Forecast Period
|
2026-2030
|
Market Size (2024)
|
USD 1.02
Billion
|
CAGR (2025-2030)
|
3.45%
|
Fastest Growing Segment
|
Shrimp
|
Largest Market
|
Western
|
Market Size (2030)
|
USD 1.25 Billion
|
Market Overview
The Saudi
Arabia Seafood market was valued at USD 1.02 Billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 1.25 Billion by 2030 with
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
efforts are positioning Saudi Arabia to meet the rising domestic demand for
seafood and reduce reliance on imports.
Increased
Awareness Among Consumers Regarding the Benefits Associated with the
Consumption of Seafood
The increasing awareness among Saudi consumers about
the health benefits of seafood is significantly propelling the growth of the
country's seafood market. Seafood is recognized as a rich source of
high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, contributing
to a balanced diet and supporting cardiovascular health. This shift in dietary
preferences is further reinforced by government initiatives under Vision 2030,
which aim to diversify the economy and promote healthier lifestyles. Educational
campaigns by health organizations have played a pivotal role in informing the
public about the nutritional advantages of seafood, leading to a noticeable
increase in its consumption. Also, the expansion of aquaculture and sustainable
fishing practices ensures a steady supply of fresh seafood, meeting the rising
demand. As consumers become more health-conscious, the preference for seafood
over traditional protein sources is expected to continue, driving market growth
in the coming years.
Rising
Working Population Surging the Demand for Frozen Seafood
The rising working population in Saudi Arabia is
significantly driving the demand for frozen seafood, as busy lifestyles and
increased workforce participation—particularly among women—lead consumers to
seek convenient, time-saving meal options. As a part of this, according to a
recent study, as of 2022, there were 11156.30 thousand Saudi Arabians working,
up from 9786.90 thousand in 2021.Frozen seafood offers extended shelf life
and ease of preparation, aligning well with the needs of urban professionals and
dual-income households. This trend is further supported by the expansion of
cold chain infrastructure and retail distribution networks, making frozen
seafood more accessible across supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online
platforms. Government initiatives under Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing
domestic seafood production and reducing reliance on imports, have also spurred
investments in advanced freezing and processing technologies. As a result, the
frozen seafood segment is experiencing robust growth, catering to the evolving
dietary preferences of a modern, time-constrained consumer base in Saudi Arabia.

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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.
Climate
Challenges
Climate challenges pose a significant barrier to the
sustainable growth of the seafood market in Saudi Arabia. The country’s arid
environment, high temperatures, and limited freshwater resources create
unfavorable conditions for aquaculture and marine life cultivation. Extreme
heat can stress aquatic species, affect water quality, and reduce growth and
reproduction rates, ultimately impacting productivity. Also, Saudi Arabia's
coastal ecosystems are vulnerable to rising sea temperatures, salinity changes,
and pollution, which further threaten marine biodiversity and fish stocks.
Desalinated water, often used in inland aquaculture, is costly and
energy-intensive, adding to operational burdens. Also, climate variability can
lead to irregular fishing patterns and seasonal disruptions, affecting the
availability and consistency of seafood supply. To overcome these obstacles,
significant investment in climate-resilient technologies such as recirculating
aquaculture systems (RAS) and better coastal management practices is essential
for ensuring the long-term sustainability and resilience of the seafood sector.
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.
Rising
Preference for Online Shopping
The rising preference for online shopping is
significantly transforming Saudi Arabia's seafood market. As a part of this,
according to International Trade Administration, as of 2024, 33.6 million
Saudis used the internet for e-commerce , a 42% increase from 2019.Busy
lifestyles and a growing working population are driving consumers toward
convenient, time-saving meal options, leading to increased demand for frozen
and packaged seafood products. This trend is further supported by the expansion
of cold chain infrastructure and retail distribution networks, making frozen
seafood more accessible across supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online
platforms. Government initiatives under Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing
domestic seafood production and reducing reliance on imports, have also spurred
investments in advanced freezing and processing technologies. As a result, the
frozen seafood segment is experiencing robust growth, catering to the evolving
dietary preferences of a modern, time-constrained consumer base in Saudi Arabia.
Focus
on Sustainability and Environmental Concerns
Sustainability and environmental stewardship have
become central themes in the evolution of Saudi Arabia's seafood market. The
Kingdom is actively addressing challenges such as overfishing and marine
ecosystem degradation by implementing stringent regulations and promoting
responsible fishing practices. These measures aim to balance seafood supply
with the preservation of marine biodiversity. In alignment with Vision 2030,
the Saudi government is investing in sustainable aquaculture initiatives.
Efforts include the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and the development
of inland aquaculture systems that utilize brackish water, thereby conserving
freshwater resources. Collaborations between local and international entities
are fostering innovation in sustainable seafood production, ensuring long-term
viability and environmental compliance. These concerted efforts underscore Saudi Arabia's
commitment to transforming its seafood industry into a model of sustainability,
ensuring food security while safeguarding its marine ecosystems for future
generations.
Segmental Insights
Product
Insights
Fish dominated the Saudi Arabia Seafood market, driven
by increasing domestic consumption, supported by a growing population keen on
pursuing healthy lifestyles and diets. Fresh/chilled fish remains the most
preferred form among Saudi consumers, accounting for over 57% of fish
consumption. The country's fish production capabilities have been significantly
enhanced through government initiatives like the National Fisheries Development
Program (NFDP), which aims to boost the GDP contribution of the fisheries
sector. Local consumers demonstrate a strong preference for wild-caught fish,
believing it to be more natural, fresh, delicious, and healthy. The segment's
growth is further supported by the country's diverse network of fish suppliers,
with imports coming primarily from Yemen, Norway, UAE, Oman, and Pakistan.

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Regional Insights
Western region dominated the Saudi Arabia Seafood market,
due to its strategic advantages and rich marine resources. With a long
coastline along the Red Sea, the area benefits from abundant fish stocks and
thriving aquaculture activities. The presence of Jeddah Islamic Port, one of
the busiest ports in the region, facilitates the efficient import and export of
seafood products, ensuring a steady and diverse supply. Also, seafood holds
cultural significance in the Western region, where it is a staple in local
cuisine. The influx of tourists and pilgrims visiting cities like Mecca and
Medina further boosts demand, particularly in the hospitality sector. Also, the
Northern & Central region's is driven by several key factors. Urban centers
like Riyadh are witnessing increased demand for premium seafood products,
influenced by rising disposable incomes and a growing health-conscious
population. The government's Vision 2030 initiative has led to significant
investments in aquaculture infrastructure, including cold chain logistics,
ensuring the efficient distribution of fresh and frozen seafood to inland
markets.
Recent Developments
- In January 2025, Prince
Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Hail—an important city in
northwestern Saudi Arabia—officially inaugurated the Excellence Center for
Salmon Production. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant
milestone in the region’s aquaculture sector, aiming to enhance local salmon
production through advanced technologies and sustainable practices.
- In April 2025, NEOM,
the sustainable regional development project in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has
entered into a partnership with Tabuk Fisheries Company to establish a
dedicated aquaculture enterprise. This strategic initiative builds upon the
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NEOM and Tabuk Fisheries
Company in 2021, reinforcing their commitment to advancing sustainable
aquaculture practices and enhancing the region’s seafood production
capabilities.
- In February 2024, Topian
has entered a new strategic partnership with Pure Salmon, a global leader in
land-based aquaculture headquartered in Abu Dhabi. This collaboration
underscores Topian’s commitment to advancing sustainable seafood production by
leveraging Pure Salmon’s cutting-edge technology and expertise in
environmentally friendly, land-based fish farming.
- In April 2024, Almarai
Co., Saudi Arabia’s leading dairy producer, is expanding its portfolio by
making substantial investments in seafood and red meat production. This
strategic move aligns with the Kingdom’s increased focus on achieving food
self-sufficiency and strengthening domestic food security.
Key Market Players
- Arab
Fisheries Co
- National
Aquaculture Group
- Izafco
- Sammak
- Sealand
Foods
- Royal
Future
- East
Coast Seafood Company
- Asian
Seafood Corporation
- The
Sea Food Company Pte Ltd
- Aljunaid
Seafood
By Product
|
By Type
|
By Application
|
By Distribution
Channel
|
By Region
|
- Fish
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Lobster
- Others
|
|
- Retail
- Institution Sales
- Food Service
|
- Supermarket/Hypermarket
- Departmental Stores
- Specialized Stores
- Online
- Others
|
- Eastern
- Western
- Northern & Central
- Southern
|
Report Scope:
In this report, the Saudi Arabia Seafood Market has
been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry
trends which have also been detailed below:
- Saudi Arabia Seafood Market, By Product:
o Fish
o Shrimp
o Crab
o Lobster
o Others
- Saudi Arabia Seafood Market, By Type:
o Raw
o Frozen
o Processed
- Saudi Arabia Seafood Market, By Application:
o Retail
o Institution Sales
o Food Service
- Saudi Arabia Seafood Market, By Distribution Channel:
o Supermarket/Hypermarket
o Departmental Stores
o Specialized Stores
o Online
o Others
- Saudi Arabia Seafood Market,
By Region:
o Eastern
o Western
o Northern & Central
o Southern
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents
in the Saudi Arabia Seafood Market.
Available Customizations:
Saudi Arabia Seafood Market report with the
given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a
company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for
the report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and
profiling of additional market players (up to five).
Saudi Arabia Seafood Market is an upcoming report
to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to
confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]