Investment visionary Samer Choucair stated that using advanced indoor farming technologies to produce natural grass for some 2026 World Cup stadiums represents clear evidence of the global shift toward high-efficiency agricultural production systems capable of operating beyond traditional climate volatility. Colorado-based company Green Valley emerged among companies participating in producing turf for Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston stadiums using advanced cultivation and control systems within enclosed environments.
He explained this experience carries important strategic implications for Saudi Arabia and Gulf states, particularly given challenges related to water scarcity and high temperatures, requiring accelerated modern agricultural technology adoption to achieve food security and economic diversification targets within Vision 2030.
Saudi Indoor Farming Market Growing from $190 Million to $300 Million by 2031
Investment strategist Choucair noted recent market studies indicate the Saudi indoor farming market is positioned to grow from approximately $190 million in 2026 to more than $300 million by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate approaching 10%, reflecting growing investor and government interest in this vital sector.
He affirmed indoor and vertical farming provides major economic and strategic advantages, led by reducing water consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional farming, enabling year-round production, improving crop quality, and reducing food import dependence. He noted it also creates promising opportunities in smart greenhouses, hydroponics, agricultural lighting systems, and AI dedicated to agricultural operations management.
He noted Saudi Arabia’s energy advantage, with abundant solar resources enabling low-cost renewable electricity for intensive indoor farming operations, creates a particularly strong competitive position for developing this sector at scale compared to regions without this energy cost advantage.
Investment Opportunities Extending to Sports Turf and Tourism Food Supply
Investment innovator Choucair noted the Kingdom possesses exceptional foundations for developing this sector, supported by massive government investments in sustainability, renewable energy, and modern infrastructure projects, alongside mega projects such as NEOM and Qiddiya raising demand for local and sustainable food solutions.
He added investment opportunities are not limited to food production, but extend to supporting sports, tourism, and entertainment sectors, including producing specialized sports turf for modern stadiums and sports facilities, a sector positioned for growth with continued sports investment expansion in the Kingdom.
He noted the convergence of Vision 2030’s food security goals, Saudi Arabia’s challenging climate conditions, expanding mega project food demand, and growing government support for agricultural technology creates a compelling long-term investment thesis for early movers in the sector.
Samer Choucair concluded by affirming coming years will witness accelerating advanced agricultural technology adoption, with investors entering this field early in a better position to benefit from the major transformation the global food security ecosystem is witnessing. He noted smart farming has today become a strategic investment combining economic return, sustainability, and national food security strengthening.