Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley opened the fifth Middle East Poultry Expo at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center on 4 October. The Saudi Press Agency reported that more than 400 companies and exhibiting organisations from 45 countries are taking part. At the opening ceremony, 27 agreements with a combined value exceeding SAR2.574 billion were signed. SPA said the agreements aim to develop the poultry sector, improve production efficiency, strengthen supply chains and expand investment partnerships.

The expo runs from 4 to 6 October 2026. In a 3 October preview, the ministry said it would cover 20,000 square metres and expected more than 16,000 specialist visitors; that was a forecast made before the event, not a final attendance figure. The exhibition brings together local and international companies in poultry, feed, animal health and nutrition, and associated technologies and solutions. The ministry said 18 per cent of exhibitors were participating for the first time. That share describes the expo’s exhibitor mix and should not be read as an overall growth rate for the industry.

MEWA had announced in advance that the opening-day programme would include recognition of recipients of the first Poultry Excellence Award. The ministry described it as a national initiative to recognise achievements and contributions to establishing and developing the industry, including those of pioneers, establishments, associations, cooperatives and international partners. The award has five categories: lifetime achievement and pioneers; excellence in social responsibility and cooperative work; impactful international partner in the poultry industry; leadership in biosecurity for a safe poultry industry; and leadership in self-sufficiency and production and manufacturing excellence.

A scientific programme of 20 sessions was planned around developments, technologies and practices in poultry, feed, animal health and nutrition, as well as solutions intended to improve efficiency and sustainability. SPA said Alfadley toured the exhibition and received briefings on poultry farming and production, feed manufacturing, animal health, processing and packaging technologies. Alongside displaying products and solutions, the event is designed to connect public and private entities, investors, decision-makers and specialists for knowledge exchange, partnerships and exploration of business and investment opportunities.

SPA reported the aggregate value but did not name agreement parties or disclose individual amounts. MEWA frames the expo as supporting poultry investment, efficiency and supply-chain development in line with Saudi food-security goals and Vision 2030. It runs through 6 October; 16,000 visitors was a forecast, not a final count.