Saudi Arabia aims to double fish production – Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Fisheries has set an ambitious target to increase domestic fish production to 230,000 tonnes by 2024, to reduce the growing gap between supply and demand for fish products in the country. Despite a significant increase in 2023, with production estimated at 214,600 tonnes, fish consumption in Saudi Arabia continues to exceed production, making the country heavily dependent on imports.
Three years ago, fish consumption was 250,000 tonnes, while domestic production was only 99,000 tonnes. In response to this challenge, the Saudi government has taken steps to boost fish production, including accelerating the development of 16 fishing ports along the Persian Gulf and Red Sea coasts. These ports are key to supporting the country’s marine fishing industry, which accounts for a significant share of national fish production.
To achieve these goals, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is incentivising private sector investment. The government offers substantial financial incentives, covering up to 75 per cent of capital costs for fishing projects, as well as providing interest-free loans and discounts on equipment purchases. These measures are designed to attract private investment and assist fishermen with support services such as accurate weather and sea forecasts.
In addition, the fish self-sufficiency plan includes a special focus on aquaculture, especially with high-yielding fish varieties. An emblematic example of this commitment is the OXAGON project in the futuristic city of NEOM, located on the west coast of the Red Sea. This aquaculture project envisages the production of more than 50,000 tonnes of fish per year, using advanced technologies in both indoor and outdoor ponds.
Saudi Arabia aims to double fish production
