IoT revolutionizes Saudi agriculture toward sustainability and prosperity

IoT-enabled farming technologies play a crucial role in improving productivity and sustainability through precision monitoring and management, resource efficiency, and remote management. (SPA)
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Updated 26 June 2024
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IoT revolutionizes Saudi agriculture toward sustainability and prosperity

  • Transformative approach promises to revolutionize traditional agricultural practices

RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s vast agricultural terrain, a transformative shift is occurring, driven by the adoption of advanced technologies.

Despite challenges such as water scarcity, inefficient practices, and climatic hardships, integrating Internet of Things technologies in farming is bringing a sense of optimism.

This transformative approach promises to revolutionize traditional agricultural practices and offer a path toward a more resilient and prosperous future for Saudi farmers. 

In an interview with Arab News, economist and policy adviser Mahmoud Khairy said that improving productivity, resource efficiency, and sustainability in the farming sector are key factors driving the adoption of IoT applications in the Kingdom.

“These technologies enable farmers to monitor and manage their crops and livestock more effectively, leading to better yields and reduced costs,” he said.

Phil Webster, partner at the management consulting firm Arthur D. Little, told Arab News: “There has been significant uptake of these relatively nascent technologies compared to, say, five years ago.”

As the nation embraces IoT solutions, it embarks on a journey toward sustainable agriculture, where productivity, efficiency, and environmental stewardship converge to create a brighter future.

Transforming agricultural practices

The application of IoT in smart farming is revolutionizing traditional agricultural practices. Farmers can gather real-time data on various parameters crucial for crop growth by utilizing sensors, actuators, and connected devices. 

Soil moisture, temperature, humidity, livestock health, and crop growth data are collected and analyzed to make informed decisions. This data-driven approach enables farmers to optimize resource usage, improve crop yields, and minimize environmental impact.

Mishkat, a company specializing in sustainable and high-production farming, has highlighted its initiatives, such as vertical farming and impressive greenhouse facilities, which showcase the immense potential of IoT technologies in overcoming challenges.

The company aims to produce nutritious, authentic, and trusted food with minimal environmental impact, prioritizing sustainability, safety, and health.

“We want to be the leading experts in KSA on sustainable and high production farming techniques, delivering high- quality produce with maximum resource efficiency,” Mishkat says.

The firm’s unique fusion of vertical farming with greenhouse cultivation offers a sustainable solution to local pesticide-free and water-efficient production.

Nestled on the outskirts of Jeddah, Mishkat’s agricultural facility combines vertical farming with advanced greenhouse technology to offer a sustainable solution to local pesticide-free and water-efficient production.

This unique fusion of techniques presents a compelling vision for the future of agriculture in arid regions. Their facility includes a vertical farm where crops are grown in stacked layers.

This design, reminiscent of a multi-tiered tower, is more than just visually striking – it’s a smart solution to land scarcity. 

These technologies enable farmers to monitor and manage their crops and livestock more effectively, leading to better yields and reduced costs.

Mahmoud Khairy, economist and policy adviser

Complementing the vertical farm, Mishkat boasts two state-of-the-art greenhouses. These structures, armed with advanced climate control systems, provide an optimal environment for plant growth.

By modulating factors like temperature, humidity, and light, greenhouses ensure that the crops inside are shielded from the harsh climatic conditions typical of the Jeddah outskirts.

Mishkat’s headquarters is unique for several reasons: it is among the first commercial vertical farms in the Kingdom, offers rare greenhouse and vertical hybrid agricultural facilities, and is one of the few certified organically controlled environment farms globally.

In Riyadh, Bather Farm is also redefining urban farming with its cutting-edge vertical farming system.

By leveraging Agritecture Designer farm planning software and iFarm technology, Bather Farm optimizes crop production in an otherwise arid environment.

“At Bather Farm, we envision a greener and healthier Saudi Arabia, where agriculture gives to the people and planet more than it takes,” the firm says on its website.

This project underlines CEA’s potential to reinvent regional agriculture, paving the way toward food security and sustainability.

This melding of technology and agriculture underscores the potential for harmonizing urban living with sustainable farming practices.

E-farming boosting the economy

Economist and policy adviser Mahmoud Khairy emphasized the significance of adopting advanced agricultural solutions in Saudi Arabia.

Khairy highlighted that embracing IoT-enabled farming technologies and precision agriculture practices aligns with the nation’s broader economic and agricultural development objectives.

He added: “By embracing these technologies, the country aims to modernize its agricultural sector, create job opportunities, and reduce its dependency on food imports,” stressing that such advancements would bolster food security, diversify the economy, and minimize water usage in agriculture.

Moreover, Khairy pointed out that implementing data-driven approaches to optimize crop yields and resource efficiency could lead to several economic benefits.

By leveraging data analytics, farmers can make more informed decisions, resulting in increased productivity, higher revenues, and improved profitability. 

Partnerships and collaborations play a critical role in promoting the adoption and maintenance of digital technologies in agriculture.

Phil Webster, partner at Arthur D. Little

Khairy emphasized that compared to traditional methods, data-driven approaches offer a more precise and scientific way of managing agricultural operations. Therefore, they enhance productivity and resource efficiency while ensuring long-term economic viability and sustainability.

IoT-enabled farming technologies in Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector play a crucial role in improving productivity and sustainability through precision monitoring and management, resource efficiency, and remote management, according to Khairy.

“These technologies, such as sensors and drones, provide real-time data on soil quality, crop health, and pest infestations, allowing farmers to make informed decisions on irrigation, fertilization, and pest control,” he explained.

Government support and collaboration

For IoT technologies to reach their full potential in Saudi agriculture, government support and collaboration are paramount.

Initiatives like the National Agricultural Development Co.’s AI solutions demonstrate the importance of leveraging technology for agricultural advancement.

By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and providing financial support, policymakers can facilitate the widespread adoption of IoT technologies.

Additionally, investment in research and development, infrastructure, and training programs is essential to equip farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to embrace IoT solutions effectively.

Moreover, partnerships between government agencies, agricultural extension services, technology providers, and academic institutions can promote knowledge-sharing and innovation in the agricultural sector.

“Partnerships and collaborations play a critical role in promoting the adoption and maintenance of digital technologies in agriculture,” Arthur D. Little’s Webster emphasized.

He added: “The most important role of such collaborations is to ensure that there is good governance over the data that is collected at all parts of the food chain from farm to fork.” 

Webster explained that data governance is “clarity over how data – and any associated meta-data – is collected, in what form, and for use by whom (e.g., different parts of the agri-food supply chain, regulators, Government) and under what circumstances.”

He stressed the cruciality of such aspects in ensuring that business models involving the use and monetization of data work effectively.

Webster also called on farmers to take advantage of the Saudi government’s wide range of initiatives and programs to integrate digital technologies.

The General Authority for Statistics has recently launched the inventory survey of agricultural holdings in the Kingdom in order to provide essential data on plant and animal production, including cultivated areas and production quantities, as well as sales volumes, crop values, and livestock numbers at the regional level.

Commenting on the survey, Khairy said: “With this data, policymakers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders can identify areas for improvement, pinpoint specific challenges faced by farmers, and tailor agriculture solutions to address the unique needs of different regions.”

As Saudi Arabia faces the challenges of water scarcity, climate change, and food security, embracing IoT technologies becomes imperative.

The integration of IoT in agriculture offers a pathway to overcome these challenges, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices.

Through collaboration, innovation, and government support, Saudi farmers can embark on a journey toward a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future.

“Owing to both demand and investment – as well as the increasing availability of IoT-enabled farming technologies – this future trajectory will no doubt continue,” Webster said.

He suggested that the nation could soon achieve self-sufficiency or become a net exporter, particularly in products like eggs.

Webster envisioned a revolution in agricultural supply chains, emphasizing a transition to alternative proteins with great potential in semi or fully-automated indoor farming, which promises heightened productivity and reduced production costs.

Khairy said that Saudi Arabia’s adoption of advanced farming technologies is “poised to make significant contributions to global food security and environmental conservation efforts.”

He added that through the incorporation of sustainable agricultural practices, farmers in the Kingdom can increase productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

“This not only ensures food security domestically but also allows Saudi Arabia to potentially become a key player in international food supply chains,” Khairy explained.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,213 

Updated 14 July 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,213 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index closed lower on Monday, falling 39.31 points, or 0.35 percent, to end the day at 11,213.59.

The total trading turnover on the benchmark index reached SR4.54 billion ($1.21 billion), with 60 stocks advancing and 190 declining.  

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index also retreated, shedding 5.46 points, or 0.38 percent, to close at 1,436.97. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu declined by 80.73 points, or 0.29 percent, closing at 27,356.89. Of the listed stocks, 22 advanced while 56 retreated.  

The best-performing stock was Alistithmar AREIC Diversified REIT Fund, with its share price rising by 9.91 percent to SR9.43. 

Other top performers included Saudi Industrial Investment Group, which saw its share price rise by 4.56 percent to SR17.42, and Al Hassan Ghazi Ibrahim Shaker Co., which saw a 4.48 percent increase to SR29.40. 

On the downside, Emaar The Economic City posted the steepest drop of the day, falling 4.12 percent to SR13.73.  

Naseej International Trading Co. fell 4.03 percent to SR102.50, and MBC Group Co. dropped 3.79 percent to SR34.02. 

On the announcements front, Jarir Marketing Co. reported estimated net profits of SR197.2 million for the first half of 2025, marking a 15.2 percent increase from the same period last year. 

In a statement on Tadawul, the company attributed the estimated increase to a 4.5 percent rise in gross profit, driven by higher sales of after-sales services along with improved profit margins and an increase in other income. 

Jarir’s shares gained 1.27 percent, closing at SR12.79.

Advanced Petrochemical Co. also announced its estimated financial results for the same period. The firm’s net profits were estimated to reach SR82 million, up by 95.2 percent from the same period last year. 

The company said that the increase was driven by an 8 percent rise in net revenues, lower propane and purchased propylene prices. 

Advanced Petrochemical Co. also announced the completion of construction and successful operational launch of its Propane Dehydrogenation plant, capable of producing 843,000 tonnes of propylene annually, along with two PolyPropylene plants operated by Advanced Polyolefins Industry Co. with a combined capacity of 800,000 tonnes per year. 

The facilities, located in Jubail Industrial City, mark a significant milestone in the company’s expansion in the petrochemical sector, according to a statement. 

APOC, a joint venture between Advanced Global Investment Co. and SK Gas Petrochemical Pte., will begin contributing to Advanced Petrochemical Co.’s consolidated financial results starting in the third quarter of 2025. 

Advanced Petrochemical shares closed 0.32 percent higher at SR31.48. 


Italian firm Webuild secures $600m contract as Diriyah project gains pace

Updated 14 July 2025
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Italian firm Webuild secures $600m contract as Diriyah project gains pace

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Square project has awarded a $600 million contract to Italian construction firm Webuild, marking a major step forward for the Kingdom’s heritage-driven development.

The contract, awarded to a subsidiary of the Italian group — Salini Saudi Arabia — covers the construction of 70 buildings and public spaces within the mixed-use development, which forms part of the broader Diriyah master plan. 

With this latest award, Webuild’s total involvement in the sit, known as the City of Earth, now stands at roughly $2 billion, the company said in a statement. 

Diriyah Square is a central component of Diriyah Co.’s strategy to transform the historic district into a commercial, residential, and cultural hub. 

The project is one of five giga-projects backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, aimed at reshaping the Kingdom’s economy and tourism offering under the Vision 2030 plan. 

Diriyah will contribute approximately SR70 billion ($18.6 billion) directly to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, create nearly 180,000 jobs and will be home to an estimated 100,000 people. 

Diriyah Co.’s group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “Diriyah Square is one of our most exciting, anticipated and prestigious districts, and we are extremely pleased to have signed with Salini to deliver it, bringing their immense global experience to the table.”

He added that this marks another important milestone in their development journey, paving the way for Diriyah Square’s retail spaces to welcome a diverse range of visitors — from nearby residential communities and surrounding office hubs to the millions who visit each year.

The contract covers Package 3 Finishing and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, delivering a pedestrian-friendly environment in traditional Najdi style across 365,000 sq. meters. Webuild is also working on the 10,500-space underground parking facility, awarded in 2022 and currently 55 percent complete, alongside structural packages 3, 6, and 7. 

According to Diriyah Co., the project aims to create a retail district showcasing 400 brands across retail, leisure, and dining.  

In a statement released by Webuild, CEO Pietro Salini said: “We are proud to be able to contribute to a project of such symbolic and strategic value for Saudi Arabia. Our presence in the Kingdom will be further strengthened by work that will have a positive impact on the area as well as the local community.” 

He added that the company has operated in Saudi Arabia since 1966 and has completed more than 90 projects.

“We continue to support the country to develop some of the most challenging infrastructure projects in the world, especially in sectors such as civil buildings, sustainable mobility, and desalination,” Salini said. 


BYD plans major Saudi expansion following Tesla’s market entry

Updated 14 July 2025
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BYD plans major Saudi expansion following Tesla’s market entry

RIYADH: Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD Co. is aiming to triple its presence in Saudi Arabia after Tesla Inc.’s recent market entry, the firm’s managing director for the Kingdom has announced.

Currently operating three showrooms, BYD plans to expand to 10 locations by late 2026, according to Jerome Saigot. 

The expansion comes after Tesla entered the Saudi market in April with a Riyadh showroom, joining BYD and fellow Chinese firm Geely.

The development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to establish itself as a regional EV hub, targeting 30 percent EV adoption by 2030 as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan.

“Saudi is a complex market. You need to go fast. You need to think big,” Saigot said in an interview with Bloomberg, adding: “We are not here to stay at 5 (thousand) or 10,000 cars a year.” 

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has been aggressively investing in the EV sector, backing Lucid Motors, launching its brand, Ceer, and supporting charging infrastructure development. 

However, EVs still account for just over 1 percent of total car sales, as high costs, limited charging infrastructure, and extreme weather remain challenges, Bloomberg reported, citing data from PwC.

Saigot told Bloomberg that Tesla’s presence in the Kingdom was a positive development, helping to boost consumer awareness of EVs.

“The more Tesla communicates on marketing, the better it is for us,” said Saigot, who started at BYD in April after serving in previous roles at Nissan Motor Co. and Great Wall Motor Co.

BYD has been closing the gap with Tesla globally, outselling the US automaker in Europe for the first time in April. 

The Kingdom’s push toward electric mobility is gaining momentum, with Tesla’s recent market entry seen as a potential catalyst for faster adoption. Alessandro Tricamo, partner at Oliver Wyman, told Arab News in an interview earlier this month that nearly half of Saudis are now considering an EV purchase. 

“Tesla’s entry into the Saudi market is potentially a significant win-win situation,” he said, pointing to the brand’s appeal in a car-centric market and the company’s need to expand beyond declining Western sales. 

Also in an interview earlier this month, Taline Vahanian of Marsh UAE warned of risks for the sector, including battery degradation in extreme heat and costly insurance premiums, which could slow adoption.


Saudi PIF rises to 4th among sovereign wealth funds as assets surpass $1tn 

Updated 14 July 2025
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Saudi PIF rises to 4th among sovereign wealth funds as assets surpass $1tn 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has rise one place to 4th globally among sovereign wealth bodies, with assets surpassing $1 trillion, according to Global SWF’s July rankings.

PIF now ranks behind only Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global and two Chinese entities — the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and the China Investment Corporation — and surpasses the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and the Kuwait Investment Authority.

The new ranking underscores PIF’s growing influence in global capital markets. 

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has mandated the fund to grow its assets to $2 trillion by 2030, while generating long-term returns and supporting economic diversification. 

PIF’s assets under management climbed to $1.15 trillion in 2024, up from approximately $925 billion the previous year. However, net profit declined during the period due to rising operational costs, interest expenses, and asset write-downs linked to project delays and revisions, according to Global SWF. 

In response, the fund has shifted its strategy and is now prioritizing liquidity through short-term sukuk and commercial paper, while focusing on scalable, revenue-generating assets over high-cost mega-projects. This repositioning also includes increased investments in AI infrastructure, ETF platforms, and co-investments with global asset managers. 

Underscoring its international ambitions, PIF has invested about $200 million in a prime Manhattan real estate project with Related Companies, Bloomberg reported in July.

The fund plans to acquire a two-thirds stake in the 625 Madison Avenue site, where a 1,200-foot tower is under consideration, just steps from Central Park. 

The move builds on PIF’s earlier ties with Related, including a 2020 debt investment, and reflects its appetite for high-profile, long-horizon real estate in strategic global cities. 

Internationally, the fund holds stakes in prominent companies such as Lucid Motors, Nintendo, Uber, and BlackRock, and remains active across sectors including technology, mobility, and renewable energy, as well as gaming and sports. 

According to Global SWF, PIF is moving away from a strategy centered on rapid capital deployment, toward a more disciplined approach focused on financial sustainability, cost control, and delivering measurable returns. 


Egypt approves largest economic support package for SMEs worth $100.8m

Updated 14 July 2025
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Egypt approves largest economic support package for SMEs worth $100.8m

RIYADH: Entrepreneurs in Egypt’s priority sectors will soon gain access to affordable financing, as the 2025/2026 state budget earmarks 5 billion Egyptian pounds ($100.8 million) to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

This partnership between the North African country’s Ministry of Finance and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, which accounts for the largest economic support in the new budget, represents a significant step in bolstering the private sector and productive industries, according to a statement.

This move supports financial policies that boost private sector activity and promote entrepreneurship, aiming for financial sustainability while enhancing MSMEDA’s contribution to business growth nationwide.

It also aligns with recent data showing that startups across the Middle East and North Africa raised $289 million through 44 deals in May, a 25 percent increase from April and a 2 percent rise year-on-year. Egypt led regional fundraising with $125 million, driven by Nawy’s $75 million round alongside seven other deals totaling $50 million.

The newly released ministry statement said the money “will contribute to providing easy financing for young entrepreneurs, targeting priority sectors more closely.”

It added: “This comes as part of a new phase of strong and effective cooperation with the agency, aiming to achieve financial sustainability for the agency to drive economic growth.”

The statement further revealed that Egypt’s Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk noted that an initial agreement with MSMEDA has been reached to fund initiatives that support tax relief beneficiaries, promote entrepreneurship, and boost local manufacturing, as well as empower low-income households and advance export-focused projects.

Kouchouk added that this fiscal year, the initial group of businesses enrolling in the simplified and unified tax system would receive access to preferential, low-cost financing.

Basel Rahmi, CEO of MSMEDA, commended the Ministry of Finance’s efforts to back emerging businesses and boost private-sector expansion.

Rahmi praised the minister’s proactive vision, noting it would open doors for empowering young entrepreneurs economically.

In June, a statement issued by the Ministerial Group for Entrepreneurship indicated that Egypt’s startup ecosystem saw notable progress in securing venture capital and debt financing in the first five months of the year, with tracked deals totaling $228 million since January.

The statement further revealed at the time that 16 deals were completed between January and May, with 11 of them publicly disclosing investments amounting to $156 million. These investments represented a 130 percent rise compared to the volume during the same period last year.