Saudi Arabia Seafood Market Outlook 2025–2033 | Size and Growth Trends

Saudi Arabia Seafood Market Trends & Summary (2025–2033)

According to Renub Research Saudi Arabia seafood market is undergoing steady expansion, shaped by rising health awareness, government-led initiatives, and advancing aquaculture technologies. Valued at US$ 0.98 billion in 2024, the market is projected to reach US$ 1.23 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 2.58% between 2025 and 2033. With increasing consumer inclination toward nutritious and protein-rich diets, coupled with Vision 2030’s emphasis on food security and economic diversification, seafood consumption and local production continue to climb.

Saudi Arabia Seafood Market Overview

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a transformational rise in seafood demand as consumers prioritize healthy protein alternatives over traditional meat. Fish and shellfish consumption has grown due to their rich omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and mineral content.

Government programs supporting sustainable fishing and aquaculture form the backbone of this growth. The ongoing development of modern aquaculture infrastructure, technological improvement in farming systems, and enhanced cold-chain logistics have significantly boosted production efficiency, product freshness, and supply continuity.

Saudi Arabia is positioning itself not only as a strong domestic supplier but also as an emerging global seafood exporter. Vision 2030 encourages enhanced seafood processing infrastructure, efficient supply chains, and broader export capabilities. Additionally, the expanding tourism sector is pushing demand for premium seafood, especially in regions like the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coastlines.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia recorded 399.5 million metric tons of seafood production, marking a sharp rise from previous years. Vision 2030 targets 600,000 tons of aquaculture production by 2030, backed by substantial investment from the National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP), which seeks USD 4 billion in investment for industry modernization.

Saudi consumers are also shifting behavior patterns, with per capita consumption reaching 7.34 kg in 2022. Fresh seafood dominates market preference, accounting for 57.5% market share by value in 2022. Shrimp is particularly popular, supported by stable pricing and Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence as one of the top ASC-certified shrimp-producing nations globally.

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Key Growth Drivers of the Saudi Arabia Seafood Market

Government Initiatives and Vision 2030 Support

Saudi Arabia’s proactive government role is a primary catalyst for market expansion. Vision 2030 aims to reduce reliance on food imports, ensure food security, diversify revenue sources beyond oil, and build a self-sustaining fisheries ecosystem. Investments include subsidies, infrastructure upgrades, regulatory support, and technological advancement initiatives.

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) continues to develop programs enhancing sustainable aquaculture, ensuring quality control, improving production efficiency, and supporting local producers. Vision 2030 establishes a strategic roadmap to achieve 600,000 tons of aquaculture production, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s long-term seafood security ambitions.

Innovation and Aquaculture Technological Advancements

Technological innovation has revolutionized seafood production in Saudi Arabia. Advanced aquaculture systems such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), automated feeding technologies, improved hatchery management, and genetic enhancement have significantly improved productivity and sustainability.

These advancements:

• Prevent overfishing
• Protect marine biodiversity
• Improve yield and quality
• Enhance storage and logistics efficiency
• Extend product shelf life

Cold-chain advancements and processing upgrades ensure better quality and freshness, meeting consumer expectations and supporting export competitiveness. The NFDP is a critical force in driving industrial modernization, in line with Vision 2030’s economic diversification objectives.

Rising Health Awareness Boosting Seafood Demand

Increasing awareness of nutritional health benefits associated with seafood plays a crucial role in demand growth. Consumers are shifting toward protein-rich, low-fat, nutrient-dense diets to combat lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Public health authorities, including the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), actively promote seafood consumption campaigns emphasizing seafood as a core component of a balanced diet.

As Saudis recognize seafood as a healthier alternative to red meat, demand continues to surge for fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, and other seafood varieties across households, restaurants, and hospitality sectors.

Challenges Facing the Saudi Arabia Seafood Market

Sustainability and Overfishing Concerns

Overfishing remains a major concern, threatening fish stock sustainability and marine ecosystem balance. Despite regulatory initiatives and sustainability policies, illegal fishing still persists, resulting in resource depletion and environmental strain. Balancing environmental protection with market growth remains a key challenge.

Saudi Arabia continues to enforce stricter fishing regulations, environmental preservation policies, and the development of marine protected zones to ensure long-term ecological balance and resource stability.

Dependence on Seafood Imports

Despite strong government initiatives and production growth, Saudi Arabia still relies heavily on seafood imports to satisfy domestic demand. This dependence exposes the market to external risks such as:

• International price volatility
• Trade disruptions
• Shipping delays
• Quality inconsistency concerns

While aquaculture investments aim to reduce import dependence, achieving full self-sufficiency will require sustained infrastructure development, local capability building, and technological advancements.

Regional Market Overview

Eastern Saudi Arabia Seafood Market

Eastern Saudi Arabia, located along the Arabian Gulf, is a major seafood production and consumption hub. The region benefits from:

• Abundant marine resources
• Proximity to ports
• Strong local seafood culture
• Growing aquaculture investments

However, sustainability challenges remain due to environmental pressures and fishing intensiveness. Enhanced aquaculture development and responsible fishing practices are critical for long-term growth.

Western Saudi Arabia Seafood Market

The Western region, stretching along the Red Sea, holds tremendous marine biodiversity supporting a flourishing seafood sector. Cities like Jeddah, Mecca, and surrounding coastal zones generate high demand, driven by tourism, hospitality, and local consumption.

Continuous efforts in aquaculture enhancement and sustainable fishing practices support stability, ensuring Western Saudi Arabia remains a leading contributor to national seafood supply and economic activity.

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
• Institutional Sales
• Food Service
• Online
• Others

By Region

• Western Region
• Northern & Central Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region

Key Market Players

The Saudi seafood market is supported by strong industry players investing in technology, sustainability, and capacity expansion. Key companies include:

1. Almunajem Foods
2. Arab Fisheries Co.
3. IZAFCO Fish Packing Company
4. National Aquaculture Group
5. Saudi Fisheries Company
6. Shell Fisheries Company W.L.L.
7. Tabuk Fisheries Co.
8. The Savola Group

These companies contribute significantly through production enhancement, export development, infrastructure investment, and technological advancement.

Future Outlook of the Saudi Arabia Seafood Market

Saudi Arabia’s seafood industry is expected to witness stable growth driven by:

• Government incentives and Vision 2030 support
• Technological innovation in aquaculture
• Shifting consumer dietary patterns
• Expanding tourism sector
• Strengthening export capability

With continued investments, environmental sustainability initiatives, and market expansion strategies, Saudi Arabia is poised to become a leading seafood market in the Middle East and a strong global competitor.

Final Summary

The Saudi Arabia seafood market is entering a growth-driven era, supported by structural reforms, technological innovation, and evolving consumer preferences. Valued at US$ 0.98 billion in 2024 and projected to reach US$ 1.23 billion by 2033, the market stands on powerful pillars of Vision 2030 initiatives, health awareness, and expanding aquaculture capacity. While challenges like overfishing and import reliance persist, strategic government actions and sustainable developments are paving the way for a strong, competitive, and resilient seafood economy in Saudi Arabia.