Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market Strengthened by International Firms

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market is driven by rising seafood demand and industry expansion from local and global players during the forecast period 2026–2030.

According to the TechSci Research report titled “Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market – By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F”, the Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market was valued at USD 375.72 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 396.29 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.85% during the forecast period. The market's growth is being fueled by several key factors, including rising domestic demand for seafood, declining wild fish stocks, supportive government initiatives, and the growing involvement of local and international aquaculture firms.

With an expanding population and shifting dietary preferences, seafood consumption in Saudi Arabia has steadily increased. At the same time, concerns over dwindling marine reserves have made aquaculture a strategic necessity to meet future demand. As part of its Vision 2030, the Saudi government has prioritized the development of the aquaculture sector to promote food security, diversify the economy beyond oil, and create new employment opportunities.

Aquaculture is gaining significant importance in Saudi Arabia due to its strategic geographic position, with long coastlines along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. These water bodies offer ideal conditions for fish farming, contributing to the Kingdom’s ambition to become a major seafood producer in the region. Currently, the focus of Saudi aquaculture includes species such as tilapia, Indian white shrimp, grouper, kingfish, and sea cucumber, which are well-suited to the country’s marine conditions and market needs.

One of the major factors driving the aquaculture industry forward is the advancement in aquaculture technologies, including Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). These closed-loop systems allow for sustainable fish production by recycling water through biological and mechanical filtration processes, drastically reducing water consumption and environmental impact. RAS enables inland and urban fish farming, opening new possibilities in areas far from natural water sources. Saudi producers are also investing in improved hatchery management systems and disease control methods to ensure a healthy and consistent supply of fish stock.

In addition to technological innovations, government support has been a cornerstone of market growth. The establishment of organizations like the Saudi Aquaculture Society reflects the government’s proactive approach to coordinating efforts among private companies, researchers, and investors. Financial incentives such as subsidized feed, low-interest loans, and infrastructure development have further encouraged private sector participation in fish farming and seafood processing.

The government’s emphasis on sustainable development has also prompted regulatory reforms that streamline licensing, promote research, and facilitate the expansion of environmentally friendly farming practices. These efforts are part of a broader national food security strategy designed to reduce reliance on seafood imports and ensure a stable supply of high-quality, locally produced fish.

Despite the progress, the Saudi aquaculture market faces several challenges. These include the need for a technically skilled workforce, risks of disease outbreaks in dense fish populations, environmental concerns regarding waste management, and high capital costs associated with modern aquaculture facilities. Nonetheless, with strategic planning, international collaboration, and continuous innovation, these challenges can be mitigated, paving the way for robust and sustainable sector growth.

Market Segmentation Insights

The Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market is segmented by type, culture, distribution channel, regional distribution, and company.

By Type:

In 2024, the Fisheries segment emerged as the fastest-growing segment in the aquaculture market. The country’s extensive access to coastal and deep-sea resources, combined with high local consumption of fish, continues to drive demand. Fisheries, especially marine and brackish water species, play a central role in fulfilling the nation’s protein requirements and align with national food security goals.

The segment is benefiting from improved breeding techniques, expanded farming areas, and increased investments in hatcheries and feed production. Advanced fish farming methods such as offshore cage culture and RAS have significantly increased fish yield per unit area, reducing pressure on marine ecosystems and boosting profitability. While other segments like crustaceans, molluscs, seaweeds, microalgae, and others also show potential, the fisheries segment is expected to dominate due to its vital contribution to the Kingdom’s nutrition, economy, and employment generation.

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Regional Insights

Regionally, the Western Region ranks as the second-largest contributor to the Saudi aquaculture market, following the Eastern Region. This region enjoys several natural and infrastructural advantages that support large-scale aquaculture operations. Its extensive coastline along the Red Sea, favorable marine conditions, and established infrastructure make it ideal for high-efficiency fish farming.

Cities such as Jeddah, Yanbu, and Makkah serve as critical aquaculture hubs in the Western Region. Jeddah, with its advanced port facilities and processing centers, plays a crucial role in seafood logistics and exports. The Red Sea’s warm, saline waters are highly suitable for the cultivation of shrimp, tilapia, and grouper. In addition, the region’s access to clean and deep seawater improves water quality and reduces disease risk, enabling healthier and faster fish growth.

The Saudi government has introduced various incentives and regulatory frameworks under Vision 2030 to encourage aquaculture investment in the Western Region. These include funding for research, infrastructure development, and the promotion of sustainable aquaculture practices, such as using organic feeds, reducing antibiotic use, and implementing environmentally friendly waste disposal systems.

Moreover, the presence of international collaborations and partnerships with global aquaculture technology providers has further accelerated the region’s growth. As seafood processing and cold chain logistics capabilities continue to improve, the Western Region is poised to capture a larger share of the domestic and export markets.

Conclusion

The Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market is on a steady growth path, supported by rising seafood demand, government-led economic diversification, technological advancements, and increased investment from both local and international players. With its unique geographical advantages, robust policy framework, and emphasis on sustainability, the Kingdom is well-positioned to become a key player in the global aquaculture industry.

As the country moves toward self-sufficiency and reduces its reliance on seafood imports, the aquaculture sector will play a critical role in achieving national food security and economic resilience. The continued expansion of infrastructure, innovation in aquaculture systems, and strong government-private sector collaboration will be essential in driving long-term growth through 2030 and beyond.

Major companies operating in the Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market are:

·         National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA)

·         Saudi Fisheries Company

·         Arabian Shrimp Company

·         Saudi fisheries company (Asmak)

·         Jazadco Fisheries

·         Tabuk Fisheries Company

·         Arab Fisheries Co.

·         Izalco LLC

·         Sami Hamad Est.

·         Saudi Fisheries Company

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“The outlook for the Saudi Arabia aquaculture market appears highly promising, driven by a combination of strategic government initiatives, technological advancements, and increasing consumer demand. Under Vision 2030, the Saudi government is actively working to diversify the national economy and reduce dependency on oil revenues. As part of this strategy, substantial investments are being directed toward the aquaculture sector to enhance production capacity and ensure long-term sustainability. Technological innovation is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. Advanced farming techniques, such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), are expected to improve production efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and minimize environmental impact.

These advancements align with the government's commitment to sustainable seafood production, reinforcing the sector’s long-term viability. The rising domestic and international demand for high-quality seafood presents significant growth opportunities for Saudi aquaculture. Increasing health consciousness and shifting dietary preferences toward protein-rich seafood further support market expansion. Additionally, partnerships with global industry leaders and research institutions are expected to accelerate knowledge transfer and industry development”, said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director of TechSci Research, a research-based management consulting firm.

“Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market By Type (Fisheries, Seaweeds, Microalgae, Crustaceans, Mollusks, Others), By Culture (Freshwater, Brackish Water, Marine), By Distribution Channel (Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online), By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F”, has evaluated the future growth potential of Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market and provides statistics & information on market size, structure and future market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision-makers take sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market.

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