TITLE:
Biotechnology as a Key Driver in Achieving Saudi Arabia’s Food Security
AUTHORS:
Thorya A. Fallatah
KEYWORDS:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Food Security, Genetic Mechanisms, Biotechnology Techniques, Drought, Salinity
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.15 No.11,
November
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Food security is a critical global issue, particularly in regions facing environmental and resource challenges. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is among the world’s biggest importers of food. In the Kingdom, the quest for sustainable food production is complicated by arid climatic conditions, limited arable land, and scarce water resources. By 2050, all its domestic needs are predicted to be imported. As the Kingdom strives to reduce its reliance on food imports and bolster local production, biotechnology emerges as a transformative tool. By leveraging advancements in genetic engineering, sustainable agriculture, and biotechnological innovation, Saudi Arabia can address its unique challenges while aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. This literature review explores the role of biotechnology in enhancing food security in Saudi Arabia. It examines the current state of food security in the Kingdom, highlights the potential of biotechnological solutions such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomic, Marker-assisted selection (MAS), next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology and genetic engineering, and discusses ongoing initiatives and future prospects. This review offers alternative practices and approaches that Saudi Arabia can implement in the current environment to increase domestic food production and ensure food security in the Kingdom. This review underscores the importance of biotechnology as a key driver in achieving sustainable food systems.