Saudi Arabia to build world’s largest single-cell protein plant

Saudi Arabia is moving forward with a large-scale technological initiative aimed at reducing its dependence on imported food inputs. Danish biotech firm Unibio revealed plans to build what it describes as the world’s largest single-cell protein production facility, marking a significant step in alternative protein development.

The project will be developed in partnership with the Saudi Industrial Development Group (SIIG), which will hold an 80% equity stake, while Unibio will retain 20%. Additional funding will come from bank financing. According to AgFunderNews, construction is set to begin in the second half of 2026, with commercial operations expected by 2028.

The facility will initially produce 50,000 tons of protein per year, with plans to scale up capacity to more than 300,000 tons annually. The output will primarily target the animal feed sector, particularly aquaculture, helping the Kingdom reduce reliance on imported feed ingredients.

Unibio CEO David Henstrom подчеркed the importance of local production in the current global context. “It has only reconfirmed how critical it is to the region to have local production of feed and food to enhance food security,” he said.

Technology and production without farmland

The project is based on gas fermentation technology, a process that uses methane instead of traditional agricultural inputs like soy or corn. Microorganisms convert gas into protein-rich biomass, offering a new pathway for food and feed production.

Unlike conventional agriculture, this method does not require arable land or large amounts of water, making it particularly suitable for regions with harsh climates such as the Middle East.

“Using Unibio’s technology, we aim to make Saudi Arabia the leader in single-cell protein production and improve food security,” said Abdulrahman Alismail.

The resulting product, marketed as Uniprotein, has already been approved for aquaculture use in Saudi Arabia and for animal feed in the European Union. The company is also exploring future applications in pet food and, eventually, human consumption.

A strategic shift toward food security

The initiative comes at a time when food security is becoming a top priority for countries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia currently relies heavily on imports for animal feed, making it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions.

Henstrom noted that the region offers key advantages for this type of production, including access to cost-effective gas and existing industrial infrastructure. He also highlighted that gas fermentation allows production in locations where traditional agriculture is not viable.

The project is part of a broader global trend toward alternative proteins and biomanufacturing, as companies seek to decouple food production from farmland and reduce environmental impact.

Despite its potential, the technology faces challenges, including high capital costs and technical complexity. However, strong backing from institutional investors and sovereign funds has helped drive development in the sector.

With this new facility, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global leader in next-generation protein production, while strengthening its domestic supply and contributing to global food demand.