The Saudi Arabian seafood market is poised for growth due to rising health consciousness, increasing disposable income, and government initiatives to boost domestic aquaculture under Vision 2030. Opportunities lie in leveraging technological advancements in aquaculture, expanding distribution channels, and meeting demand for convenient seafood products.
Dublin, Aug. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Seafood Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The Saudi Arabia Seafood Market was valued at USD 1.02 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.25 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 3.45%.
The Saudi Arabia Seafood market is experiencing significant growth driven by several key factors. Increasing health consciousness among consumers is encouraging a shift toward nutritious and protein-rich diets, boosting seafood demand. The country's rising disposable income and expanding middle class contribute to greater seafood consumption, both at home and in restaurants.
Government initiatives to diversify the economy under Vision 2030 include strong support for developing aquaculture and fisheries, enhancing domestic production capabilities. Also, Saudi Arabia's strategic coastal location facilitates seafood trade and supply chain efficiency. The growing hospitality and retail sectors, including supermarkets and online grocery platforms, are making seafood more accessible to consumers. Urbanization and changing lifestyles further propel demand for convenient, fresh, and processed seafood products, making the market highly promising for both local and international players.
Key Market Drivers
Growing Consumption of Fish Across the Region
The growing consumption of fish in Saudi Arabia is a pivotal driver of the nation's expanding seafood market. As a part of this, according to a recent study, as of 2024, by 2030, Saudi Arabia wants to produce 600,000 tons of fish and consume 13 kg per person. Technological advancements in aquaculture, such as recirculating aquaculture systems and automated feeding, are boosting production efficiency and sustainability. Also, the development of 16 fishing ports along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf is expected to increase marine catch and support local economies. These combined
Key Market Challenges
High Dependence on Imports
High dependence on imports remains a significant challenge in the Saudi Arabia seafood market. Despite growing demand and government efforts to boost domestic production, a substantial portion of seafood consumed in the country is sourced from international suppliers. This reliance exposes the market to global price volatility, logistical disruptions, and supply chain uncertainties, particularly during geopolitical tensions or pandemics. Also, imported seafood often faces extended transit times, raising concerns about freshness, quality, and food safety.
The dependence on imports also limits the country's ability to fully control supply standards and traceability. While initiatives under Vision 2030 aim to strengthen local aquaculture and reduce import dependency, the current infrastructure and technological gaps hinder rapid scaling of domestic production. Addressing this challenge is crucial to achieving food security, price stability, and sustainable growth within the sector. Strategic investments in local fisheries and modern aquaculture practices are essential for long-term resilience.
Key Market Trends
Technological Advancements in Aquaculture
Technological advancements are significantly transforming Saudi Arabia's aquaculture sector, aligning with the nation's Vision 2030 goals to enhance food security and diversify the economy. Innovations such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and biofloc technology are being adopted to optimize fish production in arid regions, minimizing water usage and environmental impact.
Collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) aim to boost domestic seafood production from 280,000 tons in 2024 to 530,000 tons annually by 2030. Also, advancements in fish nutrition have led to the development of over 30 new feed formulations, improving feed conversion ratios by 10-15% and potentially saving up to $417 million annually in production costs. These technological strides are pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of Saudi Arabia's aquaculture industry.
Key Attributes:
Report Attribute | Details |
No. of Pages | 82 |
Forecast Period | 2024 - 2030 |
Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 | $1.02 Billion |
Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 | $1.25 Billion |
Compound Annual Growth Rate | 3.4% |
Regions Covered | Saudi Arabia |
Report Scope:
Key Market Players
Saudi Arabia Seafood Market, By Product:
Saudi Arabia Seafood Market, By Type:
Saudi Arabia Seafood Market, By Application:
Saudi Arabia Seafood Market, By Distribution Channel:
Saudi Arabia Seafood Market, By Region:
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vkhmcr
About ResearchAndMarkets.com
ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
Attachment
CONTACT: CONTACT: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900