Environment Vice Minister Highlights Record Growth in Saudi Fisheries Sector

Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti announced that the Kingdom’s fisheries sector has reached significant milestones, achieving record-breaking production and exports.

 Aquaculture output surpassed 192,000 tons, supported by over 410 projects across marine and inland waters. Exports reached approximately 59,000 tons of fish products, delivered to more than 35 countries, with a total value exceeding SAR1.3 billion.

 The announcement came during the inauguration of the fifth Saudi International Marine Exhibition (SIMEC) at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event drew a large local and international audience, underscoring the exhibition’s growing prominence as a specialized regional and global platform for the sector.

 Al-Mushaiti emphasized that SIMEC has evolved beyond a mere exhibition into a global hub for growth and a showcase of the Kingdom’s leadership in the fisheries sector. He attributed the progress to a comprehensive framework of strategic planning, policy, and regulatory development, investor incentives, and capacity-building programs for fishermen and industry stakeholders.

 The efforts, led by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture through the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, include initiatives to support fishermen, regulate fishing, and develop ports, transportation, and processing. Collectively, they have positioned Saudi Arabia among the leading countries in the global fisheries industry.

 The exhibition also aims to bolster fish exports and strengthen trade and maritime industries through strategic agreements and specialized workshops. The sessions are designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, encourage innovation and investment, and promote the sustainable development of the fisheries sector, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a key regional player in this vital industry.