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Aquaculture market guide

Aquaculture in Saudi Arabia: suppliers, costs and project planning

FishMatch Group helps commercial buyers in Saudi Arabia source aquaculture equipment and complete farm projects through a private, human-reviewed RFQ process. Key species are shrimp, barramundi, seabream, tilapia; typical water temperatures are 20–34 °C and industrial electricity costs about USD 0.07 per kWh.

Saudi Arabia targets a major expansion of aquaculture under Vision 2030, with Red Sea shrimp ponds, marine cages and freshwater RAS in the interior.

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Key planning facts

Main species
shrimp, barramundi, seabream, tilapia
Common systems
Ponds, Cages, RAS (recirculating)
Water temperature
20–34 °C
Industrial electricity
USD 0.07 / kWh
Water cost
≈ USD 2.40 / m³
Compound feed
≈ SAR 5 (≈ $1) / kg
VAT / GST on equipment
15%
Currency
SAR (≈ 3.75 / USD)
Licensing authority
Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
Main import ports
Jeddah, Dammam and King Abdullah Port
See vetted supplier categories for Saudi Arabia

What to check before requesting quotes in Saudi Arabia

  1. Confirm your water source and year-round temperature (20–34 °C) for shrimp.
  2. Budget energy carefully: at about USD 0.07/kWh, pumping and aeration are a major operating cost.
  3. Start permits and environmental licensing early with Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).
  4. Plan equipment logistics and lead times through Jeddah, Dammam and King Abdullah Port.
  5. Check water rights or tariffs: municipal water costs about USD 2.40 per m³, so RAS make-up water and pond filling need a secured source.
  6. Budget taxes: standard VAT/GST is 15% on equipment; ask about import duty exemptions for aquaculture.

Electricity: GlobalPetrolPrices business tariffs (2026). Water tariffs and exchange rates are estimates; VAT is the standard national rate.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fish farm cost in Saudi Arabia?

An indicative 250-tonne-per-year RAS in Saudi Arabia costs roughly SAR 8.9M (≈ $2.4M) – SAR 13.8M (≈ $3.7M) in equipment and installation, before land and buildings. Ponds and cages usually cost less per tonne. Use the calculator for your species and scale, then request supplier quotes.

Which fish and shrimp are farmed in Saudi Arabia?

Commercial projects in Saudi Arabia mainly focus on shrimp, barramundi, seabream, tilapia.

Who licenses aquaculture in Saudi Arabia?

Licensing and environmental approval usually involve Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). Requirements change, so confirm with the authority before committing capital.

Does FishMatch Group sell equipment?

No. FishMatch Group is an independent, human-reviewed sourcing service. We qualify your project, match it with vetted suppliers and keep supplier details private until an introduction is approved.

More Saudi Arabia questions: see the market FAQ

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