Saudi Arabia and Spain Discuss Opportunities to Localize the Drone, Ships and Cars Industry

One of the bilateral meetings held by the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources in Spain (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the bilateral meetings held by the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources in Spain (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia and Spain Discuss Opportunities to Localize the Drone, Ships and Cars Industry

One of the bilateral meetings held by the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources in Spain (Asharq Al-Awsat)
One of the bilateral meetings held by the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources in Spain (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef have discussed mutual opportunities with leaders of major Spanish companies to localize advanced industries, which are a key focus of Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy.

These industries include the localization of heavy-payload drone manufacturing and its components, automobile design and engineering, shipbuilding, and the preservation of supply chains for these sectors. The discussions also emphasized the development of comprehensive and sustainable geological survey processes.

Al-Khorayef began his official visit to Spain on Thursday, focusing on opportunities to enhance human resource development in the industrial and mining sectors, exploring sustainable mining solutions, and attracting Spanish mining companies to invest in the promising opportunities available in Saudi Arabia’s mining sector.

During bilateral meetings with Spanish companies in Madrid on Saturday, Al-Khorayef explored joint opportunities in drone and automobile manufacturing, and the advancement of geological surveys. The meetings were attended by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Spain, Princess Haifa bint Abdulaziz Al-Mogrin, and the CEO of the National Industrial Development Center, Eng. Saleh Al-Sulami.

The Spanish companies Al-Khorayef met with included Drone Hopper, which specializes in drone manufacturing, Ferroglobe in the mining sector, and Reinosa Forgins & Casting, which is a leader in supplying the shipbuilding, cement, and heavy equipment industries. Other companies included IDIADA, renowned for car design and engineering, and Xcalibur, which focuses on geological surveys.

Additionally, Al-Khorayef met with Ana Maria Alonso Zarza, Director of the Spanish Geological and Mining Institute, to discuss collaboration opportunities in geological research and the provision of high-quality and precise geological data for various scientific and industrial applications.

In terms of trade, non-oil exports from Saudi Arabia to Spain amounted to SAR 2.72 billion ($725.3 million) in 2023. These exports included chemical products, plastics and their derivatives, and base metals and their products. In the same year, non-oil imports from Spain reached SAR 9.13 billion ($2.4 billion), comprising electrical machines and equipment, pharmaceutical products, and essential oils.



Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to strengthen food security, a strategic objective rooted in the Kingdom’s founding and shaped by its desert geography and limited water resources.

As part of its Vision 2030, the Kingdom has placed food security among its top priorities, implementing a national strategy to boost local production and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.

The agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP rose to SAR114 billion ($30.4 billion) in 2024, up from SAR109 billion ($29 billion) the previous year, according to the latest Vision 2030 annual report.

Government support, particularly through the Agricultural Development Fund, has fueled the sector’s growth. Agricultural loans increased by 54% between 2018 and 2024, reaching SAR5 billion ($1.33 billion).

Saudi Arabia has achieved higher self-sufficiency rates across several key products. Domestic production in 2024 included 2.95 million tons of fruit, 3.38 million tons of vegetables, 1.83 million tons of grains, 399,000 tons of eggs, 2.7 million tons of milk, 274,000 tons of red meat, 1.15 million tons of poultry, 217,000 tons of fish, and 8,500 tons of honey.

Aquaculture has seen significant growth, with fish production rising from 40,000 tons in 2016 to over 246,000 tons in 2024, driven by investments in sustainable technologies and marine projects. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as an emerging regional hub for aquaculture.

The Kingdom’s progress reflects its long-term commitment to food security, supported by initiatives to enhance supply chains, stimulate private sector investment, and advance research and innovation in modern farming technologies. Authorities say the achievements so far signal Saudi Arabia’s ability to continue advancing toward self-sufficiency in a more resilient and sustainable agricultural environment.