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Saudi Arabia opens largest meat processing facility to boost local production and food security
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Friday, 02 January, 2026, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia has inaugurated its largest and most advanced meat processing facility in Buraidah, Al-Qassim, as part of the Kingdom’s broader push to strengthen domestic food production and reduce reliance on imports. The facility, named the Waleem Meat Factory, boasts cutting-edge automation and halal-compliant operations, positioning it as a key hub for processed meat supply within the region.
Designed with a daily processing capacity of around 60 tonnes, the new plant incorporates modern distribution infrastructure and quality control systems to serve both domestic and regional markets. Officials highlighted that the facility will play a pivotal role in meeting rising demand for processed beef and poultry products while aligning with Saudi Arabia’s long-term food security objectives.
Industry experts noted that the launch of the Waleem facility comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is accelerating investments in its agricultural and food processing sectors under the Vision 2030 roadmap. The strategy aims to transform the Kingdom into a significant food production and export hub by leveraging technological advancements, improving supply chain efficiencies, and building resilient local capabilities. Observers point out that expanding meat processing infrastructure is critical to this vision, given the country’s high per capita demand for protein and the logistical challenges of importing large volumes of meat products.
The facility’s halal certification and adherence to stringent quality standards are expected to enhance consumer confidence and open opportunities for exports to nearby markets where demand for certified halal meat is strong. Further, stakeholders believe the plant will support job creation and local skill development in meat processing technologies, contributing to broader economic diversification goals.
The establishment of the Waleem Meat Factory underscores a growing trend of strategic investments in Saudi Arabia’s food infrastructure, including dairy clusters, poultry plants and joint ventures with global meat companies. These developments collectively reflect the Kingdom’s ambition to not only satisfy internal consumption but also emerge as a competitive player in the Middle East and North Africa’s food processing landscape.
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