Full steam ahead for Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture dream

Aquaculture today plays a vital role in helping to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, including diversifying national income sources. (Supplied/KAUST/Reuters)
Aquaculture today plays a vital role in helping to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, including diversifying national income sources. (Supplied/KAUST/Reuters)
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Updated 18 September 2024
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Full steam ahead for Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture dream

Full steam ahead for Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture dream
  • Sector plays major role toward increasing seafood consumption rate, says official

JEDDAH: The Kingdom decided to introduce aquaculture more than 40 years ago, leading to the establishment of the National Fisheries Center. Since then, the sector has undergone significant development through international partnerships and collaborations, particularly with the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Aquaculture today plays a vital role in helping to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, diversifying national income sources, and transforming the sector into a genuine industry that contributes to the Kingdom’s food security.

Following its launch, the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program has enabled the Kingdom to build expertise, forming a solid foundation for achieving future goals.




Aquaculture is also encouraging growth and prosperity for coastal and rural areas, while preserving biodiversity and the environment. (Supplied/KAUST)

Abdul Majeed Al-Shehri, director of corporate communications and partnerships at the program, gave Arab News a look at the program and its developments.

He said: “We are working, through integration with other sectors, in food industries to improve production efficiency and add value to achieve self-sufficiency.

HIGHLIGHT

Aquaculture in Saudi Arabia is encouraging growth and prosperity for coastal and rural areas, while preserving biodiversity and the environment.

“This includes the establishment of Animal Protein City in the Jazan region, which aims to build emerging food clusters and develop logistical services for supply chains. In numbers, we have increased aquaculture production from 32,000 tonnes in 2016 to 120,000 tonnes in 2023.”

Aquaculture is also encouraging growth and prosperity for coastal and rural areas, while preserving biodiversity and the environment.




Aquaculture today plays a vital role in helping to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, including diversifying national income sources. (Supplied/KAUST)

According to an official statement, the sector has linked with other agricultural, medical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, and contributed to the development of related industries such as seafood processing, feed production, and fishery-based manufacturing industries.

A diverse range of aquatic species have been introduced to suit the various geographic and climatic regions of the Kingdom, including Nile tilapia, carp, ornamental fish, and sturgeon in inland waters, and barramundi, marine tilapia, gilthead seabream, European seabass, and sea cucumber in marine ecosystems.

The introduction of rainbow trout has also seen encouraging success, alongside the implementation of modern technologies like closed systems in farming operations.

In numbers, we have increased aquaculture production from 32,000 tonnes in 2016 to 120,000 tonnes in 2022.

Abdul Majeed Al-Shehri, National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, Institutional Communications Director

The aquaculture sector in Saudi Arabia produces over 140,000 tonnes annually, with a distribution of 25 percent from inland fish farms and 75 percent from marine water projects.

Several cultured products are exported, including shrimps, certain types of fish, ornamental fish, and sea cucumbers. Annually, 59,844 tonnes of fish and shrimps are exported, with a total value of SR1.1 billion ($293 million).




Aquaculture today plays a vital role in helping to achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, including diversifying national income sources. (Supplied/KAUST)

Biosecurity monitoring programs have enhanced quality and safety standards, resulting in Saudi aquaculture products being sought by consumers in nearly 35 countries.

Countries importing shrimps from the Kingdom include Japan, China, the US, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, the Netherlands, South Africa, the EU countries, and Russia.

Al-Shehri said: “In the field of shrimp farming, we cultivate whiteleg shrimp. We also have an initiative for applied research to explore the introduction of several new species suitable for farming in the Kingdom, in collaboration with KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology).

“Additionally, we are working on cultivating several types of microalgae and have studied two species of seaweed.”

Alongside increasing the aquaculture sector’s contribution to food security and achieving self-sufficiency in seafood, Al-Shehri added: “We aim for the sector to play a major role in providing fresh and healthy seafood to the community, with leadership focused on improving quality of life and transitioning to healthier lifestyles.

“This includes increasing the seafood consumption rate to the global average of 18 percent by 2030.”

He added that the seafood consumption rate in the Kingdom had increased from 9 percent in 2016 to 13 percent in 2023.

The National Center for Fisheries Research in Jeddah, which was established in 1982, has played a pivotal role in advancing aquaculture research and development in Saudi Arabia.

The center has contributed to sharing its knowledge with the private sector to boost shrimp production projects, as well as cultivating marine tilapia in fully saline water and introducing barramundi to the Kingdom.

Collaborative studies with institutions like KAUST have been instrumental in assessing stocks of fish species and looking at critical habitats, guiding conservation efforts.

Inland aquaculture initiatives, such as the partnership with the Innovators Center at King Abdulaziz University, highlight the center’s dedication to exploring modern technologies and enhancing productivity in aquaculture systems.

Al-Shehri said: “We (have) launched the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, which includes an initiative to develop fishing ports. This initiative has worked on developing 16 fishing ports, intending to develop 28 more, bringing the total number of ports to 44 across various locations in the Kingdom. This initiative has reduced fishing effort by 40 percent.

“We (have) also conducted a study in collaboration with KAUST to assess the stocks of major fish species and critical fishery habitats.”

In addressing the challenge of aquatic diseases, the center has set a high standard for biosecurity and quality control in aquaculture projects.

Since its inception, the program has been highly effective in safeguarding aquaculture organisms from diseases. Currently, 95 percent of aquaculture projects in the Kingdom are certified under Best Aquaculture Practices.

The Fish Health and Safety Laboratory in Jeddah serves as the reference diagnostic laboratory for the World Organisation for Animal Health in the Middle East. The laboratory provides comprehensive diagnostic reports for companies and entities requiring aquatic health testing.

It recently earned the ISO/IEC 17025 certification for testing laboratories and has established a twinning program with the University of Arizona’s Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory.

Saudi Arabia earlier this year chaired the 36th session of the Committee on Fisheries in Rome, an international government forum at which members reviewed and discussed global fishery and aquaculture challenges.


Saudi Arabia expresses solidarity with Kuwait after military accident

Saudi Arabia on Thursday expressed its solidarity with Kuwait after two army personnel died during a military exercise. (AFP)
Saudi Arabia on Thursday expressed its solidarity with Kuwait after two army personnel died during a military exercise. (AFP)
Updated 8 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia expresses solidarity with Kuwait after military accident

Saudi Arabia on Thursday expressed its solidarity with Kuwait after two army personnel died during a military exercise. (AFP)
  • Kingdom expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and to the government and people of Kuwait
  • Two members of the Kuwaiti Ground Forces died during a night shooting drill with live ammunition on Wednesday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Thursday expressed its solidarity with Kuwait after two army personnel died during a military exercise.

The two members of the Kuwaiti Ground Forces died during a night shooting drill with live ammunition on Wednesday as part of a joint military exercise between Kuwait and the US. Two other soldiers were injured during the incident.

Major Sergeant Ahmad Farhan Harat and Sergeant Musaad Dhahi Saleh were buried on Thursday in Sulaibikhat Cemetery, Kuwait News Agency reported.

Special technical teams, involving the US military, have been formed to investigate the incident, KUNA added.

The Kingdom expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and to the government and people of Kuwait, a foreign ministry statement said. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery.


UK and Saudi Arabia ‘natural partners’ in innovation and tech

UK and Saudi Arabia ‘natural partners’ in innovation and tech
Updated 13 min 23 sec ago
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UK and Saudi Arabia ‘natural partners’ in innovation and tech

UK and Saudi Arabia ‘natural partners’ in innovation and tech
  • Peter Kyle, Britain’s science minister, says collaboration with the Kingdom will help both countries benefit from AI advances
  • Tells Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that demand for clean energy is ‘massive shared opportunity’

LONDON: The UK plans to deepen its relationship with Saudi Arabia in the areas of innovation and technology, a UK government minister said during a visit to the Kingdom.

Bringing together expertise from the two countries will help them both benefit from the rapid advances in new technologies, the UK’s Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology Peter Kyle told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.

The UK wants “to continue to work closely with Saudi Arabia to bring together our science and tech expertise so we can ensure potentially game-changing innovations can benefit both our nations,” Kyle said in the interview published on Thursday.

“The UK and Saudi Arabia are natural partners in these areas, with shared ambitions when it comes to both innovation and our strengths in science and technology. Right across the world, breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum, and engineering biology are starting to transform our economies and societies.”

Kyle said the UK and Saudi Arabia were also working together on clean energy and hydrogen technologies after they launched a joint energy partnership in January 2022.

The agreement was strengthened by a visit in December to Riyadh by the British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. 

During the trip, the UK and Saudi Arabia signed agreements covering environmentally-sustainable advanced materials and hydrogen.

“We have made becoming a clean energy superpower one of our key government missions, and the growing demand for clean energy is a massive shared opportunity — for growth, for green jobs, and for enhanced energy security,” Kyle said.

“By further building the commercial and investment ties between our two countries, we can drive research and innovation and build the skills we need to continue the net-zero transition — benefitting us all.”

During his visit to the Kingdom, the minister went to the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center and met the medics who carried out the first robotic heart transplant in January.

He also visited King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.


SR2,000 prizes on offer for best Founding Day outfits

SR2,000 prizes on offer for best Founding Day outfits
Updated 40 min 55 sec ago
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SR2,000 prizes on offer for best Founding Day outfits

SR2,000 prizes on offer for best Founding Day outfits
  • Members of the public are invited to submit photos of their traditional Saudi attire via the ministry’s website from Feb. 22-28
  • Competition aims to encourage people to promote traditional Saudi clothing while supporting both local fashion designers and content creators

RIYADH: The 50 best Founding Day outfits will win SR2,000 each as part of a competition by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture.

Members of the public are invited to submit photos of their traditional Saudi attire via the ministry’s website from Feb. 22-28. Winners will be notified by email between March 12-14, with a total of SR100,000 shared between the 50 best submissions.

The competition aims to encourage people to promote traditional Saudi clothing while supporting both local fashion designers and content creators, said a ministry statement.

Everyone is welcome to take part. Pictures should be of high quality and feature traditional Saudi dress style. Outfits must be inoffensive and age-appropriate to the entrant. The Founding Day hashtag must also be used.

A brochure detailing the competition guidelines can be found on the ministry’s website, where people can also submit their photographs for the competition — visit here.

Traditional attire for men includes the ghutra headdress and bisht robe, while for women it includes the shayla headscarf and thobe.

Saudi Arabia has a rich history of diverse and colorful fashion when it comes to its traditional costumes, with each region displaying different tribal styles. Only a small number of items are well known; many have been forgotten due to lack of proper documentation and tribal migration.

Founding Day takes place on Saturday, Feb. 22. The national holiday was introduced in 2022 as a way to commemorate the founding of the First Saudi State in 1727. This year’s celebrations include music concerts, art exhibitions and other cultural activities in the Kingdom’s major cities.


Putin thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting US-Russia talks during phone call

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 20 February 2025
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Putin thanks Saudi crown prince for hosting US-Russia talks during phone call

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • Prince Mohammed stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to making every possible effort to enhance global peace and security

RIYADH: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed on Thursday his appreciation to the Kingdom and its crown prince for hosting US-Russian talks in Riyadh on Tuesday.

During a phone call between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Putin, the president also praised the depth of relations between their countries and his keenness to develop them in various fields.

Prince Mohammed stressed the Kingdom’s commitment to making every possible effort to enhance global peace and security due to its belief that dialogue is the only way to resolve all international crises.


Senior Muslim scholars express appreciation for King Salman’s patronage of MWL Islamic conference

MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.
MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.
Updated 20 February 2025
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Senior Muslim scholars express appreciation for King Salman’s patronage of MWL Islamic conference

MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects.
  • MWL members confirmed that King Salman’s sponsorship of the event is an extension of Saudi Arabia’s role in strengthening Islamic solidarity

RIYADH: Muslim World League chief Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said members of the organization’s bodies, assemblies, and councils have thanked King Salman for his patronage of a conference to be held in Makkah during Ramadan.

MWL will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects on March 6-7 in Makkah, Saudi Press Agency announced on Tuesday.

The conference will bring together leading muftis, scholars, intellectuals, and representatives from senior Islamic councils, jurisprudential academies, and religious institutions across different sects and denominations.

It will serve as a unified platform for fostering constructive dialogue among diverse Islamic traditions as well as coordinating efforts and resources to strengthen Islamic unity, while ensuring mutual respect for doctrinal diversity.

Al-Issa explained that members of the organization confirmed that King Salman’s sponsorship of the event is an extension of Saudi Arabia’s role in strengthening Islamic solidarity, especially among Muslim scholars of various sects.

Al-Issa added that members of the league’s Supreme Council, Jurisprudence Council, and World Supreme Council for Mosques praised the Kingdom’s influence and its influential and respected word among Muslim nations around the world.