Minister of Environment Inaugurates the 4th Edition of the Middle East Poultry Expo and Witnesses the Signing of 29 Agreements Worth SAR 5 Billion

His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, today inaugurated the fourth edition of the Middle East Poultry Expo, held from April 14–16, 2025, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event was attended by representatives from both the public and private sectors and featured the participation of 340 local and international companies specializing in poultry, feed, and animal health and nutrition.

During the opening ceremony, His Excellency witnessed the signing of 29 agreements in the poultry sector, with total investments amounting to SAR 5 billion. These agreements aim to support national supply chains and stimulate the growth and development of the poultry industry by adopting the latest technologies and innovations in production, manufacturing, and marketing, thereby contributing to the achievement of national food security goals.

Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Sheikhi, Assistant Undersecretary for Livestock and Fisheries at the Ministry of Environment, reviewed the accomplishments of the poultry sector in the Kingdom over the past year. He noted that broiler chicken production in Saudi Arabia exceeded 1.1 billion kilograms. A total of 72 poultry projects received the Saudi G.A.P. certification, while foreign investment in the sector’s production and manufacturing exceeded SAR 1.5 billion. Additionally, the amount of broiler chicken supported through agricultural subsidies reached 1.1 billion kilograms.

Dr. Al-Sheikhi highlighted that since its establishment, the Agricultural Development Fund has issued more than 1,575 loans to the poultry sector, with total financing reaching SAR 10.4 billion by the end of Q1 2025. Broiler chicken projects accounted for 1,096 loans worth over SAR 5.24 billion, while layer chicken projects received 334 loans exceeding SAR 1.98 billion. The remaining loans were distributed among parent stock projects for broilers and layers, grandparent stock, hatcheries, pigeon, ostrich, and quail projects, in addition to poultry slaughterhouse initiatives.

On the sidelines of the exhibition, the 4th Economic Forum for Poultry Sector Development is being held, featuring a select group of decision-makers and experts. The forum aims to enhance integration between government policies and commercial practices, and to explore investment opportunities and future visions for developing the poultry value chain from farm to market.

This year’s edition of the expo saw broad participation from governmental and private sectors, as well as scientific associations and nonprofit organizations. It features specialized pavilions showcasing more than 800 modern products and technologies in the fields of poultry, feed, milling, and veterinary services. The exhibition also includes seminars and workshops led by international experts to present the latest innovations supporting the sector’s sustainability.

The expo serves as a specialized commercial platform that brings together local investors, suppliers, and global expertise houses. It opens new horizons for investment and the development of the poultry sector, contributing to the strengthening of supply chains, showcasing the latest innovations and technological solutions, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise to advance the sector within the Kingdom.