FOOD SECURITY AND ITS IMPACT ON SAUDI ARABIA’S NATIONAL SECURITY AND GULF SECURITY

This study investigates the relationship between food security and nationalsecurity in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. It examines the impact of foodinsecurity on Saudi national security and the broader Arabian Gulf security,identifi es the major challenges and limitations facing current food security policiesand programs, and proposes strategic recommendations for enhancing food security.The study reveals direct impacts such as social unrest, economic instability, healthimplications, and migration, while also highlighting indirect impacts includingpolitical instability, economic consequences, social fragmentation, demographicpressures, and regional instability. The identifi ed challenges encompass climatechange, water scarcity, reliance on food imports, ineffi cient agricultural practices,socioeconomic disparities, and limited technology adoption. To address thesechallenges, the study recommends prioritizing comprehensive food security policies,increasing investments in agriculture, research, and infrastructure, and fosteringcollaboration among governments, international organizations, academia, and theprivate sector. The fi ndings underscore the signifi cance of addressing food securityto ensure national and regional stability and resilience in the face of evolving foodsecurity concerns.