Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security
As part of its Vision 2030, the Kingdom has placed food security among its top priorities, implementing a national strategy to boost local production and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.
The agricultural sector's contribution to GDP rose to SAR114 billion ($30.4 billion) in 2024, up from SAR109 billion ($29 billion) the previous year, according to the latest Vision 2030 annual report.
Government support, particularly through the Agricultural Development Fund, has fueled the sector's growth. Agricultural loans increased by 54% between 2018 and 2024, reaching SAR5 billion ($1.33 billion).
Saudi Arabia has achieved higher self-sufficiency rates across several key products. Domestic production in 2024 included 2.95 million tons of fruit, 3.38 million tons of vegetables, 1.83 million tons of grains, 399,000 tons of eggs, 2.7 million tons of milk, 274,000 tons of red meat, 1.15 million tons of poultry, 217,000 tons of fish, and 8,500 tons of honey.
Aquaculture has seen significant growth, with fish production rising from 40,000 tons in 2016 to over 246,000 tons in 2024, driven by investments in sustainable technologies and marine projects. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as an emerging regional hub for aquaculture.
The Kingdom's progress reflects its long-term commitment to food security, supported by initiatives to enhance supply chains, stimulate private sector investment, and advance research and innovation in modern farming technologies. Authorities say the achievements so far signal Saudi Arabia's ability to continue advancing toward self-sufficiency in a more resilient and sustainable agricultural environment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Arabiya
6 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Skills Week drives Saudi push to upskill workforce aligning with Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia has launched 'Skills Week' to spotlight sweeping national initiatives designed to transform the Kingdom's labor market and empower youth in alignment with Vision 2030. Under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), the initiative runs from July 13-19 and is led by the newly established Skills and Training Deputyship, in collaboration with government bodies and private sector partners. The ministry celebrated 'World Youth Skills Day' on July 15 with the launch of the nationwide campaign aimed at accelerating skills development across sectors and promoting a productivity-driven labor market. This year's theme, 'skills first,' reflects the Kingdom's growing emphasis on aligning training and education with the demands of a modern workforce, the ministry said in a statement shared with Al Arabiya English. The initiative aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia's skills ecosystem and ensure alignment with market needs through a variety of targeted programs, the statement added. Dr. Ahmed bin Abdullah Alzahrani, Deputy Minister for Skills and Training, said: 'This effort supports all groups across our labor market. We are building a sustainable skills ecosystem integrated with education and training, preparing a young generation ready to drive Saudi Arabia's transformation and compete globally, in line with Vision 2030.' Flagship programs One of the flagship programs under this effort is the Waad National Training Initiative – a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 human capital development strategy. Originally launched to bridge the gap between education and workforce demands, Waad achieved a 129 percent overachievement in training opportunities during its first phase, collaborating with 14 private sector entities, according to the ministry. Now in its second phase, the initiative seeks to deliver three million training opportunities by 2028 through partnerships with over 65 public and private sector entities. Another key project is the Sector Skills Councils Initiative, comprising 13 councils and more than 200 industry members. The ministry has introduced the Sector Skills Framework Tool, which features over 8,500 technical skills, mapped across 12 critical sectors, and provides a strategic reference for tailoring training to industry-specific needs. Saudi Arabia's labor market strategy These efforts fall under the umbrella of Saudi Arabia's Labor Market Strategy, approved by the Council of Ministers in 2020. The strategy aims to enhance labor participation, improve productivity, and reduce unemployment rates – all of which have already contributed to a 4.9 percent increase in labor productivity in 2022, the highest among G20 economies. Further advancing this vision, the ministry launched the Skill Accelerator Program, which targets the upskilling and reskilling of over 300,000 Saudis by 2027. The program spans the top seven sectors driving GDP and employment, offering over 3,000 training programs nationwide in partnership with local and international training providers. Saudi Arabia also continues to enhance labor market quality through the 'Professional Verification Program', ensuring that skilled workers from more than 169 countries and 1,000 professions meet strict competency standards. Complementing labor market reforms further, the Kingdom is reshaping its education system through the 'Human Capability Development Program', encompassing early childhood through higher education and lifelong learning, to foster a resilient and future-ready workforce. To support the Kingdom's labor market agenda, the ministry has also introduced several institutional frameworks: 13 'Sector Skills Councils' covering sectors responsible for 85 percent of GDP and 80 percent of the workforce. A 'Job Creation Index Unit' to evaluate employment initiatives. A 'Foresight Unit' to anticipate emerging talent needs. A 'Skills System Framework' to govern implementation and ensure sustainability.
Leaders
a day ago
- Leaders
Uber Rolls Out 'Women Drivers' Option in Saudi Arabia
Uber has launched the 'Women Drivers' option in Saudi Arabia – a new feature that allows female riders to pair exclusively with female drivers. Following its introduction in other countries, including Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and several European countries, the unique feature has come to Saudi Arabia for safer rides and more inclusive experience. Announced during Uber's 'By Women, For Women' special event in Riyadh, the launch of the new feature coincided with the 7th anniversary of lifting drive ban for women in Saudi Arabia. Women Drivers Option The 'Women Drivers' feature is part of a broader effort to increase Saudi women's participation in the work force, particularly the mobility sector. Moreover, the women-only taxis feature underscores Uber's commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for women, in line with the objectives of the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. Women Empowerment On this occasion, Uber's General Manager in Saudi Arabia, Youssef Abouseif, said: 'The launch of the 'Women Drivers' product reflects our commitment to empowering women and supporting their mobility and economic independence. We're giving women more choice, more opportunity, and a strong sense of community.' The Kingdom has made major milestones toward empowering women and increasing their participation in the workforce, as part of its transformative Vision 2030. In the light of this, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving 7 years ago. The new feature will be gradually rolled out to Uber users across the Kingdom, allowing female drivers to accept exclusively female riders. Supportive Initiatives Additionally, Uber has announced ambitious programs to support obtaining licenses, as well as savings on vehicle access, offering more than 20 million subsidized rides for women. The platform has also launched communities for women drivers, where they can connect, receive top tips, and share their experiences. The #Gigsister initiative aims to empower women drivers and help them grow. Furthermore, the platform is partnering with Alnahda Society, a non-profit that supports women's empowerment, to promote women's financial literacy and economic independence in Saudi Arabia. Safer Rides As part of its safety measures, Uber has developed in-app emergency assistance, 24/7 incident support, as well as 'Follow My Ride' for a safer riding experience. In the light of this, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority, Fahd Hamidaddin, said: 'One thing we're not doing well is talking about safety for women. We're going to tell the world how safe Saudi Arabia is for our mothers, sisters and daughters, our female travelers.' Short link : Post Views: 23
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Lulu launches 3 value concept stores in Saudi Arabia
Lulu Group inaugurated three new value concept — LOT — stores in Saudi Arabia in a single day — in Makkah, Saihat, Eastern Province, and Riyadh. The central launch event took place in Makkah and was attended by dignitaries and government officials. The Makkah store was inaugurated by Dr. Waleed Basuliman, general manager of investment and partnerships at the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, alongside Lulu Group chairman Yusuff Ali M.A. Nasser Huwaiden Thaiban Ali Alketbi, consul general of the UAE in Jeddah; Engineer Yaser Attar, director general of investment and deputy for planning and financial sustainability at Makkah Municipality; business figures from Makkah, Engineer Abdulaziz Al Sindi, and Sheikh Ibrahim Al Rifaei were also present. Yusuffali M.A. said: 'This expansion reflects our commitment to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and our goal to offer high-quality, affordable products to all.' He added that with LOT, their aim is to redefine value retailing by making everyday essentials accessible to everyone without compromising on quality. 'Four more LOT stores are in the pipeline in the Kingdom,' the Lulu chairman added. Located on Abdullah Areef Street in Al-Rusafyah District, the new Makkah LOT store spans 43,000 square feet and is designed to deliver an engaging, budget-friendly shopping experience. It features a wide selection of household essentials, kitchenware, and fashion for men, women, and children, with a strong emphasis on quality and affordability. The store also offers ample parking space, enhancing its convenience for residents and visitors alike. These value concept stores offer a wide range of products at unbeatable prices, with many items priced below SR22. This initiative aims to ensure that everyone can access high-quality goods, including household essentials, kitchenware, and fashion for men, women, and children. The Eastern Province outlet, located in Saihat within the Lulu Hypermarket complex on Al-Musib Ibn Rafi Street, offers 24,000 square feet of smart retail space tailored to budget-friendly shoppers. Meanwhile, the Riyadh location in Al-Malaz features 18772 square feet of retail space and comprehensive parking facilities, positioning it as a flagship destination for value shopping in the capital. All three stores opened with exclusive collections and promotional offers, reinforcing LOT's core mission of making good-quality products accessible at wallet-friendly prices, responding to growing consumer demand for affordable yet high-quality retail experiences. With this strategic expansion, Lulu continues to strengthen its footprint in the Saudi market, energizing the local retail sector and reaffirming its commitment to delivering value-driven shopping across key cities in the region.
