Al-Kharj, 23 April 2025 (25 Shawwal 1446H)

His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh region, opened today the Saudi Dairy Forum in Al-Kharj governorate, organized by the Al-Kharj Chamber with the participation of leading figures from the industrial and food sectors. Running through 25 April, the event reflects continued leadership support for the food industry sector and national food security.

A Strategic Forum to Strengthen the Dairy Sector

The forum serves as a national platform for discussing challenges and opportunities in the dairy sector, which meets more than 65% of local market demand, with current investments of SAR 22 billion expected to rise to SAR 28 billion by 2029.

During the opening ceremony, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef delivered remarks highlighting:

  • The launch of the Dairy Industrial Cluster in Al-Kharj Industrial City, spanning one square kilometer.
  • Support for integration between industry and agriculture to increase added value.
  • Boosting exports and reducing reliance on imports.
  • The importance of the standardized incentives program for localizing products not currently manufactured domestically.

Industrial, Environmental and Developmental Integration

Through the main session attended by the Prince of the region, the forum discussed a range of vital themes concerning:

  • Raising local content in the dairy sector.
  • Stimulating national and international investments.
  • Achieving a balance between industrial growth and environmental sustainability.
  • Leveraging modern technology to improve production efficiency.

The forum also featured the signing of several notable agreements between government and private entities, and Prince Faisal toured the accompanying exhibition, which showcased key innovations and technologies in the dairy industry.

Forum Objectives

  • Discussing solutions to environmental, economic and technical challenges.
  • Exchanging expertise and best practices between government bodies and the private sector.
  • Supporting localization and creating specialized job opportunities.
  • Highlighting the dairy sector's role in supporting GDP and achieving food security.