Saudi Arabia is on an ambitious journey, strengthening its food security with increased domestic production. As part of this the Kingdom is leveraging advanced agricultural technologies, strategic government incentives, and targeted breeding programs to onshore much of its red meat sector. But the project faces substantial challenges related to water scarcity and feed availability.
This article examines the market dynamics, food security challenges, technological advancements, and policy-driven solutions shaping the future of red meat production and consumption in Saudi Arabia.
Market demand and consumption trends
Saudi Arabia’s red meat market is estimated at $1.36 billion USD as of 2025 and is expected to reach $1.52 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.24%. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest meat consumers in the MENA region. The total meat consumption per capita reaches around 50kg per year with red meat (mainly beef, lamb, mutton, goat, and camel), accounting for ~11kg as of 2023.
This strong demand for red meat is driven by a growing population and rising incomes, with Saudi consumers typically favouring fresh, halal-slaughtered meat. Saudi consumers also have a strong preference for locally slaughtered meat and fresh meat is preferred over frozen or processed alternatives. Ultimately this necessitates locally produced meat or live animals imported for domestic slaughter.
Overall red meat consumption remains robust, though there have been some shifts in which red meats are consumed. Ovine meats, such as goat, lamb, and mutton are the most preferred options amongst Saudi consumers, enjoying widespread popularity throughout the region. Although secondary to ovine meats, beef is becoming an increasingly popular option in the Kingdom, especially amongst younger Saudis and expatriates.
This has come at the expense of local camel meat, a delicacy that is usually eaten with traditional dishes and on special occasions. Consumption patterns reveal a generational divide with older, more affluent Saudis continuing to patronise local butchers and maintain a preference for traditional camel meat, while younger generations increasingly gravitate towards imported red meats and modern retail channels.
This trend has also exposed gaps in the local meat processing skills and infrastructure, as beef butchery techniques have not yet reached the level of sophistication seen in established beef-producing markets like Europe and North America. Currently, much of the low-cost beef in Saudi Arabia is sold in undifferentiated blocks rather than specific cuts, highlighting a lack of expertise in breaking carcasses into premium beef portions. Left unchecked, this could result in increased consumption of imported red meats over locally sourced equivalents. At the same time, consumer awareness regarding high-value beef cuts remains limited, affecting beef producer’s ability to premium price choice meat cuts.
Furthermore, traditional perceptions of fresh meat may be impacting quality. Many consumers and butchers are unaware that slaughtered red meat should be aged for up to six days for improved tenderness. The preference for immediate consumption of freshly slaughtered meat can result in tougher meat quality, an issue that may contribute to the appeal of imported alternatives, which often arrive properly aged and processed.
Food security challenges
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to onshore red meat production face several challenges. Resource constraints – particularly those regarding water and animal feed – hinder the growth of the domestic livestock industry. The reliance on imported animal feed or overseas cultivation of fodder crops significantly increases both costs and supply chain complexity, while intensive water requirements place further strain on the Kingdom’s already scarce freshwater resources.
These resource challenges are compounded by the significant biosecurity risks associated with importing high volumes of red meat and livestock. Imported animals and meat products introduce the risk of foreign diseases that can threaten both domestic herds and public health.
In fact, according to a study by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, among beef samples imported into Saudi Arabia in 2017, 6.8% of those from India and 2.2% of those from Brazil tested positive for E. coli. Naturally, the potential impact and presence of such diseases underscore the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity practices for meat and livestock producers, but also highlight the need for Saudi Arabia to strengthen and develop its own red meat industry.
Another significant challenge is the lack of beef feedlots for raising male calves for beef. Currently, Saudi Arabia’s beef production primarily comes from culled dairy cows and male dairy calves. Without dedicated beef-raising operations, local production may be insufficient to meet demand.
Technological advancements to improve food security
Ongoing investments in agricultural technology and infrastructure are key to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s self-sufficiency with regards to red meat production. In particular, precision agriculture is helping to support more sustainable and economically viable red meat production by minimising resource waste and improving operational efficiency.
For example, direct drinking water consumption for a cow in Saudi Arabia can range from about 20 to 75 litres per day, or roughly 7,000 to 27,000 litres annually. However, this figure only covers the water the animal drinks. When the water used to grow feed crops and the water used for servicing (cleaning, cooling, etc.) are added, the overall water footprint per animal becomes much larger, often amounting to several thousand cubic meters per animal per year. Smart watering systems enable more precise animal water consumption, reducing water consumption by 20-50% compared to traditional watering methods.
Furthermore, data-driven systems can track animal growth rates as well as feed and water usage, allowing cattle farmers to fine-tune feeding and watering practices which further reduces costs. These advanced monitoring tools can also detect early signs of disease or stress in animals, which ultimately leads to quicker interventions, improved overall animal health and fewer losses. As these systems improve and become more widely adopted, they will doubtlessly play a crucial role in onshoring of red meat production in Saudi Arabia.
Government policies and incentives
As part of the Vision 2030 framework, Saudi Arabia has prioritised food security and reducing dependence on imports. Increasing domestic red meat production is key to this and so Saudi Arabia has implemented numerous programs aimed at supporting and bolstering local red meat production.
Already these initiatives are having a considerable impact. Saudi Arabia was only about 30% self-sufficient in red meat in 2020, but large-scale investment and targeted government incentives have increased this figure to ~60% today. As part of this initiative, the government provides direct subsidies to livestock farmers to offset production costs, including monthly output-based payments, interest-free loans, and rebates on purchasing farm equipment. These reduce the capital and operating expenses for producers, and incentivise growth and expansion. For example, the Agricultural Development Fund recently allocated $533 million in new financing to bolster projects in red meat and poultry production, as well as related areas like greenhouses and aquaculture.
Cattle, sheep and goat breeding programs also form part of the Vision 2030 toolkit. As part of its livestock improvement plan Saudi Arabia has collaborated with international livestock experts to import high-quality breeding stock and establish breeding centres capable of producing highly productive animals. Using artificial insemination and cross-breeding techniques the program selectively breeds sheep, goats, and cattle specifically adapted to thrive in arid climates. This has resulted in herds with improved growth rates and higher feed conversion efficiency.
Saudi officials are also acutely aware that feed availability is foundational for domestic livestock industry growth and so it has invested heavily in onshoring feed production. Rearing animals in the desert is feed-intensive and the country had previously relied on imported feed grains after curbing water-intensive local fodder farming. However, as part of Vision 2030’s the Kingdom is aiming to boost local feed mills and alternative fodder sources. This has included the use of agricultural by-products as animal feed as well as hydroponic green fodder. For instance the upcoming “Livestock City” in Hafar Al-Batin (which is expected to provide 30 percent of Saudi Arabia’s demand for red meat) will have its own feed factories on-site, ensuring a local feed supply for the herds.
At the same time, programs such as the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) have supported local food and agriculture industries by creating integrated supply chains that connect farmers, feed producers, processors, and distributors.
While further down the supply chain, authorities have developed procurement practices that give local producers a stable outlet for their products. For instance, catering companies that supply government institutions such as schools, hospitals, and the military must ensure that more than 70% of their ingredients are locally sourced. This policy guarantees a sizable market for Saudi meat producers and ensures that a big share of meat purchased with public funds comes from domestic farms.
Saudi Arabia is also making strides in food traceability and safety. Increasing awareness, particularly among the younger generation about certifications and traceability has influenced a growing preference for imported red meat, as consumers associate imported products with stricter quality control and transparency. To counteract this, the government is piloting blockchain-based traceability systems for locally produced meat to enhance consumer trust and closer align with global food safety standards.
The future of red meat production in Saudi Arabia
Overall, the combination of subsidies, strategic investments, and regulatory reforms is helping to expand domestic red meat production in Saudi Arabia. Coupled with substantial investment in precision agriculture, innovative feed solutions, and advanced breeding programs, these efforts have already increased the nation’s self-sufficiency levels in red meat.
However, challenges related to resource constraints, particularly water and feed availability, remain significant barriers. Continued investment and technological adoption are likely to further strengthen Saudi Arabia’s red meat supply chain, substantially reducing its reliance on imports and solidifying long-term food security objectives.
Here at Farrelly Mitchell, our regional expertise and deep understanding of livestock, food security, supply chain optimisation, policy development and capacity building can support corporate, government, and institutional clients achieve their strategic goals. With extensive experience across the Middle East we enable our clients to navigate complex challenges, capitalise on emerging opportunities, and deliver sustainable growth. Contact our team today to learn how our agribusiness specialists and food security experts can help your organisation, maximise performance, and build long-term resilience.
