Showcasing the Future of Agriculture and Food Security… Self-Sufficiency Exceeds 100% in Dates, Milk and Eggs

Riyadh | BETH – October 19, 2026

Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley inaugurated the 43rd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition 2026 today at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, under the theme “An Integrated Agricultural Ecosystem for a Sustainable Future,” with the participation of government entities, local and international companies, investors and specialists.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture revealed that the agricultural sector grew by 5% in 2025 compared with the previous year, with its contribution to gross domestic product reaching approximately 3%, reflecting the sector's growing role in the economy and food security.

Ministry spokesperson Saleh bin Dukhayl said self-sufficiency rates exceeded 100% in dates, milk and eggs, and reached 80% in poultry, while aquaculture grew by 20%, with production approaching 200,000 tons.

Financing provided by the Agricultural Development Fund exceeded SAR 6.5 billion in 2025, supporting producers, stimulating investment and advancing agricultural technologies.

The exhibition witnessed the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding between government entities and local and international companies, covering agricultural production, food, aquaculture, animal health and modern technologies.

Prince Saud bin Turki bin Faisal, Chairman of Riyadh Exhibitions Company, affirmed that the exhibition, which has continued for more than four decades, serves as a platform for exchanging expertise, strengthening partnerships and promoting innovation.

Among the initiatives supporting the sector's development are the “Lemon City” project and the Agricultural Indicators Center, which aims to monitor production, the availability of strategic crops and domestic consumption, supporting planning and efficient resource utilization.

The exhibition runs until October 22, alongside the Saudi International Conference on the Future of Agriculture, which will discuss food security, advanced technologies, water management and agricultural financing, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.