Saudi Arabia Seafood Market: Aquaculture Expansion, Rising Consumption & Growth Outlook

According to IMARC Group&2019;s latest research publication, Saudi Arabia seafood market size reached USD 3.3 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 4.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Saudi Arabia Seafood Market

• Smart Aquaculture Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance: AI-powered sensors track water quality, oxygen levels, and fish behavior in real-time across farms along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. These systems predict equipment failures and detect issues hours before they become critical, reducing downtime by up to 20% in aquaculture facilities and optimizing production efficiency while lowering operational costs.
• Quality Control and Disease Prevention: Machine learning algorithms process underwater images to detect defects and identify early disease symptoms invisible to human inspection. This technology ensures higher-grade seafood output in facilities focused on shrimp and fish production, minimizing waste and improving biosecurity across Saudi aquaculture operations.
• Precision Feeding and Resource Optimization: AI-driven feeding systems analyze fish appetite patterns and growth rates to deliver exact feed portions automatically, cutting waste by approximately 15% while improving health outcomes. These systems also enhance energy efficiency in recirculating aquaculture systems and optimize furnace operations in processing facilities.
• Supply Chain and Demand Forecasting: Advanced analytics predict market demands and consumer trends, improving inventory management across the cold chain infrastructure. This supports both domestic distribution and export strategies for Saudi seafood producers serving regional and international markets.
• Sustainable Production Integration: AI aids in transitioning to environmentally sustainable aquaculture practices, including low-density stocking optimization, biosecurity monitoring, and resource-efficient production methods. This aligns with the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable seafood certification and responsible farming practices.

How Vision 2030 is Revolutionizing Saudi Arabia&x2019;s Seafood Industry

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is driving a fundamental transformation of the seafood sector as part of the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification strategy. The government has set an ambitious target to boost aquaculture production from 280,000 tons in 2024 to 600,000 tons annually by 2030, requiring substantial investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital. In January 2025, the Kingdom inaugurated the Middle East’s largest salmon production facility in Hail, with an annual production capacity targeting 100,000 tons. This 10,000-square-meter facility features cutting-edge recirculating aquaculture systems and integrated aquaponics units, representing a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and King Abdulaziz University.

The initiative aims to significantly reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on seafood imports, which currently stand at approximately 23,000 tons of salmon annually and substantial volumes of other species. The government is providing direct financial support, subsidies, and incentives to local producers while developing 16 fishing ports along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts. These investments are creating thousands of jobs and establishing Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for sustainable aquaculture. The National Fisheries Development Programme has committed over 1.3 billion SAR (approximately 346 million USD) to unlock the sector’s potential through research and development, infrastructure expansion, and targeted marketing campaigns.

Strategic partnerships are accelerating growth, exemplified by the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC)—backed by the Public Investment Fund—acquiring a 42.4% stake in the National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) in June 2023. This partnership positions NAQUA to expand production capacity from 60,000 tons to 250,000 tons, making it one of the largest fully-integrated aquaculture operations globally. The emphasis on sustainable practices is evident in Saudi Arabia becoming one of the top 15 countries worldwide with Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification for shrimp farming, demonstrating commitment to environmental responsibility and international standards.

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Saudi Arabia Seafood Market Trends & Drivers:

The Saudi Arabia seafood market is experiencing robust growth driven by multiple converging factors. Rising health consciousness among the population is shifting dietary preferences toward protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods, with seafood consumption reaching 7.34 kg per capita in 2022 and continuing to climb. The Kingdom’s strategic location along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf provides access to rich fishing grounds, while government-led infrastructure development is enhancing cold chain logistics and processing capabilities. Modern retail expansion through supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online platforms is making diverse seafood products more accessible year-round, with fresh and chilled seafood accounting for approximately 53% of market value.

Technological advancements in aquaculture are revolutionizing domestic production. Recirculating aquaculture systems, automated feeding technologies, and biofloc systems are enabling efficient fish farming even in arid regions with minimal water usage. The shrimp segment is projected to grow at 4.11% annually through 2030, driven by stable pricing around 3.02 USD per kilogram and increasing consumer preference for sustainably farmed varieties. The expanding tourism and hospitality sectors are generating additional demand, with Hajj pilgrim numbers reaching 1.67 million in 2025 placing seasonal pressure on supply chains and highlighting the need for enhanced domestic production capacity.

The trend toward sustainable and ethically sourced seafood is reshaping market dynamics. Consumers are demanding greater transparency in supply chains and environmentally responsible production methods. This is encouraging investments in certifications, traceability systems, and eco-friendly farming practices. The growing middle class with higher disposable incomes is increasingly purchasing premium seafood varieties, including exotic species like Norwegian salmon, barramundi, and grouper. Urbanization and changing lifestyles are further propelling demand for convenient, processed, and ready-to-cook seafood products across retail and foodservice channels.

Saudi Arabia Seafood Market Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Type Insights:

• Fish
• Shrimp
• Others

Form Insights:

• Fresh / Chilled
• Frozen / Canned
• Processed

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Off-Trade
• On-Trade

Regional Insights:

• Northern and Central Region
• Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

Recent News and Developments in Saudi Arabia Seafood Market

• January 2025: Saudi Arabia inaugurated the Middle East’s largest salmon production facility in Hail, with an annual production target of 100,000 tons. The 10,000-square-meter facility is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and King Abdulaziz University, featuring advanced recirculating aquaculture systems and integrated aquaponics units designed to reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on salmon imports.
• May 2024: Almunajem Foods Company announced plans to commence construction on a new food factory in Jeddah’s Third Industrial City, with an investment totaling 157 million Saudi riyals (approximately 42 million USD). The facility, spanning 56,000 square meters, will have an annual production capacity of 35,000 tons covering poultry, red meat, seafood, and dairy products, with completion targeted for early 2026.
• November 2024: Saudi Fisheries Company (SFC) established a new aquaculture company to support the government’s initiative to significantly boost fish-farming production. This aligns with the national target to reach 600,000 tons of annual aquaculture output by 2030 and strengthen domestic seafood supply chains.
• December 2024: Almarai announced expansion plans valued at 4.8 billion USD to enhance its operations, including the development of new facilities for domestic seafood production alongside beef and lamb processing capabilities. The investments aim to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s food security infrastructure and reduce dependence on imports.
• February 2024: The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) signed a partnership agreement to transform Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture sector. This initiative aims to boost domestic production from 280,000 tons in 2024 to 530,000 tons annually by 2030 through sustainable growth strategies, advanced technology adoption, and addressing challenges such as water scarcity and environmental concerns.

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