In a significant stride towards bolstering food security and technological exchange, Korea has embarked on the construction of a demonstration smart farm in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project, celebrated with a ceremony on 21 April, marks Korea’s strategic entry into the Middle Eastern market, with a shared vision of enhancing food security through advanced farming technologies.
The ceremony, organized by Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), was graced by key figures from both nations. Park Beomsu, Korea’s vice minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, and Mansour Hilal Al Mushaiti, Saudi Arabia’s vice minister of environment, water and agriculture, underscored the importance of the project. Both countries expressed their commitment to expanding smart farming technologies, highlighting the mutual benefits and the potential for reciprocal cooperation in this burgeoning field.
The Riyadh smart farm is the fourth of its kind, following successful demonstrations in Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Australia. This project is part of MAFRA’s initiative to showcase Korea’s smart-farming prowess in overseas markets, with the Korea Agriculture Technology Promotion Agency playing a pivotal role. The smart farm complex in Riyadh will span approximately 2,000 square meters, integrating vertical farms and glass greenhouses. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art agricultural robots and environment-controlling solutions, setting a new benchmark for smart farming in the region.
Scheduled for completion in December 2025, the smart farm will be situated within the National Agricultural and Animal Resources Research Centre. This strategic location is expected to serve as a hub for smart farming in Saudi Arabia, driving innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector. The complex is designed to catalyze the wider adoption of smart farming technologies, addressing Saudi Arabia’s food security challenges and positioning Korea as a leading exporter of smart farming solutions.
The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, holds immense potential for Korean smart farms, accounting for roughly 60% of exports and construction orders over the past two years. Vice Minister Park emphasized the region’s significance, stating that the commencement of the smart farm construction will further strengthen cooperation with Saudi Arabia. This collaboration is poised to accelerate the export of Korean smart farms to the Middle East, fostering technological advancements and food security in the region.
