Qualitative leaps and record numbers propel Saudi Arabia’s fisheries sector toward global leadership
His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti, affirmed that the Kingdom’s fisheries sector has achieved remarkable milestones and record figures. Aquaculture production exceeded 192,000 tons, alongside the implementation of more than 410 projects in marine and inland waters. In addition, approximately 59,000 tons of seafood products were exported to more than 35 countries worldwide, with a value exceeding SAR 1.3 billion.
This came during His Excellency’s inauguration of the 5th edition of the Saudi International Marine Exhibition (SIMEC) at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, with strong local and international participation reflecting the exhibition’s growing status as a regional and global specialized platform. He emphasized that SIMEC has evolved beyond a traditional exhibition to become a global meeting point, a growth engine, and a showcase of the Kingdom’s regional and international leadership in the fisheries sector.
He explained that this progress is the result of an integrated ecosystem encompassing strategic planning, policy and regulatory development, investor incentives, and capacity building for fishermen and practitioners. These efforts are led by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture through the National Program for the Development of the Livestock and Fisheries Sector, in addition to initiatives supporting fishermen, regulating fishing activities, developing port and logistics services, and advancing processing industries and marketing—positioning Saudi Arabia among the leading countries in the fisheries sector.
During the event, His Excellency witnessed the signing of 13 memoranda of understanding, cooperation agreements, and investment contracts between local and international entities, with an estimated value exceeding SAR 316 million. These agreements aim to develop investment opportunities in the fisheries sector, boost seafood exports to global markets, support fish and algae processing industries, enhance production efficiency, and contribute to food security and economic growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The exhibition aims to support Saudi seafood exports and enhance trade and marine industries through strategic agreements and specialized workshops that facilitate knowledge exchange, innovation, and investment—driving sustainable development of the fisheries sector and strengthening the Kingdom’s role as a key regional hub.
The three-day exhibition features participation from over 30 countries and 120 exhibitors, with an expected attendance of 15,000 visitors. Its agenda includes 20 workshops attended by around 3,500 international and local investors and business leaders, alongside 25 global speakers and experts, in addition to five accompanying events that enriched the experience and expanded cooperation opportunities.
Participating countries include China, South Korea, Russia, Norway, Spain, France, Germany, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Syria, and others, alongside the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)—highlighting the diversity of global expertise and strong international interest in fisheries and aquaculture.
At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, His Excellency toured the exhibition pavilions, reviewed the latest technologies and solutions in fisheries and aquaculture, and met with exhibitors to learn about cutting-edge innovations, products, and services—underscoring the importance of such exhibitions in knowledge transfer, investment support, and enhancing sector competitiveness.
