”

said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global. 

“Moreover, the cooperative ensures that local farmers share knowledge and best practices and implement fair prices for produce. It supports local farmers in learning new approaches and how to implement new technologies, and by working cohesively with Red Sea Global, our goal is to ensure they maximize their business in line with the growth of inbound tourism to the region,”

he added.

RSG partnered with public and private sector alike to establish Tamala, including Ethmar Alriyadah Co. Ltd and Ghoroos Charitable Foundation. A board of directors has been formed to oversee the cooperative and meet the needs of the farmers involved.

Made up of 29 agricultural experts and local farmers, the board is working on help local farmers to generate maximum returns from their quality produce. Farmers will be guided by agricultural experts to increase efficiency and drive a transition to more sustainable farming methods. This includes education on modern approaches such as how to improve irrigation.

The newly appointed Chairman of Tamala, Dr. Abdullah Al-Dubaikhi, said: “Tamala represents a significant opportunity for Saudi agriculture. Our strategic plan has been developed through extensive research of Tabuk’s environmental ecosystems, identifying the opportunities and challenges for local farmers as well as natural and human resources.” 

Tamala joins other community initiatives powered by RSG, including the Amerah Souq. Launched in December 2022, Amerah Souq saw a pilot series of market days hosted for the towns and villages neighbouring The Red Sea. RSG intends to launch the Souq permanently and is exploring ways to make it more sustainable with the help of government and non-government entities in the region.