The Middle East, a vast region spanning nearly 7.3 million square kilometers and home to over 500 million people, holds strategic global importance but also faces profound challenges. In addition to ongoing armed conflicts affecting economic growth projections—such as those by the World Bank—the region is witnessing a sharp rise in temperatures due to climate change. Over the past decade, average temperatures in the Middle East have increased by 0.45ºC, nearly double the global average of 0.27ºC.
The environmental effects of climate change are severe across the globe, but they are particularly acute in the Middle East. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather events are putting regional food security at risk. These changes disrupt planting cycles, intensify the likelihood of droughts and floods, and shift the patterns of crop pests and diseases.
A Technological Response: Digital Agriculture
In response, digital transformation is emerging as a powerful tool to modernize and optimize irrigated agriculture in the region. According to Begoña Tarrazona, Irrigation Specialist at Idrica, agriculture plays a pivotal role in ensuring global food security. She emphasizes that adopting environmentally responsible practices—such as improving soil health, reducing pollution, and increasing carbon sequestration—is key to balancing food production with ecological sustainability.
Despite the difficulties, countries in the region are beginning to transform agricultural limitations into opportunities through digital innovation.
Saudi Arabia, for example, has made significant investments in sustainable agriculture, using technology to grow crops in arid zones and reduce reliance on food imports. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates has adopted hydroponics and vertical farming techniques to enhance domestic food production and boost resilience.
Christian Pérez, Senior Business Development Manager for Digital Solutions at Xylem in the Middle East and Turkey, notes:
“Digital transformation of agriculture is not a luxury in the Middle East—it’s a necessity for achieving sustainability, food security, and self-reliance.”
Core Technologies Leading the Shift
According to the Xylem Vue platform, digital irrigation transformation in the region hinges on four core technologies:
IoT (Internet of Things) Sensors: These sensors track real-time data such as soil moisture and plant health, allowing for more efficient, precision irrigation. As Tarrazona explains, these technologies help manage water stress and support smarter resource use.
Smart Irrigation Systems: Recommended by the FAO, these systems adjust water delivery based on the precise needs of crops and soil, reducing water waste, soil salinization, and nutrient loss.
Satellite Imagery and Drones: Offering detailed aerial insights, these tools enable early problem detection and efficient planning.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI leverages big data from sensors and field observations to identify trends, optimize resources, boost crop yields, and support real-time decision-making.
Tangible Benefits in the Region
The application of these technologies—especially through platforms like Xylem Vue, a collaboration between Xylem and Idrica—has already shown promising results:
Water Conservation: Smart irrigation and hydroponic systems help manage water use more efficiently. For example, Morocco has adopted hydroponics to mitigate drought and enhance productivity.
Higher Yields: Cutting-edge technologies have increased agricultural output, allowing countries like Israel to become largely self-sufficient and even export agricultural goods.
Environmental Protection: Digital farming reduces chemical usage and resource overuse, supporting long-term environmental health.
Improved Food Security: Technological integration in agriculture has strengthened domestic food production, reducing dependence on imports.
Looking Ahead
The digital transformation of irrigated agriculture across the Middle East highlights how innovation can address climate-related and environmental challenges. As technologies continue to evolve, digital solutions will play an increasingly critical role in securing food systems and building climate resilience in some of the world’s most water-stressed and arid landscapes.
Source: Zawya
