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Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host its most extensive sustainable seafood production exhibition to date from February 4 to 6. The third edition of the Saudi International Marine Exhibition (SIMEC) is supported by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) and the National Livestock & Fisheries Development Program (NLFDP). With over 12,000 expected visitors, the event aims to emphasize the significance, sustainability, and economic potential of Saudi Arabia’s seafood sector, encompassing aquaculture and algae production.
Building on the success of the previous edition that attracted 10,000 delegates, this year’s exhibition has expanded its space from 6,000 m2 to an impressive 8,000 m2. One notable addition is a new seafood cookery contest, endorsed by the World Associations of Chefs Societies and the Saudi Arabian Chefs Association. In this competition, Saudi chefs will showcase their skills in creating dishes with a specific theme, prominently featuring aquaculture species such as salmon, seabass, gilthead seabream, and shrimp.
The exhibition has multifaceted objectives, including encouraging domestic and foreign investment in the aquaculture sector and providing a platform to showcase state-of-the-art marine products and aquaculture technologies.
Apart from the exhibition, the event will host specialized workshops addressing key themes like the future of RAS training, financing aquaculture through the country’s agriculture development fund, applied research for inland aquaculture development, and innovations in shrimp farming.
This event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a government initiative focused on diversifying the country’s economy, reducing dependence on imported food, and fostering the growth of the aquaculture sector.
The aquaculture industry in Saudi Arabia has roots dating back to the early 1980s when Nile tilapia were introduced in inland ponds. However, it was the growth of the shrimp sector that propelled the country into a leading regional producer and exporter of seafood worldwide.
From 2015 to 2022, domestic aquaculture production experienced a remarkable 400 percent increase, rising from around 32,000 to nearly 120,000 tonnes. Currently, there are over 200 operational farms across the kingdom, with the shrimp farming sector playing a pivotal role in this growth. The marine fish sector is also expanding, and substantial volumes of tilapia are being produced.
Key players in the sector, such as the National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA), Jazan Energy and Development Company (JAZADCO), Tharawat Seas, and Tabuk Fisheries, contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s position in aquaculture. NAQUA, being the largest aquaculture operation, engages in shrimp farming, fish farming, and feed business. JAZADCO operates a shrimp farm project, while Tharawat Seas produces both fish and shrimp. Tabuk Fisheries is a leading marine finfish farming company in the kingdom.
In addition to private sector efforts, MEWA has initiated various programs, including extensive research and development endeavors focused on the domestication and enhanced farming efficiency of native species. Market analyses and marketing campaigns have been launched to increase awareness and consumption of local seafood products, further supporting capacity building in the industry.