In a strategic move aimed at enhancing food security and diversifying the Kingdom's economic base, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced three high-quality investment opportunities in the agricultural sector in the Makkah, Asir, and Eastern Province regions. This initiative is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts to empower the private sector and encourage it to play a pivotal role in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes sustainable development and food security.
Strategic background: Agriculture at the heart of Vision 2030
The agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by substantial government support and a focus on adopting the latest technologies to enhance production efficiency and address environmental challenges, most notably water scarcity. The Ministry is working to create an attractive investment environment that draws in both local and foreign capital by offering well-planned projects that guarantee viable economic returns while simultaneously contributing to self-sufficiency in essential crops and reducing the import bill.
Details of promising investment opportunities
The advertised opportunities are spread across three vital areas, each with its own nature and objectives:
- Greenhouse Project in Makkah: In the Khulais Governorate, the Ministry is launching a project to establish greenhouses covering a total area of 105,000 square meters. This project aims to cultivate vegetables and agricultural crops using modern farming techniques that contribute to water conservation and increased productivity. The project is expected to help meet the growing demand for fresh produce in the Western Region, with the deadline for submitting bids being March 1st.
- A fruit seedling nursery in Asir: In the Bisha Governorate, known for its fertile land and diverse agricultural products, an opportunity has been offered to establish the “Al-Haifa Nursery” on an area of 163,900 square meters. The project will specialize in the production and cultivation of high-quality fruit seedlings, supporting local farmers and contributing to the expansion of fruit cultivation in the region. The deadline for submitting proposals is March 2nd.
- Palm Waste Processing Industries in the Eastern Province: In Al-Ahsa Governorate, home to the world's largest palm oasis, the Ministry is launching an innovative and sustainable project spanning 250,000 square meters. The project focuses on establishing a processing facility for palm waste, transforming this waste from an environmental burden into economically valuable products (such as organic fertilizers, animal feed, or even certain industrial materials). This project reflects the Kingdom's commitment to the principles of a circular economy and sustainability, and the deadline for submitting bids is March 2nd.
Importance and expected impact
The importance of these projects extends beyond their direct economic impact, encompassing broad positive effects at both the local and national levels. Locally, they will contribute to creating direct and indirect job opportunities for residents, stimulating economic activity, and providing consumers with fresh and sustainable agricultural products. Nationally, they represent a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's food security and reinforce the Kingdom's position as a leading center for adopting innovative agricultural technologies and sustainable practices, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative.
The ministry called on investors and interested parties to review the details of the terms and specifications booklet through the government “Opportunities” platform, stressing its continued commitment to launching more projects that support the growth of the agricultural sector and enhance partnership with the private sector.
