Key Takeaways
- Launch of Large-Scale Project: Saudi Arabia has completed its largest indoor vertical farming project in Riyadh, marking a significant step in the country’s agricultural sector.
- International Collaboration: The project is a joint effort by Vertical Farms Company (VFCo), Mowreq Specialized Agriculture, and YesHealth Group, reflecting international cooperation in agricultural technology.
- Advanced Facility Design: The farm stands 15 meters tall with 19 layers and a 20,000-square-meter growing area, incorporating automation and AI-driven monitoring systems.
- Multi-Use Space: The farm integrates an experiential center with exhibition and dining areas, combining agriculture with visitor engagement.
- Impact on Local Food Security: With a daily production capacity of 2,200 kilograms of leafy greens, the farm contributes to food security and demonstrates a scalable approach to sustainable farming.
Saudi Arabia’s Largest Indoor Vertical Farm Completed in Riyadh
The capital city of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia is now home to the nation’s largest indoor vertical farming project. This facility combines commercial farming with an experiential center, allowing visitors to dine and observe farm operations.
Project Overview
Spearheaded by Vertical Farms Company (VFCo), the project is a collaboration between Mowreq Specialized Agriculture and YesHealth Group. The construction, initially set to conclude in July, has been completed after 10 months. Preparations are underway for the full-scale operational launch, with initial testing beginning soon.
Facility Design and Technology
Structure and Capacity
The facility, designed by Mowreq and YesHealth Group, stands 15 meters high and spans a total growing area of 20,000 square meters across 19 layers. The farm cultivates various crops, including lettuces, cruciferous vegetables, baby leaves, and edible flowers.
Technological Integration
The farm employs automation and AI-driven monitoring systems to enhance crop yield and efficiency. Additionally, advanced water recycling technologies reduce water consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional agriculture.
Government Support and Ministerial Visit
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadli, recently visited the farm and other private sector companies engaged in modern agricultural technologies. The Minister emphasized the government’s support for initiatives that enhance local food production and align with national food security objectives.
Al-Fadli highlighted the role of research and development in expanding agricultural technology applications and reaffirmed the importance of private sector contributions in advancing sustainability.
Collaboration and Industry Partnerships
Role of YesHealth Group
Jesper Hansen, Chief Commercial Officer at YesHealth Group, noted the cooperation between the Saudi and Taiwanese teams. “This project integrates global expertise with local execution,” Hansen stated. “It ensures advanced technology is implemented with an understanding of the Saudi market’s needs.”
Local and International Partnerships
Mowreq, along with local vendors Commitco and Darat, managed construction, while YesHealth Group focused on vertical farming infrastructure. A knowledge transfer initiative has been established to train local engineers and agronomists in modern farming techniques.
Industry Background
Mowreq Specialized Agriculture
Mowreq, co-founded in 2019 by Dana Enany, Modar Nazer, Khder Al-Ghamdi, and Obeid Bin Zagr, developed Saudi Arabia’s first indoor vertical farm. The company focuses on producing locally grown, safe, and nutritious food.
YesHealth Group
YesHealth Group, a global leader in vertical farming, specializes in infrastructure development for controlled-environment agriculture. With projects across Europe and Asia, their entry into Saudi Arabia aligns with the region’s increasing focus on food security.
Future Prospects
This project in Riyadh serves as a model for sustainable, high-efficiency urban farming. Combining commercial production with a visitor-oriented approach distinguishes it from traditional vertical farms.
The facility contributes to Saudi Vision 2030’s food security and agricultural innovation goals. Industry analysts suggest its success could lead to further vertical farming developments in the Middle East, enhancing regional food supply resilience.
Project Completion and Next Steps
Jesper Hansen shared an update on LinkedIn, announcing the completion of the Riyadh vertical farm. “Our most challenging project to date is now complete,” Hansen stated. “This milestone was marked with a visit from the Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.”
YesHealth Group and Mowreq are now finalizing operational preparations. Full-scale production is set to commence soon, delivering fresh produce throughout Saudi Arabia.
2 Comments