Food security, as defined by the Global Food Security Index, is the ability of a population to consistently access safe, nutritious, and affordable food that meets its dietary needs. In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, achieving a high food security score does not depend solely on local food production. Despite importing as much as 85% of their food, GCC nations have climbed the global food security rankings through strategic measures that secure food supplies, mitigate risks, and invest in agricultural innovation.
This blog post explores what food security means in the context of the GCC and outlines how AgTech companies can leverage these developments for regional expansion.
At its core, food security in the GCC is about ensuring that citizens have access to the food they need for a healthy and active life, regardless of where that food is grown. In practice, this means that the region relies heavily on global supply chains, international investments, and trade agreements to secure food supplies. The recent challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and ongoing regional conflicts, have underscored the risks of relying too much on imports. These events have spurred GCC governments to take steps toward mitigating potential disruptions by strengthening both local production and overseas supply chains.
Local food production in the GCC carries both immediate practical aims and long-term strategic ambitions. Governments in the region have begun incentivizing local agriculture as a means of diversification and technological advancement, even though domestic production alone does not guarantee food security. Investments in greenhouse cooling technologies have been made to extend growing seasons in hot climates. Companies such as Elite Agro Projects are pioneering desert farming by using innovative technology and developing new crop varieties suited for arid conditions. Similarly, Silal’s Innovation Oasis, in partnership with regional players like Iyris and global leaders like Bayer, is driving research and development in desert agriculture. These initiatives demonstrate the region’s commitment to building local capacity, even as the economic and nutritional impact of such projects remains limited.
In addition to these domestic efforts, significant investments are being made in vertical farming. Although indoor agriculture has yet to prove fully cost-effective or nutritionally comprehensive—primarily because many indoor farms focus on leafy greens rather than staple foods—the research and development conducted through these ventures contribute to a broader strategy of agricultural innovation. Institutions such as the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) are applying scientific and technological expertise to address the unique challenges of agriculture in the region, often in collaboration with global entities like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The true foundation of food security in the GCC, however, lies in securing global supply chains and overseas investments. The UAE, for example, manages nearly 1 million hectares of farmland in Africa and holds assets in Europe, Latin America, Asia, and North America. These overseas investments form the backbone of a strategy that prioritizes reliable food supplies over self-sufficiency. The region is also pursuing large-scale initiatives such as a $1 billion “Food Corridor” with India, aimed at streamlining food imports from one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions. In parallel, investments in global logistics and infrastructure are being made to strengthen the reliability of these supply chains, ensuring that food reaches the GCC despite potential disruptions.
High-level trade discussions further support this strategy. Recent ministerial visits, such as Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture to the UAE, highlight the importance of bilateral agreements focused on food imports. These agreements not only secure supplies but also provide a framework for long-term cooperation in agricultural technology and trade. However, political and economic challenges remain. Shifts in policies—such as restrictions on the export of resources like animal feed, sometimes described as “virtual water”—can pose risks to these supply chains, underscoring the need for diversified strategies.
For AgTech companies, the evolving landscape in the GCC presents a significant opportunity for regional expansion. As governments invest in both local innovation and overseas supply chain infrastructure, there is a growing demand for advanced agricultural technologies that can boost productivity, enhance supply chain transparency, and reduce costs. AgTech firms can develop solutions that improve the efficiency of greenhouse and desert farming, contribute to the development of vertical farming, and facilitate the integration of digital technologies in global logistics. By partnering with local institutions and participating in international trade discussions, AgTech companies can position themselves as key players in the GCC’s food security framework.
In conclusion, food security in the GCC is achieved not by growing food exclusively on domestic soil, but by ensuring access through secure, diversified, and resilient global supply chains. While local agricultural innovations play a role in enhancing regional capabilities and fostering technological advancement, the primary driver of food security remains the strategic investments and trade agreements that secure food supplies from around the world. AgTech companies that recognize and adapt to this dual approach—supporting both local production and global supply chain resilience—will be well positioned to expand their presence in the GCC region and contribute to its evolving food security strategy.