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)
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Updated 18 September 2024
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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.


Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)
Updated 10 min 18 sec ago
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Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

  • Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals

RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.

Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”

Mozzarella demonstration at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.

The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.

The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.

Red Sea grouper at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”

Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.

Rosewater-glazed lamb at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”

The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.

 

 


Saudi Artisanal Co. showcases artisanry at Banan 2024 exhibition

Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi Artisanal Co. showcases artisanry at Banan 2024 exhibition

  • The Saudi Artisanal Co. will display diverse collections of handicrafts reflecting national heritage

RIYADH: The Saudi Artisanal Co. is showcasing a variety of handicrafts that reflect authentic Saudi heritage in an effort to support artisans during the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition, or Banan, taking place in Riyadh from Nov. 23 to 29.

The exhibition, organized by the Heritage Commission and in its second edition, brings together more than 500 local and international artisans from over 20 countries.

It offers a distinctive cultural experience through interactive events that promote handicrafts and cultural heritage, focusing on supporting artisans locally and internationally.

The Saudi Artisanal Co. will display diverse collections of handicrafts reflecting national heritage with the aim of fostering innovation and expanding the reach of Saudi artisanry in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

 


Saudi and Japanese culture ministers discuss ways to strengthen cooperation

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan and his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe sign an MoU to enhance co
Updated 22 November 2024
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Saudi and Japanese culture ministers discuss ways to strengthen cooperation

  • Ministers sign MoU to enhance cultural exchange between the two countries

 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan met with his Japanese counterpart Toshiko Abe on Friday, Nov. 22. The two discussed various ways to enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries, according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

Prince Badr met with Abe as part of his official visit to Japan to attend the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” show in Tokyo, which took place on Thursday.

The Saudi minister noted that the Kingdom’s upcoming participation at Expo 2025 in Osaka highlights the strong relations between the two countries, and wished Japan success in hosting the event.

In their meeting, the ministers addressed the importance of “strengthening cultural relations between the Kingdom and Japan,” the SPA reported, and of “enhancing existing cooperation between the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission and the Japanese to train Saudi students in the art of creating manga comics.”

Prince Badr and his Japanese counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at “enhancing cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries through the exchange of knowledge in systems and regulations related to cultural affairs, in the field of animation, and projects related to preserving heritage of all kinds, in addition to digital preservation technologies for heritage, and developing artistic residency programs between the two countries.”

The MoU is part of the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to enhance international cultural exchange, one of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.


26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone

Updated 22 November 2024
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26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone

  • The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species
  • NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has successfully reintroduced 26 endangered animals to their natural habitat in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Souda region.
Thursday’s ceremony was attended by Souda Development Company CEO Saleh Al-Arini and National Center for Wildlife Development General Supervisor of Planning and Empowerment Abdulmohsen Al-Shanif.
The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species while enhancing biodiversity and ensuring ecosystems thrive throughout the Kingdom. The project also aims to boost the region’s tourism appeal while supporting environmental sustainability.
NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected following comprehensive biodiversity studies to assess both current conditions and potential future impacts.
“This project not only enhances our ecosystems but also strengthens ecotourism opportunities and creates new economic channels for the Kingdom,” he said, adding NCW’s breeding centers ranked among the world’s leading facilities for endangered species propagation. The centers maintain the highest international standards while conducting vital research on species’ living conditions.
The organization employs cutting-edge technology to monitor wildlife populations, collect data and assess potential risks to biodiversity in protected areas.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to preserve its natural heritage and promote sustainable development in the region.


Saudi Arabia advocates for quality of life during COP29

Updated 22 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia advocates for quality of life during COP29

  • One of the key initiatives driving this change is Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil and fostering economic diversification
  • This vision places significant emphasis on green development, which is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and citizens in the Kingdom

BAKU: While COP29, the 29th climate change conference, continues discussions for a 12th day in the capital city of Azerbaijan to elevate health and well-being for people all over the world, sustaining the level of quality of life after the implementation of policies is important.
Sustainability, in general, has emerged as a critical focal point for countries worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. As the Kingdom moves from a predominantly oil-based economy to a more diverse and sustainable model, the implications for quality of life are profound.
One of the key initiatives driving this change is Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil and fostering economic diversification.
This vision places significant emphasis on green development, which is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and citizens in the Kingdom.
The Saudi government is working to create a more resilient and prosperous future through various investments in sustainable urban planning and eco-friendly technologies and projects.
Sustainable urban development is central to enhancing the quality of life. Projects such as NEOM, a futuristic city planned to integrate smart technology and sustainable living, show how urban environments can be designed while keeping growth sustainable even after the completion of the city.
Such projects aim to provide residents with green spaces, efficient public transport and smart infrastructure, all contributing to a higher standard of living.
Aeon Collective is another example that shows the Kingdom’s commitment to raising living standards for people.
The company is an interdisciplinary, non-profit organization based in Riyadh, committed to advancing the concept of sustainability and development in Saudi Arabia, while at the same time focusing on the intersection of social, economic, and ecological well-being.
Aeon Collective is considered a Waqf, which is an Arabic word meaning assets that are donated, bequeathed, or purchased to be held in perpetual trust for general or specific charitable causes that are socially beneficial.
Princess Mashael Saud Al-Shalan, co-founder of Aeon Collective, explained to Arab News during COP29 the concept and objective of the organization.
“As you know, Waqf is one of the oldest legal Islamic structures, (established) almost 1400 years ago,” she said. “The intention was to reorient this legal structure (Waqf) into a space that allowed us to focus on sustainability in the longer run, but in the shorter run try to answer one key basic question, ‘what would it take to align opportunities for socio-economic mobility for individuals through the active action of repairing our planet?’”
Princess Mashael spoke further of the need to reclaim the Islamic framework Amarat Alardh, which, according to her, means “custodianship of the land.”
“It is within our own heritage, our culture, Islamic, Arabic, Saudi, that we have to be there to take care of our fellow citizens, our fellow humans, but importantly, every other being, plant, animal, that we share this planet with,” she said.
Moreover, public awareness and engagement in sustainability practices are being fostered through educational campaigns and community initiatives. By encouraging citizens to adopt sustainable habits, such as recycling and energy conservation, the government aims to create a culture of sustainability that enhances community well-being.
Throughout the conversation, Princess Mashael praised the perspectives Saudi Arabia is bringing to the table of negotiations during this event, yet stressed also the responsibility of individuals to raise the bar of ambition on a national level to ensure that those goals and ambitions are translated on the ground.
In addition, Princess Mashael was a speaker at one of the panels on Wednesday, regarding sustainability in cities.
“Cities tend to not only be the biggest congregators of carbon but also where most of the brains we are trying to attract, who solve these issues, live ... So it is having a mentality that goes beyond scarcity, beyond fear-mongering and eco-anxiety; to a mentality of growth, to a mentality of being able to do.”
Sustainability in Saudi Arabia is not merely a response to environmental concerns; it is a holistic approach to improving quality of life through strategic initiatives in numerous sectors, including urban planning and community engagement; the country is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future for its people.