Saudi Arabia Seafood Market: Riding the Blue Wave of Growth, Innovation & Taste

Saudi Arabia is a country of deserts, oil wealth, ultra-modern skylines — and increasingly — seafood. While not historically recognized as a global seafood powerhouse, the Kingdom is fast shifting that narrative. With health-conscious consumers, rising demand for premium protein, and billions being poured into aquaculture under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s seafood sector is riding a powerful wave of transformation.

According to Renub Research, the Saudi Arabia Seafood Market is projected to reach USD 1.23 billion by 2033, compared to USD 0.98 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 2.58% (2025–2033). This growth isn’t accidental. It’s the result of strategic government programs, rising marine farming capacity, changing diets, growing tourism, and soaring retail expansion.

The Big Catch: What's Driving Saudi Seafood Demand?

✅ Healthier Diets, Stronger Demand

Saudi consumers are changing how they eat. Fish and seafood are rich in Omega-3, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them a preferred alternative to red meat. This aligns closely with rising awareness around heart health, fitness, and chronic disease prevention.

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has actively promoted the nutritional advantages of seafood, pushing campaigns to educate citizens on its role in preventing lifestyle diseases like obesity and cardiovascular conditions.

Today, seafood is shifting from being a niche indulgence to an everyday protein choice.

✅ Vision 2030: Seafood on the National Development Menu

Seafood sustainability and self-sufficiency play a major role in Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification plans. The government has committed to scaling domestic aquaculture production — targeting 600,000 metric tons by 2030.

To help achieve this, the National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP) aims to attract USD 4 billion in investments to build infrastructure, enhance technology, and expand farming output. These initiatives are part of a broader mission to reduce reliance on imports and make Saudi Arabia a seafood export contender.

Between 2018 and 2022, domestic seafood production grew by 15 million metric tons, touching 399.5 million metric tons in 2022 — reflecting strong momentum toward self-reliance.

✅ Technological Innovation Redefining Aquaculture

Saudi Arabia is adopting smart aquaculture with:

RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems) to limit water usage

AI-driven feeding automation

Genetic advancements for higher fish resilience

Cold-chain logistics improvements

Sustainable farming certifications

The country ranked among the top 15 globally in ASC-certified shrimp farming in 2022 — proof of its commitment to quality, traceability, and sustainable aquaculture.

✅ Tourism, Dining, and Retail Expansion Boosting Consumption

Saudi Arabia’s tourism boom — supported by mega initiatives like NEOM, Red Sea Project, and AlUla — is driving demand for premium seafood in hospitality and fine dining. Restaurants, hotels, and food service chains increasingly rely on high-quality supplies of fish, shrimp, lobster, and crab to meet tourist expectations.

Meanwhile, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online channels are ensuring seafood is as accessible as poultry or dairy, strengthening mass consumption.

Challenges That Need Stronger Nets

Despite its sunny outlook, the sector faces hurdles:

⚠️ Overfishing & Marine Sustainability

Illegal and excessive fishing in local waters has improved under tighter regulations, but enforcement must remain robust. Protecting marine ecosystems while expanding commercial output remains a balancing act.

⚠️ Dependence on Imports

Saudi Arabia still imports a sizeable share of its seafood to meet domestic demand. Global supply chain disruptions, fluctuating international prices, logistics costs, and geopolitical risks expose vulnerabilities in consistent supply and pricing.

However, as aquaculture scales, the import gap is expected to shrink steadily.

Regional Seafood Consumption Landscape in Saudi Arabia

The seafood industry varies markedly across the country due to geography and culinary culture:

🟢 Eastern Region — The Seafood Heartland

Bordering the Arabian Gulf, the Eastern region leads in both production and consumption. It has access to abundant fish, shrimp, and shellfish, alongside key supply ports supporting export and domestic distribution.

🔵 Western Region — Red Sea Riches

Home to cities like Jeddah and Makkah, and blessed with Red Sea biodiversity, this region thrives on fresh seafood. Tourism significantly boosts demand here, especially in foodservice and hospitality.

🟡 Northern & Central Region & Southern Region

Although more reliant on retail imports due to limited coastal access, these regions show increasing demand through supermarkets, online channels, and restaurant expansion.

Market Snapshot by Segments

🔹 By Type

Fish (dominant category)

Shrimp (growing quickly due to affordability at USD 3.02/kg in 2022)

Crab

Lobster

Others

🔹 By Form

Fresh/Chilled (57.5% market share in 2022)

Frozen

Canned

Processed

🔹 By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Foodservice & Institutions

Specialized stores

Online platforms

Department stores

Others

The rise of online commerce, cold chain delivery, and premium retail shelving has pushed seafood from traditional fish counters into mainstream weekly household shopping.

Key Players Powering the Ecosystem

Saudi Arabia’s seafood landscape is shaped by major supply, distribution, and aquaculture giants:

Almunajem Foods

Arab Fisheries Co.

IZAFCO Fish Packing Company

National Aquaculture Group

Saudi Fisheries Company

Shell Fisheries Company W.L.L.

Tabuk Fisheries Co.

The Savola Group

Each player contributes across supply chain functions — from processing and packaging to market distribution and export readiness.

Why Saudi Seafood Market is a Long-Term Growth Story

Saudi Arabia checks every box for sustained seafood market growth:

✔ Rising health awareness

✔ Government investment in local production

✔ Expanding organized retail & cold chains

✔ Tourism-led demand surge

✔ Aquaculture innovation

✔ Export potential

✔ Strong corporate participation

These factors are creating a new ecosystem where seafood is not just food — but economic impetus, lifestyle nutrition, and strategic national growth.

The Road Ahead

With structured policies, advanced aquaculture, and rising consumer interest, Saudi Arabia is transitioning from a seafood importer to a seafood producer, and soon, possibly an exporter of scale.

The nation is crafting a powerful narrative — one where marine protein is not merely consumed but cultivated, engineered, marketed, and globalized.

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia’s seafood transformation is not simply about market numbers — it's about food security, sustainability, wellness, and economic reinvention. What began as a modest sector is becoming a strategic priority, supported by visionary policies, modern technology, and a rapidly evolving consumer mindset.

As the Kingdom builds a future where food is as valuable as fuel, the seafood industry is emerging as one of its most promising blue-economy anchors.

The tide is rising — and Saudi Arabia is ready.