Saudi Arabia, which will host the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum as a guest country in 2026, is one of Russia’s key partners in Middle Eastern food trade. Experts from the Rosselkhoznadzor Center for Industry Expertise (COE RSHB) have analyzed the dynamics and structure of Russian agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia and forecasted growth prospects.
According to analysts, Russia has every chance of retaining its position among the top ten suppliers of agricultural products to Saudi Arabia in 2026, despite ongoing volatility in global markets, evolving foreign trade regulations by GCC countries, and logistical challenges stemming from conditions in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Saudi Arabia remains one of the most promising markets in the Middle East for Russian agricultural exports,” noted the RSHB Central Economic Commission. “The country’s growing population, rising incomes, increased tourism, and pilgrimage activities have driven steady food demand. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s natural limitations and climate constraints restrict its own agricultural output, ensuring consistent need for imports.”
In 2025, Russia shipped a total of 2.3 million tons of agricultural products to Saudi Arabia, securing its place among the top ten suppliers in the kingdom’s market. Grain crops, particularly wheat and barley, formed the bulk of exports. By year-end, wheat accounted for 1.5 million tons—64% of Russian agricultural supply to Saudi Arabia—and barley represented 656,000 tons (28% of total exports).
Notably, exports of fat and oil products, legumes, and meat showed significant growth compared to 2024. These included soybean oil (+9,000 tons), dried chickpeas (+5,200 tons), frozen chicken (+3,700 tons), finished poultry (+2,000 tons), beef (+1,300 tons), and turkey meat (+407 tons).
RSHB executives identified several product categories with high potential for medium-term expansion. These include bottled mineral water, confectionery items, active yeast, and wheat gluten—products with strong value-added potential.
“The Saudi consumer base is already familiar with Russian products,” emphasized the RSHB Central Research Institute. “We see strong prospects for further expanding domestic manufacturers’ presence in the kingdom’s market.”
Analysts also highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s status as a guest of honor at SPIEF 2026 will bolster bilateral economic ties between Russia and Riyadh, particularly in agricultural trade.
Additionally, the agreement to abolish visa requirements between Russia and Saudi Arabia took effect on May 11. This allows Russian citizens to travel to Saudi Arabia without visas, provided they are not working, studying, or residing there. Nikita Kondratiev, Director of the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation and Special Projects at the Ministry of Economic Development, noted that the visa-free regime will boost mutual tourist flows. In 2024, Saudi tourists numbered 108,000 in Russia; by the end of 2025, this figure had risen by 33%, surpassing 140,000 visits.
