Riyadh, October 14, 2024 – The General Food Security Authority (GFSA) has announced the successful awarding of its second tender for 2024 to Saudi investors abroad. The tender, amounting to a significant 360,000 tons of wheat, has been secured by two major companies: the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) and Al Rajhi International for Investment (RAII). This move underscores the country’s ongoing efforts to bolster food security and maintain robust strategic reserves through international partnerships.
In a statement, GFSA Governor Eng. Ahmed Al-Faris provided further details about the distribution of the wheat shipments. Contracts have been finalized to transport the 360,000 tons of wheat across six ships. Specifically, two vessels will be directed to Jeddah Islamic Port, carrying a total of 120,000 tons; three ships will arrive at Yanbu Commercial Port with 180,000 tons; and one vessel will head to King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, bringing in 60,000 tons. These shipments are expected to arrive between January and March 2025, ensuring a steady supply of wheat during the first quarter of the year.
Of the total tendered amount, SALIC has been awarded 240,000 tons of wheat, while RAII will receive 120,000 tons. This allocation follows a structured process of awarding contracts to Saudi investors abroad as part of the nation’s broader strategy to diversify its wheat supply sources and safeguard its reserves.
Governor Al-Faris emphasized the importance of collaborating with Saudi investors in international markets, highlighting this initiative as a vital component of Saudi Arabia's strategy to enhance food security. He encouraged Saudi investors to actively engage with the GFSA’s programs, particularly as they seek to expand their wheat reserves and improve the country's resilience to global food supply challenges.
The GFSA invited all interested Saudi investors to participate in future tenders by applying for qualification through the appropriate channels. Full details, including the pricing structure of this tender, can be found on the authority’s official website.
Earlier in 2024, in April, the first tender for Saudi investors abroad was awarded to SALIC for 415,000 tons of wheat, with delivery scheduled between August and December 2024. This latest tender builds upon that earlier contract, further reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to securing diverse and reliable sources of wheat to meet the nation’s growing demand.