Saudi Agriculture Exhibition Showcases $960 Million in Agreements to Boost Food Security and Sustainability
Riyadh — Saudi Arabia has taken another major step toward strengthening its agricultural innovation and food security goals, as Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley inaugurated the 42nd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh on Monday.
The event, which saw the signing of 28 agreements and memoranda of understanding worth over SR3.6 billion ($960 million), underscores the Kingdom’s growing role as a global leader in sustainable agriculture and environmental innovation.
Held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, the four-day exhibition features nearly 450 companies and organizations from 34 countries, including 11 national pavilions.
The event serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies in plant, animal, and fish production, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals of achieving food self-sufficiency, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing the Kingdom’s agricultural competitiveness.
In his opening remarks, Minister Al-Fadley emphasized the significance of agricultural innovation in achieving environmental sustainability, water preservation, and food security.
He noted that the record-breaking number of agreements signed reflects the confidence of local and international investors in the Kingdom’s agricultural sector, which continues to expand through strategic investments and advanced research.
Prince Saud bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the board at Riyadh Exhibitions Co., highlighted the event’s growing influence, describing it as “a vital global platform for exchanging expertise, forging partnerships, and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.”
He added that global environmental challenges call for innovative solutions and collaboration between nations to safeguard natural resources and ensure a resilient future for food production.
Following the inauguration, Minister Al-Fadley toured various pavilions, exploring the latest advancements in livestock management, aquaculture, organic farming, food processing, agricultural machinery, and biotechnology.
He praised the exhibitors for their contribution to transforming agriculture into a high-tech, eco-conscious industry that supports both local farmers and international trade.
The exhibition’s first day saw the signing of 28 strategic agreements among public, semi-governmental, and private entities aimed at enhancing agricultural investments, supporting startups, and driving innovation in the sector.
Several international partnerships were also announced, focused on boosting Saudi Arabia’s agri-food value chains, expanding research in climate-resilient crops, and encouraging technology transfer from leading agricultural nations.
According to event organizers, the Saudi agricultural sector contributed SR119 billion to the national GDP in 2024, marking a steady rise in productivity and investment.
This figure is expected to climb to SR140 billion by 2030, reflecting the country’s success in diversifying its economy and reducing dependency on imports through sustainable domestic production.
Running parallel to the exhibition is the International Future of Agriculture Summit, which gathers experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from around the world to discuss the future of food systems, digital agriculture, and sustainable farming techniques.
Topics such as AI-driven irrigation, hydroponics, and green supply chains are central to this year’s discussions, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role as a regional hub for smart agriculture.
Industry leaders attending the exhibition praised the Kingdom’s proactive approach toward building a resilient and environmentally responsible food system.
By leveraging technology, research, and international partnerships, Saudi Arabia continues to advance toward its Vision 2030 targets, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration.
The exhibition not only celebrates Saudi Arabia’s agricultural progress but also serves as a reminder of the Kingdom’s broader mission: ensuring food security for future generations while balancing economic growth and environmental stewardship.
With over 450 global participants and nearly $1 billion in agreements, the 42nd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to creating a prosperous, sustainable, and food-secure future — both for itself and for the wider world.
