Saudi Arabia Seafood Market to Reach US$ 1.23 Billion by 2033, Driven by Health Awareness, Government Initiatives, and Aquaculture Innovation

Overview of the Saudi Arabia Seafood Market

The seafood industry in Saudi Arabia is witnessing steady growth due to the increasing demand for sustainable, nutritious protein sources. Consumers are shifting toward fish and shellfish because of their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making them a preferred alternative to red meat.

Government efforts to diversify the economy away from oil and promote sustainable fishing practices have accelerated market growth. Investments in aquaculture technologies and cold chain infrastructure are enabling higher production yields, improved freshness, and extended shelf life.

Saudi Arabia is also focusing on expanding seafood exports to position itself as a key player in the global market. Investments in processing facilities, cold storage, and logistics networks ensure the Kingdom can meet both domestic and international demand while promoting sustainable practices.

Market Forecast and Growth Rate

Market Size in 2024: US$ 0.98 billion

Projected Market Size in 2033: US$ 1.23 billion

CAGR (2025–2033): 2.58%

Rising disposable income, urbanization, increasing tourism, and a shift toward healthier diets are primary contributors to this steady growth. The seafood market is expanding across all regions of Saudi Arabia, including Western, Eastern, Northern & Central, and Southern regions.

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Growth Drivers for the Saudi Arabia Seafood Market

1. Government Initiatives and Vision 2030

The Saudi government plays a pivotal role in promoting seafood consumption through Vision 2030, aiming to reduce dependence on oil and enhance food security. Strategic investments and policies are in place to:

Increase domestic aquaculture production to 600,000 tons by 2030.

Attract USD 4 billion in investments via the National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP).

Promote sustainable and ethical fishing practices to protect marine biodiversity.

These initiatives provide infrastructure, legal frameworks, subsidies, and technology support, creating a favorable environment for domestic producers to flourish.

2. Innovation in Aquaculture and Technology

Technological advancements have revolutionized seafood production in Saudi Arabia. Key innovations include:

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) for efficient water management.

Automated feeding systems to optimize growth and reduce waste.

Genetic improvement of species for better yield and disease resistance.

Cold chain logistics and modern processing technologies to maintain freshness and quality.

These innovations help increase production capacity, reduce environmental impact, and improve product quality, aligning with the Kingdom’s sustainable development goals.

3. Growing Health and Nutrition Awareness

Consumers in Saudi Arabia are increasingly aware of the health benefits of seafood, such as:

High-quality protein content

Omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular and cognitive health

Essential vitamins and minerals

Rising incidences of lifestyle-related diseases, including obesity and heart disease, have prompted a shift toward healthier dietary choices. Awareness campaigns by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) have reinforced seafood’s role in balanced diets, further boosting market demand.

Challenges in the Saudi Arabia Seafood Market

1. Overfishing and Sustainability Concerns

Overfishing poses a significant threat to fish populations and marine ecosystems. Despite regulations promoting sustainable practices, illegal fishing remains a challenge, risking:

Depletion of fish stocks

Reduced seafood quality and availability

Long-term sustainability of the industry

Enforcement of quotas, marine protected zones, and eco-certifications is critical to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.

2. Dependence on Imports

Saudi Arabia continues to rely heavily on seafood imports to meet domestic demand. This dependency exposes the market to:

Price fluctuations in international markets

Supply chain disruptions

Quality control challenges

Although domestic aquaculture is expanding, it will take time to fully meet demand and reduce reliance on imported products.

Regional Analysis

Eastern Region

Eastern Saudi Arabia, bordering the Arabian Gulf, is a major hub for seafood production. Its rich marine resources support both farmed and wild seafood. Fresh fish and shellfish dominate local consumption due to cultural and culinary preferences. Proximity to major ports facilitates distribution domestically and internationally. Challenges include overfishing and the need for sustainable practices to maintain long-term growth.

Western Region

The Red Sea coastline drives seafood demand in Western Saudi Arabia. Major cities such as Jeddah and Mecca are hotspots for seafood consumption, supported by tourism and urban demand. Regional specialties often feature fresh fish and shellfish in stews, grilled dishes, and traditional meals. Aquaculture expansion and sustainable fishing practices are critical to balancing supply and environmental conservation.

Northern & Central and Southern Regions

While these regions have smaller market shares, growth is driven by:

Increased consumer awareness of health benefits

Expansion of retail and institutional sales channels

Improvements in cold chain infrastructure enabling access to fresh and frozen seafood products

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Saudi Arabia Seafood Market Segmentation

By Type:

Fish

Shrimp

Crab

Lobster

Others

By Form:

Canned

Fresh / Chilled

Frozen

Processed

By Distribution Channel:

Supermarket / Hypermarket

Departmental Stores

Specialized Stores

Institution Sales

Food Service

Online

Others

By Region:

Western Region

Northern & Central Region

Eastern Region

Southern Region

Key Players Analysis

Almunajem Foods – Major seafood processor focusing on fresh and frozen products.

Arab Fisheries Co. – Supplier of diversified fish and shellfish products.

IZAFCO Fish Packing Company – Specializes in processing and packaging for retail and food service.

National Aquaculture Group – Focused on sustainable and advanced aquaculture production.

Saudi Fisheries Company – One of the oldest seafood suppliers with wide distribution.

Shell Fisheries Company W.L.L. – Provides fresh and frozen seafood for commercial and retail clients.

Tabuk Fisheries Co. – Regional player with emphasis on quality and local supply chains.

The Savola Group – Diversified food company with investments in seafood production and distribution.

These players are investing in technology, infrastructure, and sustainability to capture market share and address evolving consumer needs.

Future Outlook

The Saudi Arabia seafood market is projected to grow steadily, supported by:

Expanding domestic aquaculture production to reduce reliance on imports

Continued adoption of technological advancements in RAS, automated feeding, and genetic improvements

Increasing consumer awareness of health and nutrition

Strategic government investments under Vision 2030

Growth of premium seafood consumption driven by tourism and urbanization

As domestic production scales up and sustainable practices gain traction, the Kingdom is well-positioned to become a leading exporter in the global seafood industry.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s seafood market demonstrates sustained growth through rising health consciousness, government support, and technological innovation in aquaculture. While challenges such as overfishing and import dependency remain, strategic investments and modernization of the industry provide a strong foundation for the future.

With projected revenues reaching US$ 1.23 billion by 2033, the market offers opportunities for both domestic and international investors, particularly in aquaculture, processing, and retail distribution. The combination of consumer demand, government initiatives, and innovation positions Saudi Arabia to emerge as a key player in the global seafood landscape.

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