Prime Highlights:
- Saudi Arabia partners with Ceva to localize veterinary vaccine manufacturing and bring advanced technology into the Kingdom.
- The initiative aims to strengthen biosecurity and food security by improving disease control in livestock and poultry.
Key Facts:
- The poultry vaccine market in Saudi Arabia is valued at around SR750 million and is expected to grow to SR1.25 billion by 2030.
- Ceva plans to cover about 30% of the market with an initial investment of nearly SR250 million.
Background:
Saudi Arabia has taken a major step toward strengthening its veterinary healthcare and biotechnology sector through a new international partnership aimed at localizing vaccine production.
The National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program signed a memorandum of understanding with French biotechnology firm Ceva under the patronage of Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli. The agreement aims to build local capacity to produce veterinary vaccines while bringing in advanced technology and expertise.
Officials said the partnership will increase vaccine production, meet demand, and improve disease control and food safety.
The deal also focuses on mRNA technology and vaccine research for major diseases. These include Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in camels and rabies, both of which pose risks to animal and public health. The two sides will also design vaccines tailored to disease strains found in Saudi Arabia, improving effectiveness and response time.
The collaboration is expected to play a major role in the poultry sector, where the vaccine market is currently valued at around SR750 million. Ceva plans to cover nearly 30 percent of this market with an initial investment of SR250 million. With government backing and rising poultry production, the market is projected to grow at more than 10 percent annually, reaching SR1.25 billion by 2030.
Ceva will also become the first international partner to join the planned Biotech Park in Dhurma Governorate. The facility will serve as a single center for veterinary biotechnology, covering research, production, and distribution.
Officials say the project will attract investment, support local businesses, and improve research. It is part of a plan to grow Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology sector and improve animal health and food security.
