Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast and Opportunities, 2020-2030F

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market was valued at USD 375.72 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 396.29 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.85% during the forecast period. Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, is a rapidly evolving sector in Saudi Arabia, contributing significantly to the kingdom's food security and economic growth. This market involves the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants under controlled conditions. Saudi Arabia's strategic location provides an ideal environment for marine and inland aquaculture, enabling a year-round supply of high-quality seafood. The Saudi Aquaculture Society, along with government initiatives, is propelling the growth of this sector, aiming to produce 600,000 tons of fish by 2030.

Key Market Drivers

Abundant Availability of Coastline for Marine Aquaculture

The abundant availability of coastline in Saudi Arabia has emerged as a pivotal factor in driving the escalating demand for aquaculture within the country. With an extensive coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia possesses a unique advantage for the development and expansion of marine aquaculture activities. The favorable geographical positioning not only provides an ample space for aquaculture farms but also facilitates the creation of a diverse range of aquatic environments suitable for various species of fish and seafood. This advantageous coastline contributes to the establishment of sustainable aquaculture practices, meeting the rising demand for seafood in the region. In June 2023, the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), which oversees Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), entered into a strategic partnership agreement. As part of this initiative, SALIC acquired a 42% stake in NAQUA, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening the domestic aquaculture sector and expanding fish production.

As the global population continues to grow and dietary preferences shift towards healthier protein sources, the demand for fish and seafood has surged, prompting Saudi Arabia to tap into its marine resources to bridge the gap between supply and demand. The government's strategic initiatives and investments in promoting aquaculture further underscore the importance of leveraging the country's coastal assets for economic development.

Additionally, the development of modern aquaculture technologies and sustainable farming practices has enhanced the efficiency and productivity of marine aquaculture in Saudi Arabia, ensuring a reliable and consistent supply of high-quality seafood. This not only addresses domestic consumption needs but also positions the country as a potential exporter of aquaculture products, contributing to economic diversification. In conclusion, the abundant availability of coastline in Saudi Arabia has become a catalyst for the flourishing aquaculture industry, fostering economic growth, ensuring food security, and opening up new avenues for international trade in the seafood sector.

Key Market Challenges

Limited Freshwater Resources

The demand for aquaculture in Saudi Arabia faces a significant challenge due to limited freshwater resources in the region. With the majority of the country characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions, the scarcity of freshwater poses a constraint on traditional aquaculture practices that rely heavily on substantial water inputs. This limitation has led to decreased enthusiasm and demand for aquaculture activities, as water availability becomes a critical factor influencing the feasibility and sustainability of fish farming operations.

Aquaculture typically requires a consistent and abundant supply of freshwater for various stages of production, from hatcheries to grow-out facilities. The constraints on freshwater availability impact not only the quantity of aquaculture production but also its overall efficiency and economic viability. In the face of limited freshwater resources, aquaculture operators may encounter challenges in maintaining optimal water quality conditions, leading to potential health issues for farmed fish and increased operational costs.

The Saudi Arabian government, recognizing the importance of sustainable water management, has implemented policies to address water scarcity issues. However, the ongoing challenge of limited freshwater availability continues to impede the growth of the aquaculture sector. As a result, alternative and innovative water-conserving technologies, such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), are gaining traction to overcome these constraints and foster a more sustainable and resilient aquaculture industry in Saudi Arabia. The quest for solutions to freshwater scarcity remains pivotal in shaping the trajectory of aquaculture demand in the country.

Key Market Trends

Expansion Of Local and International Aquaculture Companies

The surge in demand for aquaculture in Saudi Arabia is intricately linked to the expanding presence of both local and international aquaculture companies within the country. The concerted efforts of these companies to establish and expand their operations in Saudi Arabia have played a pivotal role in driving the growth of the aquaculture sector. Local companies, driven by the government's vision for economic diversification, have invested significantly in aquaculture projects, leveraging their understanding of the local market dynamics and contributing to the sector's expansion. In February 2025, InvertiGro and SAQUA (Saudi Aquaculture Systems Factory), a leading Saudi-based RAS aquaculture specialist, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the PIF Private Sector Forum in Riyadh. This collaboration aims to integrate innovative indoor vertical farming with advanced aquaculture technologies, exploring opportunities to co-deploy sustainable and efficient farming solutions to enhance food production across Saudi Arabia.

Simultaneously, the influx of international aquaculture companies has brought in global expertise, advanced technologies, and best practices, further catalyzing the development of the industry. These companies often introduce innovative farming techniques, sustainable practices, and efficient supply chain management, which not only boost productivity but also enhance the overall competitiveness of Saudi Arabian aquaculture on a global scale.

Key Market Players

• 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

Report Scope:

In this report, the Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market, By Type:

• Fisheries
• Seaweeds
• Microalgae
• Crustaceans
• Mollusks
• Others

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market, By Culture:

• Freshwater
• Brackish Water
• Marine

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Specialty Stores
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Online

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market, By Region:

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

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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