Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Fish Type, Environment, and Distribution Channel, 2026-2034

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market Summary: 

The Saudi Arabia aquaculture market size reached 489,294 Tons in 2025 and is projected to reach 850,500 Tons by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.34% from 2026-2034.   

Driven by Vision 2030's strategic emphasis on food security and economic diversification, the Kingdom is transforming its aquaculture landscape through substantial government investments, advanced technological adoption, and strategic public-private partnerships. The sector benefits from supportive policies including subsidized financing through the Saudi Agricultural Development Fund, streamlined licensing processes, and infrastructure development across coastal and inland regions. Rising health consciousness among the masses, coupled with the Kingdom's growing population, drives the increasing demand for protein-rich seafood products, thereby expanding the Saudi Arabia aquaculture market share. 

Key Takeaways and Insights: 

• By Fish Type: Consumption dominates the market with a share of 46.27% in 2025, driven by robust domestic demand for diverse seafood products across residential and commercial food service sectors. 

• By Environment: Fresh water leads the market with a share of 46.25% in 2025, supported by extensive inland farming operations in regions like Riyadh that leverage recirculating aquaculture systems and desert-based facilities to overcome water scarcity challenges while maintaining high production yields. 

• By Distribution Channel: Traditional retail represents the largest segment with a market share of 32.09% in 2025, reflecting strong consumer preference for fresh, locally-sourced seafood from neighborhood markets and fish vendors, though modern retail and online channels are experiencing accelerated growth. 

• Key Players: The competitive landscape features integrated aquaculture operations led by key market players, with operators pursuing vertical integration strategies spanning hatcheries, grow-out facilities, feed production, and processing capabilities. Some of the key players in the market include National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA), Saudi Fisheries Company (SFC), Arabian Shrimp Company, Asmak Holdings, Jazan Energy, and Development Company (Jazadco), and Tabuk Fisheries Company 

Saudi Arabia's aquaculture industry represents a strategic transformation aligned with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives to enhance food security, diversify the non-oil economy, and establish regional leadership in sustainable seafood production. The sector leverages the country's extensive 2,600-kilometer coastline along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, combined with innovative desert-based farming systems that address water scarcity through closed-loop recirculating technology. Government initiatives have catalyzed remarkable expansion, with production increasing. In 2024, NEOM and Tabuk Fisheries established Topian Aquaculture, a joint venture approved by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to construct the Middle East and North Africa region's largest hatchery with a planned capacity of 42 million fingerlings and marine-pen finfish production facilities targeting 20,000 metric tons annually by 2030. The partnership exemplifies the Kingdom's commitment to integrating next-generation technologies, sustainable practices, and private-sector collaboration to achieve the ambitious national target of 600,000 tons of annual seafood production while positioning Saudi Arabia as a formidable competitor in global aquaculture markets. 

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market Trends: 

Advancement of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems and Water-Efficient Technologies 

Saudi Arabia is pioneering the adoption of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and biofloc technology to overcome the fundamental challenge of water scarcity in arid environments. These closed-loop systems reduce water consumption while enabling year-round production in desert locations far from coastal areas. The technology maintains optimal water quality through sophisticated biological and mechanical filtration, supporting higher stocking densities and faster growth rates compared to traditional pond-based farming. In June 2024, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology partnered with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture to revolutionize aquaculture practices through advanced research and development initiatives, aiming to increase domestic production from 280,000 tons in 2024 to 530,000 tons annually by 2030. RAS facilities are emerging in regions like Riyadh, Tabuk, and Jazan, converting previously unsuitable inland areas into productive aquaculture zones while simultaneously addressing environmental sustainability concerns through waste-to-resource conversion processes that extract minerals and nutrients from system effluent. 

Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Smart Farming Technologies 

The Saudi aquaculture sector is undergoing digital transformation through the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, automated feeding systems, and AI-driven farm management platforms. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of critical parameters including water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, pH, ammonia concentrations, and fish behavior patterns, allowing operators to optimize feeding schedules, detect disease outbreaks early, and maximize feed conversion efficiency. In 2024, a trout farming initiative has enhanced Saudi Arabia's food security strategy, arising from a collaboration between King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and King Abdulaziz University. The project, conducted at KACST’s research facility in Al-Muzahmiyya Governorate, was backed by the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. The initiative presents trout as a species adaptable to various environmental conditions, increasing the supply of fish with significant nutritional benefits. This action seeks to respond to the increasing local need for seafood while reducing possible supply chain interruptions. 

Expansion of Premium and Specialty Species Production 

Beyond traditional species like shrimp and tilapia, Saudi aquaculture is diversifying into premium finfish species including salmon, barramundi, sea bream, sea bass, and meagre to capture higher-value market segments domestically and internationally. This strategic shift addresses evolving consumer preferences for diverse, sustainably-farmed seafood while generating superior profit margins that support continued industry investment and expansion. In December 2024, Saudi Arabia launched a salmon production center aiming to produce 10,000 metric tons of salmon annually, with the facility including hatcheries with a 5 million juvenile capacity, a fish farming segment, and an aquaponics system, establishing the first land-based salmon operation in the region. The development of specialized hatcheries with advanced genetic selection programs is enabling the cultivation of disease-resistant strains adapted to local environmental conditions, while integrated aquaponics systems combine fish farming with hydroponic vegetable production to maximize resource efficiency and create additional revenue streams from diversified agricultural outputs. 

How Vision 2030 is Transforming the Saudi Arabia aquaculture Market: 

The Vision 2030 initiated by the government of Saudi Arabia is transforming the country’s aquaculture industry. The government seeks to end its dependence on oil through the Vision 2030. Increasing the production of fish and sea food is among the primary goals for the country’s aquaculture by the end of 2030. The move is intended not only to satisfy the country’s demand for fish but also to increase the country’s consumption of fish. In addition to this, there is immense investment being made into modern agricultural practices, including the use of sustainable and efficient production systems with lower use of water and energy resources. The partnership between local and global intellectuals is helping in advancements in breeding practices and fish feed technology, which will help in reducing the cost of production. The growth in the aquaculture industry is also facilitating employment generation across other sectors, including fish product manufacturing and export, which is supplemented by the overall strategy of Vision 2030. 

Market Outlook 2026-2034: 

The Saudi Arabia aquaculture market is positioned for transformative growth as the Kingdom accelerates its transition from seafood import dependency to export-oriented self-sufficiency. The market size was estimated at 489,294 Tons in 2025 and is expected to reach 850,500 Tons by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 6.34% over the forecast period 2026-2034. Strategic investments in state-of-the-art production infrastructure, feed manufacturing capacity, cold-chain logistics, and processing facilities are creating an integrated value chain capable of competing in international markets. 

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market Report Segmentation: 

Breakup by Fish Type

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• Production 
  • Freshwater Fishes 
  • Diadromous Fishes 
  • Marine Fishes 
  • Crustaceans 
  • Others 
• Consumption 
  • Pelagic Fish 
  • Freshwater and Diadromous Fish 
  • Crustaceans 
  • Demersal Fish 
  • Others 

Consumption dominates with a market share of 46.27% of the total Saudi Arabia aquaculture market in 2025.  

The consumption landscape encompasses multiple species categories serving distinct market niches, with pelagic fish including species like sardines and mackerel traditionally popular among coastal populations, while freshwater and diadromous species such as tilapia and barramundi gain traction in inland urban centers. Crustaceans, predominantly shrimp, command premium positioning across retail and food service channels, appealing to health-conscious consumers and export markets seeking high-protein, low-fat seafood options. The growing expatriate population, particularly from Asian countries with strong seafood consumption traditions, drives demand for diverse species and preparation styles, while the expanding tourism and hospitality sector in cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, and upcoming mega-projects creates sustained commercial demand for fresh, high-quality seafood products. 

Traditional consumption patterns favoring red meat and poultry are gradually shifting as government health awareness campaigns emphasize seafood's nutritional benefits, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein content, and essential vitamins and minerals. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority's educational initiatives highlighting associations between seafood consumption and cardiovascular health, improved cognitive function, and chronic disease prevention are reshaping dietary preferences among younger, urban demographics. The consumption trajectory indicates significant growth potential as production expands, supply chain infrastructure improves, and cultural acceptance broadens.  

Environment Insights: 

• Marine Water 
• Fresh Water 
• Brackish Water 

Fresh water leads with a share of 46.25% of the total Saudi Arabia aquaculture market in 2025.  

Freshwater aquaculture operations have proliferated across inland regions including Riyadh, Qassim, and Hail, utilizing groundwater resources and municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent in combination with recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) that minimize water consumption and environmental impact. These facilities cultivate species adapted to freshwater environments such as tilapia, which demonstrates rapid growth rates, high feed conversion efficiency, and resilience to variable water quality conditions common in desert farming operations. The integration of biofloc technology creates suspended microbial communities that convert waste products into supplemental nutrition for cultured species while maintaining water quality through natural biological processes, reducing dependency on costly mechanical filtration equipment and chemical treatments.  

Government initiatives promoting freshwater aquaculture development include subsidized electricity rates for farming operations, technical assistance programs connecting operators with international technology providers, and research collaborations focused on optimizing species performance under Saudi Arabian environmental conditions. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture's programs targeting 600,000 tons of fisheries products by 2030 explicitly support inland freshwater operations as a means of geographical diversification that reduces vulnerability to coastal environmental events, disease outbreaks, and maritime jurisdiction disputes. Recent innovations include integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) systems combining finfish production with vegetable cultivation through aquaponics, generating dual revenue streams while addressing food security objectives across multiple agricultural sectors.  

Distribution Channel Insights: 

• Traditional Retail 
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets 
• Convenience Stores 
• Online Channel 
• Others 

Traditional retail exhibits a clear dominance with a 32.09% share of the total Saudi Arabia aquaculture market in 2025.  

Traditional retail distribution through neighborhood fish markets, souqs, and independent fishmongers remains the dominant channel for seafood procurement across Saudi Arabia, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas where modern retail penetration remains limited. Consumers associate traditional markets with superior freshness, competitive pricing achieved through direct relationships with producers or landing sites, and expert vendor knowledge that guides species selection and preparation recommendations. The daily turnover characteristic of traditional fish markets ensures product quality that resonates with Saudi culinary traditions emphasizing fresh ingredients and same-day consumption, while the social aspect of market shopping and price negotiation maintains cultural significance beyond mere commerce. Many traditional retailers have developed long-standing supplier relationships with specific fishing operations or aquaculture farms, creating traceable supply chains and reliable product sourcing even in the absence of formal certification systems. 

However, the retail landscape is undergoing transformation as modern supermarket chains expand fresh seafood departments with enhanced cold-chain infrastructure, professional merchandising, and extended operating hours that appeal to working families and younger consumers accustomed to one-stop shopping convenience. These modern retailers leverage centralized procurement, quality standardization, and branded packaging to differentiate their offerings while providing consistent availability of diverse species year-round regardless of seasonal fishing or harvest fluctuations. The emergence of e-commerce platforms specializing in seafood delivery has accelerated dramatically, with companies offering mobile app-based ordering, same-day delivery windows as short as two hours, and professional photography showcasing product quality that overcomes traditional concerns about purchasing perishable items online.  

Market Dynamics: 

Growth Drivers: 

Why is the Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market Growing? 

Strategic Alignment with Vision 2030 Food Security and Economic Diversification Objectives 

The Saudi Arabian government's Vision 2030 framework has elevated aquaculture to strategic importance as a cornerstone of food security enhancement and economic diversification away from petroleum dependency. This governmental commitment manifests through multiple mechanisms: subsidized financing via the Saudi Agricultural Development Fund offering loans covering up to 70% of project costs with favorable interest rates and extended repayment terms, streamlined regulatory processes. In 2025, in Beijing, Saudi Arabia and China held the Saudi-Chinese Business Forum, resulting in 57 agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth SAR 14 billion (US$3.7 billion). Chaired by Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Abdulrahman AlFadley, the forum represented a significant advancement in Sino-Saudi collaboration, especially in agriculture, food security, environmental issues, and industrial supply chains. 

Rising Health Consciousness and Demographic-Driven Seafood Consumption Growth 

The Saudi Arabian population is undergoing significant demographic expansion and compositional shifts that fundamentally reshape food consumption patterns and protein preferences. The population is projected to grow by 43% from 33,264,292 in 2023 to 47,693,910 by 2050 according to WHO predictions, creating sustained demand growth for all food categories with particular emphasis on high-quality protein sources like seafood. Concurrent with population growth, rising disposable incomes, urbanization rates exceeding, and increasing health awareness are driving dietary transitions away from traditional heavy consumption of red meat and poultry toward leaner, nutrient-dense alternatives.  

Aquafeed Industry Development and Supply Chain Vertical Integration 

The establishment of domestic aquafeed manufacturing capacity represents a transformative development enabling industry scalability, cost competitiveness, and reduced dependency on imported inputs that historically constrained growth and profitability. Feed costs typically constitute 50 to 70% of operating expenses in intensive aquaculture systems, making local production a critical factor in determining overall sector viability and international competitiveness. In 2025, Unibio’s single-cell protein, Uniprotein®, has received official approval from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for use in aquaculture. After an extensive evaluation that started in April 2023, the SFDA has verified the safety of Uniprotein® for inclusion in feed for fish, shrimp, and crustaceans. With this authorization, Uniprotein® is now permitted for sale to the Saudi feed market and can be evaluated under commercial conditions, highlighting the important advantages of microbial single-cell protein. 

Market Restraints: 

What Challenges the Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market is Facing? 

High Dependency on Imported Seafood Products and Components 

Despite significant domestic production growth, Saudi Arabia continues relying heavily on seafood imports averaging over 200,000 tons, exposing the market to international price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and foreign exchange fluctuations that complicate business planning and profitability projections. Import dependency extends beyond finished seafood products to critical production inputs including broodstock, specialized feed ingredients like fish meal and fish oil, medications and vaccines, probiotics and other water treatment products, and spare parts for sophisticated aquaculture equipment sourced primarily from European and Asian manufacturers. This structural dependency creates vulnerability to geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, pandemic-related logistics bottlenecks, and currency devaluation that collectively threaten sector stability and growth continuity while limiting the Kingdom's ability to fully capture economic value from aquaculture development. 

Water Scarcity and Environmental Sustainability Constraints 

As one of the world's most water-scarce nations with renewable freshwater resources among the lowest per capita globally, Saudi Arabia faces fundamental challenges balancing agricultural development including aquaculture with competing water demands from urban, industrial, and traditional crop farming sectors. Although recirculating aquaculture systems reduce consumption compared to flow-through systems, initial filling requirements, evaporation losses, and periodic complete water exchanges for disease management still necessitate substantial water allocations. Environmental sustainability concerns encompass effluent discharge impacts on receiving water bodies, feed production's contribution to global marine resource exploitation through fishmeal and fish oil ingredients, energy consumption associated with pumping, aeration, temperature control, and processing operations in a hot climate, and potential escapement of farmed species into wild populations with genetic and ecological consequences requiring ongoing monitoring and management protocols. 

Infrastructure Gaps and Underutilized Production Capacity 

The rapid expansion of aquaculture infrastructure has outpaced development of supporting systems including fish processing facilities for value-added product manufacture, cold chain logistics networks ensuring temperature-controlled product flow from farms to retail points, specialized maritime transportation for offshore cage operations, and skilled technical workforce availability despite recent training program initiatives. The absence of comprehensive processing capabilities limits producers' ability to capture higher margins through filleting, smoking, canning, and other value-addition that extends shelf life and addresses diverse consumer preferences. Significant investments in farming capacity remain underutilized as operators await clearer policy signals regarding long-term government support priorities, particularly concerning the balance between poultry sector subsidies versus aquaculture incentives, creating cautious industry sentiment that delays full capacity activation and constrains short-term production growth below theoretical maximum output levels. 

Competitive Landscape: 

Key players in the Saudi Arabia aquaculture market are focusing on tighter operational control and scale to strengthen margins and reliability. Many are investing in inland and controlled farming systems to manage heat stress, water scarcity, and disease risk, while staying closer to major consumption centers. Hatchery expansion and better broodstock management help secure consistent seed supply and improve survival rates. Automation, sensor-based monitoring, and precision feeding are being used to reduce feed costs and stabilize output quality. Players are also adding processing, cold storage, and value-added capabilities to move beyond live or whole-fish sales and access modern retail and foodservice channels. Alongside this, partnerships with regulators, research bodies, and institutional buyers support long-term planning, smoother approvals, and more predictable demand, which together improve business stability and growth potential. Some of the key players in the market include: 

• National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) 
• Saudi Fisheries Company (SFC) 
• Arabian Shrimp Company 
• Asmak Holdings 
• Jazan Energy, and Development Company (Jazadco) 
• Tabuk Fisheries Company 

Saudi Arabia Aquaculture Market Report Scope: