• Saudi Arabia-based agritech Arable has closed a $2.55 million Seed funding round, led by undisclosed investors.
• Founded in 2024 by Lawrence Ong and Christina Khalife, ARABLE creates hydroponic farms for vegetable production that are cost-effective and locally adjusted to the desert climate.

Press release:

Arable, a Saudi-based AgriTech startup co-founded by Lawrence Ong (CEO) and Christina Khalife (COO), with the collaboration of Executive Partners Marc and Anthony Eid, has announced the successful closure of a $2.55 million (SAR9.75 million) Seed funding round to pioneer sustainable hydroponic farming in the Kingdom. The round included participation from institutional and private investors, with 90% of the funding coming from foreign investors and being deployed within Saudi Arabia to advance the Kingdom’s agricultural sector. 

A Homegrown Solution for Saudi Arabia’s Agriculture Needs Arable is redefining agriculture in the Kingdom by designing, manufacturing, and operating hydroponic vegetable farming systems tailored specifically for Saudi Arabia’s unique climate. Unlike many hydroponic technologies imported from the West—where conditions such as low sunlight and moderate temperatures are drastically different—Arable’s systems are engineered to thrive in the arid, high-temperature environment of Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region. 

Arable’s innovative approach allows facilities to be set up 4x faster, 4x cheaper, and operate at 2.5x lower cost compared to existing hydroponic solutions in the region.

Additionally, 80% of the system’s components can be sourced or manufactured locally within the Kingdom, significantly reducing dependency on foreign equipment and expertise. 

Saudi Arabia as a Global Agricultural Hub 

Arable aims to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s agricultural transformation by providing a sustainable and scalable solution for growing fruits and vegetables. This initiative aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of reducing food imports and boosting local food production. The company envisions a future where Saudi Arabia not only achieves self-sufficiency in vegetable production but becomes a regional exporter of high-quality fresh produce. 

“The Saudi Ministry of Investment supports foreign investment and local innovation by streamlining the investor journey and ensuring a seamless experience. At MISA, we facilitate various initiatives and strategies aligned with Vision 2030, supporting the growth of businesses across all sectors, including those such as Arable, which address critical needs such as food security,” remarked Mohammad Abahussain, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Investment. 

“Saudi Arabia offers an unparalleled ecosystem for startups like Arable to thrive. Thanks to the support of organizations such as the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA), the Ministry of Investment (MISA), the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), and the General Authority of SMEs (Monshaat), we’ve been able to scale rapidly and bring innovation directly into the Kingdom,” explained Lawrence Ong, CEO of Arable. 

A Collaborative Vision for Saudi Agriculture 

Arable’s efforts have been bolstered by strategic partnerships and government support, which are helping the company push the boundaries of what’s possible in the region’s agricultural sector. 

"Arable's impressive achievement in raising significant funding, with a majority from international investors, highlights the innovative potential of Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector. Their hydroponic system, designed specifically for local conditions at a substantially reduced cost and with most components sourced locally, sets a new standard for efficiency and sustainability. We are proud to have them as part of the Sunbulah platform, as this startup not only enhances our agricultural self-sufficiency but also attracts global interest, aligning perfectly with our vision for a diversified economy,” said Dr. Ali Alsabhan, General Manager of Entrepreneurship at MEWA.