In a groundbreaking move that could redefine the agricultural landscape of Saudi Arabia, a joint venture between Mowreq Specialised Agriculture and Taiwan’s YesHealth Group has unveiled what is being hailed as the tallest vertical farm in the world. This innovative farm is not just a marvel of modern engineering but also a beacon of hope for locally sourced, high-quality produce in a region heavily reliant on imports.
The farm, which produces leafy greens, microgreens, and edible flowers, represents a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia. It is the first time that such a diverse range of produce is being grown locally using advanced vertical farming technology. Modar Hisham Nazer, co-founder of Mowreq and chairman of Vertical Farms Company, expressed his enthusiasm about this development. “It’s the first time again in the kingdom where all of this produce will come locally with the highest quality and with the best technology,” he said.
Currently, the farm produces two tonnes of produce daily, and it has already secured deals with major retailers Panda and Danube to carry its products. Nazer highlighted the growing demand for the company’s produce, driven by a shift in consumer preferences towards locally grown, pesticide-free, and high-quality produce. This shift has created a strong demand that the company is well-equipped to meet through its vertical farming operations.
Looking ahead, the company is not just content with its current achievements. Nazer revealed plans to expand their vertical farming operations and explore high-tech greenhouses to complete the food basket. The goal is to provide consumers with the best produce possible—the cleanest and healthiest options available. The company is also looking to expand to more cities within the kingdom, further solidifying its presence and impact.
Mowreq was founded to address the gaps in access to fresh food in Saudi Arabia, where locally produced food often faced challenges around pesticide use. Imports accounted for an estimated 80 to 90 percent of the supply but often lacked in freshness. Nazer recounted how the idea for a small family farm producing clean food evolved into a commercial opportunity as the demand for healthier, locally grown produce became increasingly apparent. The initial success of their prototype farm, which produced pesticide-free produce, generated significant media buzz and set the stage for their current venture.
The joint venture between Mowreq and YesHealth was initiated in 2022, and Nazer described it as “the best decision we ever made.” He emphasized the synergy between local know-how and international expertise, which has been instrumental in the success of the project. Jesper Hansen, chief commercial officer at YesHealth Group, echoed this sentiment, stating that this vertical farm is “the best one” the company has helped to realize. He highlighted the successful transfer of technology from Taiwan to a market with a high need and low operating costs, making it an ideal fit for vertical farming.
The success of this venture has sparked interest from YesHealth Group to explore more opportunities in the Middle East region. This development not only underscores the potential of vertical farming but also highlights the growing importance of sustainable and innovative agricultural practices in addressing food security challenges. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the demand for locally grown, high-quality produce is expected to rise, and initiatives like this joint venture are poised to meet that demand head-on.