Smart tech key to solving Middle East food security crisis

Smart tech key to solving Middle East food security crisis
Precision agriculture, soil health management, and improved water usage techniques are part of broader efforts to adapt to climate change and protect valuable resources. (SPA)
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Updated 15 December 2024
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Smart tech key to solving Middle East food security crisis

Smart tech key to solving Middle East food security crisis
  • Challenge of producing more food without further harming the environment intensifies

RIYADH: Increasing the use of smart technology in farming is critical if the Middle East is going to truly achieve food security, experts have told Arab News.

As agricultural productivity in the region remains vulnerable to supply chain disruption, water shortages, and conflicts, the challenge of producing more food without further harming the environment intensifies. 

Add in the consequences of climate change, and the Middle East needs to act fast — and smart — to ensure food security.

Vertical farms, increased use of data, and cross-country collaboration have all been flagged up to Arab News as key ways to tackle the short and long term challenges.

Abdel Rahman Al-Zubaidi, CEO of Ivvest, a Saudi-based agricultural technology and indoor farming company, emphasized to Arab News how his firm addresses these challenges: “Vertical farming allows exponential multiplication for the amount that can be produced in farms, enabling us to utilize vertical space and changing the way we design the production capacity from two dimensions to three dimensions.” 

He added: “This is essential for getting the best out of our limited arable lands in the Middle East, where, for instance, Saudi Arabia’s arable land was just 1.6 percent in 2021.” Available in Saudi Arabia, Ivvest’s farming “Capsule,” is a smart container farming unit empowered with IvvestOS, an operating system that brings intelligence to the facility. Using this technology, farmers can produce more than 200 plants per sq. meter, all year long, without pesticides, and while consuming 90 percent less water and land, according to the company.

Sanjay Borkar, CEO and co-founder of FarmERP, talked up the importance of innovation in an interview with Arab News, stating: “Tools like drones, sensors, and data analytics — key components of precision agriculture — help farmers and agribusiness use resources wisely. By monitoring things like soil health and water levels in real-time, farmers can fine-tune the use of water, fertilizers, and other inputs, minimizing waste and maximizing yields.” Precision agriculture, soil health management, and improved water usage techniques are part of broader efforts to adapt to climate change and protect valuable resources.Many countries are adopting climate-smart agriculture, which integrates sustainable practices that improve resilience to environmental stressors while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

Water scarcity: A crisis across the region

Water scarcity is perhaps the most pressing environmental issue across the Middle East. Jordan is one of the countries most affected, facing severe water stress due to the combination of traditional irrigation methods and over-reliance on depleted water resources. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization and other international organizations are promoting precision agriculture techniques, such as drip irrigation and soil moisture sensors, to enhance water use efficiency and reduce wastage. 

Vertical farming allows exponential multiplication for the amount that can be produced in farms.

Abdel Rahman Al-Zubaidi, CEO of Ivvest

Ivvest’s Al-Zubaidi explained that “indoor farming isolates the farming environment from the outside, ensuring optimal conditions for crops and reducing water loss from evaporation.” 

He noted that these methods drastically reduce the need for pesticides, further increasing sustainability.

Conflict-driven food insecurity 

While water scarcity is a severe concern, the Middle East’s food security crisis is also driven by conflict.

In correspondence with Arab News, the FAO said: “The ongoing war in Gaza has significantly exacerbated food insecurity in the broader NENA (Near East and North Africa) region by intensifying the already dire humanitarian crisis.”

The organization revealed that this conflict has disrupted supply chains, with the latest reports indicating that 95 percent of Gaza’s population faces high levels of food insecurity and nearly 343,000 people are at catastrophic risk of famine.

Local initiatives, such as urban farming and community-supported agriculture, have provided some relief to conflict-affected populations.

The impact of the Russia-Ukraine war

The global grain market has been severely impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war, with the Middle East feeling the effects more acutely than other regions. Countries including Egypt, Lebanon, and Yemen, heavily reliant on imports from these two major grain producers, are grappling with shortages.

As the conflict continues, food prices have soared, compounding the challenges faced by already vulnerable populations. The FAO’s call for investment in domestic agricultural production and the adoption of sustainable farming practices is particularly relevant for these nations.

The FAO said that hunger in Arab countries reached 59.8 million people in 2022, a 75.9 percent increase since 2000, accounting for 12.9 percent of the population compared to the global average of 9.2 percent. 

Tools like drones, sensors, and data analytics — key components of precision agriculture — help farmers and agribusiness use resources wisely.

Sanjay Borkar, CEO and co-founder of FarmERP

Al-Zubaidi addressed how Ivvest can contribute to the region’s food security: “Our technology development started after a failed project with greenhouses, which ignited thorough research. We found that traditional greenhouses, while helpful, are resource-intensive and inefficient in hot climates like ours.” 

He pointed out: “To overcome these risks, we designed and manufactured a full end-to-end indoor farming solution.” Ivvest’s vertical farming system allows producing over 240 plants per square meter, drastically enhancing productivity compared to greenhouses.

Zulfiqar Hamadani, CEO of Tanmiah Food Co., echoed the importance of local production, noting that “we must prioritize sustainable local production and develop resilient supply chains to ensure that we can meet the nutritional needs of our growing population.” 

He highlighted Tanmiah’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 food self-sufficiency goals, adding: “Saudi Arabia is taking major steps, including significant investments aimed at enhancing food security and fostering innovation in food production.”

Phil Webster, partner at Arthur D. Little, told Arab News that the greatest adaptation going forward will occur in the areas of agriculture that are growing the most, receiving the largest investments, and offering the greatest overall potential for IoT usage.

“These would be the poultry and aquaculture sectors, the latter of which I gather has grown 183 percent over the last 5 years,” he said.

Webster expected some potential developments in the Kingdom: “Make Saudi Arabia self-sufficient or even a net exporter in more food products, to transform agricultural supply chains through a wholesale shift toward alternative protein, or enabling semi or fully automated indoor or covered farming to maximize productivity and reduce the cost of agricultural production.”

Innovative solutions: a path to resilience

In response to these growing challenges, several countries in the Middle East are investing in innovative agricultural solutions. The FAO emphasized to Arab News the importance of “sustainable and resilient farming practices, including soil and water conservation, waste reduction, and the implementation of nature-based solutions.”

Al-Zubaidi added that the key to sustainability in farming lies in integrating innovations into the broader supply chain. 

Hamadani pointed out that the Middle East must “invest in innovative agricultural technologies such as precision farming, which optimizes resource use and minimizes waste.” He also emphasized the importance of sustainable practices that enhance soil health and water conservation.

Collaboration for a sustainable future

The FAO emphasized that collaboration between regional governments, international organizations, and local communities is crucial for building resilient food systems.

“Promoting climate-smart agriculture, such as diversified cropping systems and sustainable pest management, is crucial for enhancing agricultural resilience,” said the organization.

Al-Zubaidi added that the importance of partnerships between technology providers, distributors, and governments in achieving food security, describing them as “essential for creating a robust and sustainable food security framework.”

Hamadani also stressed the need for government support, noting that “clear policy frameworks that encourage research and development, alongside financial incentives for sustainable practices, are crucial.” He advocated for policies that support sustainable agricultural practices and reduce barriers for startups.

Borkar further elaborated, saying: “Collaborative partnerships between governments, tech companies, and local farmers are essential to share knowledge and ensure technology is accessible.” Grassroots initiatives like urban farming and water-efficient farming techniques can also empower communities and reduce their vulnerability to external shocks.

Partnerships and collaborations play a critical role in promoting the adoption and maintenance of digital technologies in agriculture, according to Webster. “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,” he added.


Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,411 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,411 
Updated 04 May 2025
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,411 

Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 11,411 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index slipped on Sunday, losing 132.17 points, or 1.14 percent, to close at 11,411.50. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR3.5 billion ($944.3 million), as 41 stocks advanced and 198 retreated.    

Similarly, the Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 116.45 points, or 0.41 percent, to close at 28,013.32. This comes as 30 of the listed stocks advanced while 39 retreated.    

The MSCI Tadawul Index lost 20.74 points, or 1.41 percent, to close at 1,451.17.     

The best-performing stock of the day was Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co., whose share price surged 2.77 percent to SR25.95.   

Other top performers included National Industrialization Co., which saw its share price rise 2.26 percent to SR9.49, and Arabian Contracting Services Co., whose share price increased 1.69 percent to SR132.00. 

Zahrat Al Waha for Trading Co. recorded the most significant drop, falling 7.05 percent to SR27.70. 

Saudi Automotive Services Co. saw its stock prices fall 5.67 percent to SR61.50. 

Emaar The Economic City also saw its stock prices decline 4.50 percent to SR14.00. 

On the announcements front, Dar Alarkan Real Estate Development Co. reported its interim financial results for the period ending March 31. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the company posted a net profit of SR209.34 million in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 36.2 percent increase compared to the same quarter in 2024.  

The rise in net income was primarily driven by higher property sales. Increased lease revenues, lower finance costs, and greater non-operating income from Islamic Murabaha deposits also contributed to the gains, though these were partially offset by higher operating expenses and reduced earnings from associates. 

Dar Alarkan Real Estate Development Co. ended the session at SR21.04, down 1.05 percent. 

Saudi Aramco Base Oil Co. – Luberef has announced its interim financial results for the first quarter of 2025. A bourse filing showed the company recorded a net profit of SR221.5 million for the period ending March 31, reflecting a 7.3 percent decline compared to the same quarter last year. The drop in earnings was mainly due to lower by-product crack margins, despite an increase in base oil crack margins. 

Luberef’s shares closed the session at SR98.70, down 0.20 percent. 

Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group has announced its interim financial results for the period ending March 31. According to a Tadawul statement, the firm posted a net profit of SR557.01 million in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 1.09 percent increase compared to the same quarter in 2024. The growth was primarily driven by higher revenue, although fixed operating costs from recent strategic expansions have temporarily weighed on profit margins. These expansions are still ramping up and are expected to gradually reach full operational efficiency. 

The company’s shares closed at SR289.00, down 2.15 percent. 

The National Agricultural Development Co. reported its consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2025, posting a net profit of SR103.42 million for the period ending March 31 — a 2.06 percent rise compared to the year-earlier period.  

The increase was supported by higher revenue, reduced general and administrative expenses, stronger operating profit, and increased treasury income. These gains were partially offset by higher cost of sales, increased impairment losses on trade and other receivables, and a decline in finance costs. 

NADEC shares ended the session at SR22.20, down 1.54 percent. 

Saudi Basic Industries Corp. announced a net loss of SR1.21 billion for the first quarter of 2025, compared to a net profit of SR250 million in the same period last year. The loss was primarily due to a SR1.05 billion decline in gross profit, driven by higher feedstock prices and increased operating expenses. These included non-recurring costs of SR1.07 billion linked to a strategic restructuring initiative aimed at improving long-term performance and reducing costs. 

SABIC shares closed at SR60.70, down 2.77 percent. 


Jeddah unveils 29 real estate projects across industrial, residential, retail sectors

Jeddah unveils 29 real estate projects across industrial, residential, retail sectors
Updated 04 May 2025
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Jeddah unveils 29 real estate projects across industrial, residential, retail sectors

Jeddah unveils 29 real estate projects across industrial, residential, retail sectors

RIYADH: Jeddah Municipality has announced 29 new investment opportunities across more than 1.4 million sq. meters, targeting sectors such as commercial, industrial, residential, and recreation. 

Jeddah’s investment package includes 13 commercial opportunities featuring developing and operating retail shops and commercial complexes across various districts. The initiatives include the development of an integrated container city spanning 846,684 sq. meters and a second container park at 429,223 sq. meters.  

This latest undertaking also follows a similar wave of investment opportunities recently launched in Riyadh, underscoring a nationwide push to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy and enhance urban livability.  

Jeddah’s additional projects feature a 145,472-sq.-meter barley milling and packaging facility, eight worker residential compounds, and eight public parks equipped with kindergartens and retail outlets.  

A food truck zone under the municipal incubator program in South Obhur has also been introduced. In the education sector, a health college project has been announced.   

The strategically distributed initiatives aim to meet neighborhood needs while ensuring synergy between activities.   

The municipality has invited investors to submit proposals through the Furas Saudi investment portal. It noted that the bid submissions will be accepted from May 1 until July 8, as per the scheduled timeline. The Furas portal streamlines investor access, reflecting a unified approach to municipal investments.  

This undertaking underscores Jeddah’s commitment to economic growth and urban development in alignment with national objectives. 

Riyadh’s 2025 investment portfolio — spanning commercial, industrial, and leisure projects — mirrors the Kingdom’s strategic focus on private-sector-driven development under Vision 2030. 

In March, the Riyadh Municipality unveiled 20 new investment prospects across 175,000 sq. meters, including mixed-use spaces, retail hubs, and industrial zones, with contracts ranging from five to 25 years.  

Key districts like Jarir, Al-Rawdah, and Al-Qadisiyah are prioritized to ensure balanced growth. Complementing these efforts, the city has expanded its green infrastructure, adding 87 parks since 2022 to reach over 745,000 sq. meters of green space — transforming them into multifunctional community venues. 

These parallel initiatives highlight Saudi cities’ commitment to sustainable urbanization, economic diversification, and elevated quality of life, cementing the Kingdom’s position as a regional leader in transformative urban development. 


Saudi Arabia rolls out new guidelines for off-plan property deals

Saudi Arabia rolls out new guidelines for off-plan property deals
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi Arabia rolls out new guidelines for off-plan property deals

Saudi Arabia rolls out new guidelines for off-plan property deals

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has issued a detailed procedural guide to implement its previously approved off-plan real estate regulation, aiming to enhance transparency, protect buyers, and formalize developer obligations.

The new framework was formally approved by Real Estate General Authority CEO Abdullah bin Saud Al-Hammad on May 2 and took effect immediately, according to the official gazette Umm Al-Qura.

This guide is part of the regulatory rollout following the Cabinet’s 2023 decision to formalize off-plan real estate sales and leasing. It is designed to strengthen investor confidence in a sector that accounts for approximately 7 percent of Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product and plays a crucial role in supporting related industries such as construction and finance.

In a post on its official X handle, REGA stated: “The Real Estate Authority issued the procedural guide for the sale and rent of real estate projects off-plan, with the aim of clarifying the requirements of the procedures that regulate and control the stages of licensing, marketing, selling, leasing, and managing real estate projects off-plan, including requests for amendments or changes, opening and managing an escrow account, and other regulatory procedures.”

The updated model outlines 55 defined scenarios, covering applications by legal and individual developers to register or update their status, improve evaluation scores, or request project modifications. It also details processes for certifying completion, changing contractors, switching project banks, and reallocating escrowed funds.

Refunds to buyers from escrow accounts are permitted in cases such as the cancellation of marketing permits, project delays exceeding 180 days, or failure to secure a sales license. The guide also addresses scenarios involving project restructuring, title transfers, license revocations, and developer substitutions for delayed projects.

The reforms are intended to provide legal clarity and investor assurance as off-plan development becomes an increasingly prominent feature of the Kingdom’s residential and commercial real estate landscape.

Legal entities and individuals seeking to develop off-plan properties must now comply with strict registration and reporting requirements, including updates to developer evaluations and the appointment of certified consultants and accountants.

The regulatory update underscores Saudi Arabia’s push to build a robust legal infrastructure for its real estate sector, positioning the Kingdom as a competitive and secure environment for local and foreign investors.


Qatar welcomes over 1.5m international visitors in Q1 2025

Qatar welcomes over 1.5m international visitors in Q1 2025
Updated 04 May 2025
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Qatar welcomes over 1.5m international visitors in Q1 2025

Qatar welcomes over 1.5m international visitors in Q1 2025

RIYADH: Qatar received more than 1.5 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures, as the country continues to push forward with its comprehensive tourism strategy anchored in major events, strategic partnerships, and diverse travel offerings.

While slightly below the 1.6 million visitors recorded during the same period in 2024, the latest numbers highlight Qatar’s sustained momentum in attracting global travelers.

Visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council countries accounted for 36 percent of arrivals, followed by Europe at 28 percent and Asia and Oceania at 20 percent, underscoring Qatar’s growing appeal across varied markets.

The increase aligns with the nation’s long-term objective of drawing six million visitors annually by 2030. It also coincides with the third phase of the Qatar National Development Strategy (2024–2030), launched in January 2024, which designates tourism as a critical pillar in the country’s economic diversification agenda.

“The achievements of the first quarter of 2025 demonstrate some of the planned outputs of our long-term approach to tourism development,” said Saad Bin Ali Al-Kharji, chairman of Qatar Tourism and chair of the board of directors of Visit Qatar.

“Part of the development transcends into deepening collaboration across local, regional and international markets and continue to diversify source markets, enhance visitor experiences, and reinforce Qatar’s position as a dynamic, year-round destination. We are excited to have welcomed 1.5M in Q1 and look forward to welcoming more guests throughout this year,” he added.

Qatar’s multi-access strategy also appears to be paying off. Of the total visitors, 51 percent arrived by air, 34 percent by land, and 15 percent by sea.

During the Eid Al-Fitr holidays, the country recorded its highest holiday visitor count in three years, attracting 214,000 travelers over an eight-day period — a 26 percent increase from 2024. Nearly half (49 percent) of those visitors came from GCC countries, representing an 18 percent year-on-year rise. Hotel occupancy during this period reached 77 percent, up from 67 percent the previous year.

The hospitality industry reported robust performance overall in Q1, with an average hotel occupancy rate of 71 percent and 2.6 million room nights sold. Key drivers included major international events such as Web Summit Qatar, the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, and the Qatar International Food Festival.

Reinforcing its position as a regional tourism hub, Qatar also hosted the 51st UN Tourism Regional Committee for the Middle East. The gathering focused on leveraging the country's strengths in sports, innovation, and infrastructure to promote sustainable tourism across the region.

Looking ahead, Qatar is set to continue its tourism push with a strong slate of upcoming events. The country will annually host the T100 Triathlon World Championship Final in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organization through 2030. Additional highlights include the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, the Visit Qatar E1 Grand Prix of Electric Boats, and a series of high-profile festivals and sports events, all aimed at enriching Qatar’s tourism offerings and supporting its continued growth.


Syria to sign deal to import electricity from Turkiye, minister says

Syria to sign deal to import electricity from Turkiye, minister says
Updated 04 May 2025
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Syria to sign deal to import electricity from Turkiye, minister says

Syria to sign deal to import electricity from Turkiye, minister says

CAIRO: Syria is set to sign a deal to import electricity from Turkiye through a 400-kilovolt transmission line between the two countries “soon,” the Syrian state news agency cited the country’s energy minister as saying on Sunday.
Syria is also working on establishing a natural gas pipeline connecting the Turkish border town of Kilis and Syria’s northern city of Aleppo, minister Mohamed Al-Bashir said.
“The pipeline will allow the supply of 6 million cubic meters of gas per day to power plants in Syria which will contribute in improving the country’s energy situation,” he added.
Syria has suffered from severe power shortages. On separate occasions, the country said it was working with partners including Gulf states, in the energy and electricity sectors.