Saudi Arabia’s bold poultry ambitions could reshape the global market

Traveling west from Riyadh, a stretch of road cuts through the Ad-Dahna Desert, where scorching temperatures often exceed 50°C. After a couple of hours, a cluster of modern buildings emerges from the haze, signaling Shaqra, a crucial part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious food security plans. Here, Tanmiah Food’s processing plant churns out 150,000 chickens daily, feeding global brands like McDonald’s, Popeyes, and Subway.

In the past decade, Saudi Arabia has nearly doubled its poultry production as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s drive for self-sufficiency. With the kingdom importing 80% of its food, ensuring local production is vital in a world of geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain disruptions.

Food security is a growing concern. Saudi Arabia aims to produce more poultry and diversify its agricultural efforts. The government has committed billions to the sector, eyeing greater food independence by investing in global ventures, such as Brazilian poultry firms and U.S. farmland.

Poultry, an affordable protein, suits the rising middle class, and chicken consumption in Saudi Arabia has skyrocketed. Tanmiah’s operations have seen remarkable growth, slashing mortality rates from 20% to under 4% in the last decade.

Despite challenges like high production costs and reliance on imports for certain resources, Saudi Arabia remains determined to reach its 2030 goals. The country’s poultry industry, backed by international partnerships, is set to have a lasting global impact.

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