Saudi Fisheries Growth: Environment Minister Highlights Record Exports And Aquaculture Milestones

Saudi Arabia’s fisheries sector is reporting new production and export highs, signalling rapid growth in aquaculture. Official data show aquaculture output has exceeded 192,000 tons across marine and inland sites. Fish product exports reached about 59,000 tons, shipped to more than 35 countries, with a value above SAR1.3 billion, highlighting the sector’s economic weight.

These achievements were outlined by Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti during the fifth Saudi International Marine Exhibition at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event attracted large numbers of domestic and overseas participants, reflecting SIMEC’s status as a major regional meeting point for the fisheries industry and related maritime activities.

Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti stated that SIMEC has moved beyond a traditional trade fair into a global development hub that highlights the Kingdom’s leadership in the Saudi fisheries sector. More than 410 aquaculture projects now operate in marine and inland waters. Their expansion underpins output growth and supports the wider value chain, including processing, logistics, and international marketing of Saudi fish products.

Al-Mushaiti linked Saudi fisheries sector progress to strategic planning, updated regulations, investment incentives, and capacity-building programmes for fishermen and companies. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, through the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, is working to support fishermen, regulate fishing activities, and upgrade ports, transport links, and processing facilities, helping place Saudi Arabia among leading global fisheries-producing nations.

The Saudi fisheries sector agenda at SIMEC also targets higher exports and stronger trade and maritime industries. Strategic agreements and technical workshops focus on knowledge exchange, innovation, and new investment. Sessions highlight sustainable development of fisheries resources, reinforcing the Kingdom’s standing as a key regional player in this essential food and economic sector for future planning.

With inputs from SPA