The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) highlighted 5 qualitative initiatives that have supported the localization of the poultry industry in Saudi Arabia. The initiatives enhanced sector competitiveness, and improved production efficiency, contributing to broiler production reaching around 1.4 million tons in 2026, alongside the production of more than 9 billion eggs, and self-sufficiency reaching 80% in poultry meat and 100% in table eggs.
The announcement came at the conclusion of the 5th Middle East Poultry Expo 2026, held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from October 4 to 6, supporting MEWA's efforts to develop the poultry sector, strengthen private-sector participation in food security, improve production efficiency, and enhance the competitiveness of national products, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The Ministry explained that the first initiative involves applying Saudi G.A.P to enhance quality and promote good practices among suppliers and across the various stages of the supply chain.The second involves transferring import permits from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to MEWA, helping streamline procedures and improve supply-and-demand management in the sector.
The third initiative focuses on enabling the Jodoud Al-Emtiaz Poultry Company Alliance. MEWA and the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program supported an alliance of 19 national companies and established research and technical partnerships to develop genetic assets for broiler and layer poultry.
The fourth initiative aims to localize poultry vaccine manufacturing through a partnership between the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, France's Ceva Animal Health, and Saudi Arabia's Mas Veterinary Services, with a targeted first-phase investment of SAR 250 million, expected to cover around 30% of the poultry vaccine market.
The initiatives also include supporting and enabling Aviagen Arabia to localize the production of poultry parent-stock , with investments exceeding $200 million and a targeted annual capacity of 15 million parent-stock, strengthening local production capabilities and support sustainable supply chains in the poultry sector.
The Expo also witnessed the launch of the 2026 Poultry Excellence Award, recognizing sector pioneers, establishments, and partners across five main categories. Since 2022, the expo has recorded significant growth in participation, from 140 exhibiting companies from 30 countries to more than 400 companies and exhibiting entities from 45 countries in the 2026. Turkey participation as the Guest of Honor with 29 companies, alongside more than 60 Chinese companies. The Business Matchmaking Program also recorded more than 400 scheduled meetings, reflecting the growing investment and partnership opportunities in Saudi Arabia's poultry sector.