RIYADH / Saudi Arabia, 22 April 2025: In a significant step toward transforming agriculture in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and South Korea have jointly launched a cutting-edge smart agriculture complex in Riyadh.
The foundation stone was laid on 21 April 2025 by Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Mansour Al Mushaiti, and South Korea’s Vice Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Park Beom-su.
The initiative aims to revolutionize agricultural practices by improving production efficiency, conserving resources, and leveraging South Korea’s advanced smart farming technologies. The project also marks a milestone in Saudi-Korean agricultural cooperation and broader efforts toward food security and sustainability in the region.
“This project represents a new chapter in the evolution of modern agriculture,” said Al Mushaiti, highlighting the integrated approach and collaborative spirit behind the initiative. “It is designed to foster innovation in farming and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development and food security in the Middle East.”
Situated within the National Agricultural and Animal Resources Research Center in Riyadh, the facility spans 4,000 square meters. It will feature a vertical farm for cultivating leafy greens, strawberries, and mushrooms using container farming systems. In addition, a state-of-the-art greenhouse will showcase the latest Korean agricultural technologies aimed at optimizing water and fertilizer use while significantly increasing output.
A key component of the project is its reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies will help regulate water levels, collect and analyze agricultural data, and provide recommendations for crop selection. The facility also incorporates AI-powered mobile farming systems that are expected to more than double production compared to traditional greenhouses.
Moreover, AI-enabled agricultural robots will streamline and accelerate farming operations, from data collection to harvesting.
Vice Minister Park Beom-su emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating that the project symbolizes a fusion of Korea’s technological strength with Saudi Arabia’s agricultural ambitions.
The smart agriculture complex is poised to become a model for the future of farming in arid regions, demonstrating how innovation and international collaboration can pave the way for sustainable agricultural transformation.
Image credit: arabnews.com
