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

According to IMARC Group'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: AI-powered Internet of Things sensors track water quality, oxygen levels, and fish behavior in real-time across Red Sea farms, enabling farmers to detect issues hours before they become critical and boosting survival rates by double digits.
• Precision Feeding Systems: Machine learning algorithms analyze fish appetite patterns and growth rates to deliver exact feed portions automatically, cutting waste by 15% while improving health outcomes and reducing operational costs for Saudi aquaculture operations.
• Disease Prediction and Prevention: Advanced AI platforms process thousands of underwater images daily to identify early disease symptoms invisible to human inspectors, allowing immediate intervention that protects entire farm populations and maintains export quality standards.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Artificial intelligence forecasts demand patterns across retail and food service channels, helping distributors position inventory strategically and reducing spoilage in the challenging Saudi climate while ensuring fresh product availability.
• Species Classification Technology: Researchers at King Abdullah University developed AI tools that categorize Red Sea fish by economic value and population growth rates, helping the Ministry of Environment prioritize conservation efforts for vulnerable species.

How Vision 2030 is Revolutionizing Saudi Arabia Seafood Industry

Vision 2030 is fundamentally transforming Saudi Arabia's seafood sector by positioning aquaculture as a cornerstone of food security and economic diversification. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has set an ambitious target of 600,000 tons annual production, backed by the National Fisheries Development Program's efforts to attract over USD 4 billion in private investment. The government has committed SAR 1.3 billion through 2022 to build hatcheries, feed mills, and processing plants while streamlining licensing to just three months for new operations. Major coastal projects like NEOM are creating ideal conditions for large-scale marine farms, while partnerships between the Public Investment Fund subsidiary SALIC and companies like National Aquaculture Group demonstrate high-level commitment to expanding domestic capacity and reducing the country's 60% seafood import dependency.

Download the Sample Report to Understand Market Trends and Outlook

Saudi Arabia Seafood Market Trends & Drivers:

Saudi Arabia's seafood market is experiencing remarkable growth fueled by a health-conscious population increasingly turning to protein-rich diets. With rising awareness of omega-3 benefits and cardiovascular health, per capita seafood consumption is climbing steadily. The country imports over 200,000 tons annually worth approximately SAR 2.5 billion, primarily from Thailand, UAE, Oman, and Norway, reflecting strong demand that domestic production is working to capture. Educational campaigns by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority highlighting seafood's role in preventing chronic diseases have resonated with consumers, particularly as lifestyle-related health issues become more prevalent among the Saudi population.

The aquaculture sector has witnessed extraordinary expansion, with production surging 400% between 2015 and 2022 to reach 459,000 tons. Technologies like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems and biofloc are enabling efficient farming despite water scarcity in the arid climate. Saudi Arabia's 2,800-kilometer coastline along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf provides ideal conditions with depths of 25 to 50 meters near shore. National Aquaculture Group, accounting for over 80% of Gulf aquaculture output, has invested SAR 4 billion in vertically integrated operations covering hatcheries, feed production, and processing. The Kingdom became a top-15 global producer of ASC-certified sustainable shrimp, exporting 50,000 tons to over 32 countries annually.

Modern retail expansion is revolutionizing seafood accessibility across Saudi Arabia. Supermarkets and hypermarkets now stock diverse fresh, frozen, and processed varieties year-round thanks to improved cold chain infrastructure. Online grocery platforms and food delivery services are experiencing rapid adoption, particularly among younger urban consumers who value convenience. Premium segments are growing as expatriate populations and affluent Saudis seek exotic species like Norwegian salmon, driving a 15% sales increase in fresh seafood at major retailers. The hospitality sector, boosted by tourism development under Vision 2030, generates substantial demand through hotels and restaurants, with Hajj pilgrim numbers reaching 1.67 million in 2025 placing additional seasonal pressure on supply chains.

Saudi Arabia seafood Industry Segmentation:

The report has segmented the market into the following categories:

Type Insights:

• Fish
• Shrimp
• Others

Product Insights:

• Fresh / Chilled
• Frozen / Canned
• Processed

Application Insights:

• Off-Trade
• Convenience Stores
• Online Channel
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Others
• On-Trade

Country 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.

Key Players:

• Almunajem Foods
• Arab Fisheries Co.
• IZAFCO LLC
• National Aquaculture Group
• Shell Fisheries Company W.L.L.

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 target of 100,000 tons, a joint initiative between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and King Abdulaziz University utilizing advanced aquaculture technology.
• June 2023: National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) and Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) signed a strategic partnership with SALIC acquiring 42.4% stake, backed by the Public Investment Fund, to support NAQUA's expansion from 60,000 to 250,000 tons production.
• May 2024: Almunajem Foods Company announced construction plans for a new food factory in Jeddah with SAR 157 million investment and 35,000 tons annual capacity covering poultry, red meat, seafood, and dairy products.
• November 2024: Saudi Fisheries Company established a new aquaculture company to support the government's initiative to significantly boost fish-farming production and contribute to the 600,000-ton annual target.
• December 2024: Almarai announced expansion plans valued at USD 4.8 billion to enhance operations, including development of new facilities for domestic seafood production alongside beef and lamb processing infrastructure.

Note: If you require specific details, data, or insights that are not currently included in the scope of this report, we are happy to accommodate your request. As part of our customization service, we will gather and provide the additional information you need, tailored to your specific requirements. Please let us know your exact needs, and we will ensure the report is updated accordingly to meet your expectations.