The Agricultural Development Fund signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Centre for Palms & Dates to strengthen cooperation in financing investment opportunities across the agricultural sector. Signed under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the agreement aims to leverage the Fund’s financing programs to support investors and farmers while advancing the Kingdom’s food security objectives. 

The MoU was signed by Eng. Munir bin Fahd Al-Sahli, CEO of the Agricultural Development Fund, and Dr. Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al-Sahlawi, CEO of the National Centre for Palms & Dates. 

Aimed at supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the Kingdom’s palm and date sector and its related industries, the agreement focuses on two main areas: financing date procurement operations and developing an integrated service ecosystem that enhances production efficiency and provides innovative, sector-specific financing solutions. 

Munir bin Fahd Al-Sahli, CEO of the Agricultural Development Fund, emphasized that the agreement reflects the Fund’s ongoing commitment to driving investment in the Kingdom’s palm and date sector. The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to expand the Fund’s financing portfolio to cover priority agricultural industries, including dates. As part of this effort, the Fund is focused on offering tailored lending solutions, easing financial barriers for investors, and supporting job creation across the value chain. 

Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Sahlawi, CEO of the National Centre for Palms & Dates, emphasized that the partnership will play a pivotal role in boosting commercial activity across seasonal date markets and empowering small-scale traders and buyers. The initiative is expected to draw more participants into the market, strengthen liquidity for farmers, enhance trading efficiency, and encourage other financing institutions to invest in this high-potential sector. 

These partnerships underscore the joint role of both entities in advancing sustainable development within the agricultural sector. The Agricultural Development Fund serves as a key pillar in financing agricultural projects, boosting productivity through modern technologies, and strengthening long-term food security. Meanwhile, the National Centre for Palms & Dates is focused on driving the growth and sustainability of the palm and date industry through an integrated ecosystem of agricultural and market-support services. Central to this ecosystem is the seasonal markets platform, which enhances efficiency, transparency, and protection for all stakeholders.