Saudi Fisheries Sector Surges Toward Global Leadership; Production Hits 192,000 Tonnes
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s fisheries and aquaculture sector has achieved record-breaking milestones, with production now exceeding 192,000 tonnes. This growth underscores the Kingdom’s rapid transformation into a global maritime powerhouse.
The announcement was made by H.E. Engineer Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti, Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, during the opening of the fifth Saudi International Marine Exhibition and Conference (SIMEC) at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Key Performance Indicators
The Kingdom’s maritime sector is seeing unprecedented expansion driven by strategic investments:
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Infrastructure: Over 410 projects are currently active in marine and inland waters.
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Export Reach: Approximately 59,000 tonnes of fishery products were exported to more than 35 countries.
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Economic Impact: The value of these exports has surpassed SR1.3 billion ($346.66 million).
Strategic Growth and Vision 2030
Al-Mushaiti emphasized that these “qualitative accomplishments” are the result of an integrated ecosystem. Led by the National Program for the Development of the Livestock and Fisheries Sector, the government has focused on:
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Modernizing policies and regulations.
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Stimulating private sector investment.
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Building capacity for local fishermen and practitioners.
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Enhancing port logistics, processing, and marketing services.
“The exhibition is no longer merely an event; it has become a global meeting platform and a growth driver reflecting the Kingdom’s leadership,” Al-Mushaiti stated.
Investment and Global Collaboration
During the event, the Vice Minister oversaw the signing of 13 memoranda and investment contracts valued at over SR316 million. These agreements aim to boost algae processing industries, increase production efficiency, and ensure national food security in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
A Global Gathering in Riyadh
The three-day SIMEC event highlights the intense international interest in the Saudi “Blue Economy”:
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Exhibitors: 120 companies from 30 countries, including China, Norway, Russia, and Spain.
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Attendance: 15,000 visitors and 3,500 investors are expected.
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Knowledge Exchange: 20 workshops featuring 25 global experts and representatives from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The exhibition concludes with a focus on modern technologies, showcasing the latest innovations in sustainable aquaculture that will drive the Kingdom’s competitiveness on the world stage.
