GASTAT Releases 2023 Livestock Statistics for Saudi Arabia

The General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) released its Livestock Statistics Publication for 2023 on November 20, 2024, revealing that cow farms in the Kingdom produced 2.8 billion liters of raw milk and that the national dairy herd at specialized agricultural cow farms reached 234,000 animals. The publication, issued from Riyadh and carried by the Saudi Press Agency, provides one of the most detailed portraits to date of Saudi Arabia’s livestock, poultry, and bird sectors, covering both traditional and specialized holdings and offering region-by-region breakdowns of production, herd composition, and trade. Have you ever considered how a single statistical release can illuminate the quiet engine of a nation’s food system? The figures underscore the scale and sophistication of a sector that supplies daily staples to millions of residents and pilgrims alike.

The data arrives at a time when food security has moved to the center of global economic planning. For Saudi Arabia, the publication is more than a numerical snapshot; it is a planning instrument used by ministries, investors, and farmers to gauge capacity, target investment, and measure progress toward the agricultural goals embedded in Vision 2030. The report draws on the comprehensive agricultural survey conducted by GASTAT, supplemented by administrative records from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the Agricultural Development Fund, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, and the Saudi Central Bank. That multi-source methodology gives the publication unusual breadth, linking farm-level production to national trade and financing flows. Why does this matter to readers far beyond the Kingdom’s borders? Because Saudi Arabia’s food production capacity influences regional supply chains, import markets, and the resilience of a economy that serves as a hub for hundreds of millions of consumers across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Context and Background

How did livestock and poultry production become such a strategic priority for the Kingdom? For decades, Saudi Arabia has balanced the demands of a growing population, a harsh desert climate, and limited arable land and water resources. The answer has been a deliberate shift toward specialized, technology-intensive agricultural holdings that can achieve high yields with efficient resource use. The Livestock Statistics Publication reflects that shift by separating traditional holdings from specialized agricultural operations, allowing analysts to see where modernization has taken hold and where traditional pastoral practices continue to sustain rural communities. The 2023 edition builds on earlier releases, creating a time series that policymakers can use to track momentum in dairy, red meat, poultry, and egg production.

The publication also captures the diversity of the Kingdom’s livestock economy. Across Saudi Arabia, there are 22 million heads of sheep, of which 19.3 percent are rams and 80.7 percent are ewes, a composition that signals a breeding-oriented flock structure. Camels number 2.2 million heads, with 32 percent aged less than four years and 68 percent four years and older. These figures matter because sheep and camels are central to Saudi cultural heritage as well as to domestic meat and milk supply. The report further documents organic livestock, the quantity and value of animal product exports and imports, and the value of livestock loans extended through the Agricultural Development Fund. Can a statistical publication capture culture as well as commerce? In Saudi Arabia’s case, the answer is yes: the numbers describe livelihoods, traditions, and a modernizing rural economy at once.

Key Details

What do the 2023 figures actually show? Raw milk production from cow farms reached 2.8 billion liters, with Riyadh region ranking first at 1.6 billion liters, followed by the Eastern Region at 1 billion liters. The concentration of dairy output in these two regions reflects the presence of large, specialized dairy operations with advanced processing capacity and cold-chain logistics. The national dairy cow herd at specialized farms stood at 234,000 animals, a figure that indicates a highly productive, professionally managed segment of the sector. Poultry production told a similarly robust story: over 1.1 million tons of broiler chicken were produced in the Kingdom, with Riyadh topping the list at 282,000 tons, followed by Makkah with 185,000 tons and Hail with 171,000 tons.

Table egg production reached 7.9 billion eggs, with Riyadh leading at 3 billion eggs, Makkah at 1.4 billion, and the Eastern Region at 1 billion. These volumes are significant not only for domestic consumption but also for the Kingdom’s ability to supply the hospitality and pilgrimage sectors, which experience sharp seasonal demand peaks. The publication also breaks down data by administrative region, enabling regional development authorities to benchmark performance and design targeted support programs. The inclusion of import and export values adds another layer, showing how domestic production interacts with global markets. Is it any surprise that a country hosting millions of pilgrims each year prioritizes reliable, high-quality protein production? The statistics suggest that Saudi Arabia is building exactly that kind of dependable supply base.

International and Regional Impact

How does Saudi livestock production resonate beyond the Kingdom? As one of the largest economies in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s agricultural output and import requirements shape trade flows across the region. A strong domestic dairy and poultry sector reduces reliance on imported staples, which in turn stabilizes domestic prices and frees up trade capacity for higher-value imports and exports. The publication’s data on animal product exports and imports offers trading partners a clearer view of where Saudi demand is heading and where Saudi supply can serve regional markets. For countries in the Gulf, the wider Middle East, and beyond, the report is a useful signal of the Kingdom’s production trajectory and its appetite for agricultural technology, feed, genetics, and processing equipment.

The regional dimension also includes food security cooperation. Saudi Arabia has consistently supported efforts to strengthen regional supply chains, and its statistical transparency makes it easier for partners to coordinate during periods of global market volatility. The Livestock Statistics Publication provides the granular data that investors and multilateral institutions need to assess opportunities in Saudi agriculture. It also reinforces the Kingdom’s reputation as a reliable, data-driven partner in global food systems. Why should international readers pay attention to a national livestock census? Because in an interconnected world, the food decisions of a major economy ripple outward, affecting prices, trade, and investment from Rotterdam to Nairobi to Jakarta.

Economic and Strategic Significance

What makes these numbers economically important? Livestock and poultry production supports jobs, rural incomes, and a web of small and medium enterprises in feed, veterinary services, transport, refrigeration, and retail. The value of livestock loans reported by GASTAT highlights the role of the Agricultural Development Fund in financing farmers and modernizing operations. By publishing loan values alongside production data, the report gives a fuller picture of how capital flows into the sector and where credit is enabling growth. The data also informs decisions by the Saudi Central Bank and the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, whose records contributed to the publication, ensuring that fiscal and monetary policymakers have accurate sectoral information.

Strategically, domestic production capacity is a cornerstone of national resilience. The Kingdom’s ability to produce 2.8 billion liters of raw milk, over 1.1 million tons of broiler chicken, and 7.9 billion table eggs reduces exposure to global supply shocks and shipping disruptions. It also supports the broader goal of diversifying the economy away from hydrocarbon dependence by building a competitive agricultural and food-processing base. The publication’s regional breakdowns help identify areas with untapped potential, guiding investment toward regions such as Hail and Makkah, which already show strong poultry output. Could these statistics become a roadmap for the next generation of Saudi agribusiness? The evidence suggests they are already serving that purpose, giving entrepreneurs and investors the confidence that comes from reliable, official data.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the Livestock Statistics Publication connect to Vision 2030? Food security is an explicit pillar of the Kingdom’s long-term transformation, and reliable statistics are essential to measuring progress. The publication supports Vision 2030 objectives by enabling evidence-based policymaking, attracting private investment into agriculture and food processing, and strengthening the sustainability of rural livelihoods. It also complements other GASTAT releases that track economic diversification, labor market participation, and quality of life. By making high-quality data publicly available, the Kingdom demonstrates the transparency and institutional strength that international investors and partners value.

The 2023 figures also point toward the future. Continued growth in dairy, poultry, and egg production will require further advances in technology, water efficiency, and supply chain logistics, all areas where Saudi Arabia is investing heavily. The publication’s coverage of organic livestock and trade values signals an ambition to compete in premium and export markets, not just domestic ones. As the Kingdom pursues its goal of becoming a global logistics and food-processing hub, statistics like these will serve as both a scorecard and a planning tool. In a world where food security is increasingly synonymous with national security, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to measuring, reporting, and improving its livestock sector stands as a model of responsible governance and forward-looking strategy.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Livestock Statistics Publication for 2023?

A1. It is an official report released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) on November 20, 2024, presenting comprehensive data on livestock, poultry, and birds in Saudi Arabia, including production volumes, herd composition, trade values, and regional breakdowns.

Q2. How much raw milk did cow farms in Saudi Arabia produce in 2023?

A2. Cow farms produced 2.8 billion liters of raw milk. Riyadh region ranked first with 1.6 billion liters, followed by the Eastern Region with 1 billion liters, reflecting the concentration of specialized dairy operations in these areas.

Q3. How many dairy cows were there at specialized agricultural cow farms?

A3. The number of dairy cows at specialized agricultural cow farms reached 234,000. This figure highlights the scale and professional management of the Kingdom’s modern dairy segment, which supports high-volume milk production.

Q4. What is the total number of sheep in the Kingdom?

A4. There are 22 million heads of sheep across Saudi Arabia. Of these, 19.3 percent are rams and 80.7 percent are ewes, a composition that indicates a breeding-oriented flock structure supporting both meat and milk production.

Q5. How many camels are there in Saudi Arabia, and how are they distributed by age?

A5. The Kingdom has 2.2 million heads of camels. About 32 percent are aged less than four years, while 68 percent are four years and older, reflecting a balanced herd with strong breeding and mature animal representation.

Q6. How much broiler chicken was produced in Saudi Arabia in 2023?

A6. Over 1.1 million tons of broiler chicken were produced. Riyadh topped the list with 282,000 tons, followed by Makkah with 185,000 tons and Hail with 171,000 tons, showing strong regional poultry capacity.

Q7. How many table eggs were produced in the Kingdom?

A7. Table egg production reached 7.9 billion eggs. Riyadh led with 3 billion eggs, followed by Makkah with 1.4 billion and the Eastern Region with 1 billion, ensuring a steady domestic supply.

Q8. Which regions lead in raw milk production?

A8. Riyadh region ranks first with 1.6 billion liters, followed by the Eastern Region with 1 billion liters. These two regions account for the vast majority of the Kingdom’s specialized dairy output.

Q9. What data sources were used for the publication?

A9. GASTAT based the publication on its comprehensive agricultural survey and records from the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, the Agricultural Development Fund, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, and the Saudi Central Bank.

Q10. Does the publication cover organic livestock?

A10. Yes. The Livestock Statistics Publication includes information on organic livestock, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing interest in sustainable and premium agricultural production that meets rising consumer demand for organic products.

Q11. What does the publication say about livestock loans?

A11. It reports the value of livestock loans, highlighting the role of the Agricultural Development Fund in financing farmers and supporting modernization. These figures help analysts understand how credit drives growth in the sector.

Q12. Does the report include import and export data?

A12. Yes. The publication covers the quantity and value of animal product exports and imports, giving trading partners and investors a clear view of Saudi Arabia’s role in regional and global agricultural trade.

Q13. Why is this publication important for food security?

A13. It provides reliable data that policymakers use to plan production, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen resilience against global supply shocks, directly supporting Saudi Arabia’s national food security objectives.

Q14. How does the publication support Vision 2030?

A14. It supports Vision 2030 by enabling evidence-based policymaking, attracting investment into agriculture and food processing, and promoting sustainable rural development, all of which align with the Kingdom’s economic diversification goals.

Q15. Which region leads in broiler chicken production?

A15. Riyadh leads with 282,000 tons, followed by Makkah with 185,000 tons and Hail with 171,000 tons. This distribution reflects the presence of large-scale poultry operations in these regions.

Q16. Which region produces the most table eggs?

A16. Riyadh produces the most table eggs, with 3 billion, followed by Makkah with 1.4 billion and the Eastern Region with 1 billion. These volumes help meet domestic demand, including seasonal pilgrimage peaks.

Q17. What is the significance of the sheep herd composition?

A17. The 80.7 percent ewe share indicates a breeding-oriented flock, which supports sustained lamb production and helps maintain domestic meat supply while preserving traditional pastoral livelihoods across the Kingdom.

Q18. How does the camel data reflect Saudi heritage?

A18. Camels are central to Saudi culture and heritage. The 2.2 million head count, with a strong share of mature animals, supports milk and meat production as well as cultural events and traditional practices.

Q19. Who benefits from this publication?

A19. Policymakers, investors, farmers, researchers, and international partners all benefit. The data supports informed decisions on investment, credit, trade, and development across the Kingdom’s agricultural and food sectors.

Q20. What does the 2023 publication suggest about the future of Saudi agriculture?

A20. It suggests a sector that is modernizing, diversifying, and scaling up. Continued growth in dairy, poultry, and eggs, alongside organic and trade data, points to a competitive, resilient agricultural base aligned with Vision 2030.

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