<b>Exploring the various orders of edible insects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a safe and sustainable food alternative: A comprehensive review</b>

The global population is predicted to reach 9.3 billion by 2050, increasing food production substantially and posing significant food security risks, particularly for low-income countries. The widening food security gap necessitates innovative, sustainable solutions. In response, promoting edible insects as a viable food source gained momentum, addressing malnutrition and food insecurity. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest countries, has many edible insects. As a result of its unique challenges, Saudi Arabia explores insects as a vital source for enhancing food security, such as Crickets, Mealworms, Black Soldier Flies, Buffalo's, Grasshoppers, Ants, Silkworms, and Cicadas. The Kingdom's commitment to Vision 2030, focusing on sustainable development, underscores the importance of incorporating insects into agricultural processes and food manufacturing. Despite the promising nutritional benefits, challenges such as potential toxicity, pesticide residues, heavy metals, and allergic reactions require careful consideration. Collaborative efforts involving the public and private sectors, universities, and large-scale breeding laboratories are essential to realize the full potential of edible insects. This review article delves into the nutritional value of edible insect orders found in the Kingdom, examining protein, lipid, carbohydrate, nucleic acid, mineral, and vitamin content. The review emphasizes the need for extensive research to understand the nutritional composition of diverse insect species in Saudi Arabia.