Al-Rais Fish Auction Project: 50% Completion Towards Sustainability and Vision 2030

Significant progress has been made on the strategic project in Al-Rais

The Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, “Reef Saudi Arabia,” announced that it has achieved 50% completion in its fish auction and boat maintenance center projects in the coastal province of Al-Rais. This ambitious project is a strategic step to bolster the fisheries sector, create sustainable job opportunities, and reduce waste in marine products, directly aligning with the ambitious goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to diversify the national economy and achieve food security.

General context: Within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030

This project falls within the broader framework adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to develop non-oil sectors, with the fisheries sector representing a key pillar for achieving food security and self-sufficiency. The city of Al-Rais, with its long history of fishing on the Red Sea coast, is an ideal location to host such development projects. The “Reef Saudi Arabia” program, overseen by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, aims to empower rural and coastal communities by developing infrastructure and providing the necessary support to increase production efficiency and improve the living standards of those working in these vital sectors.

Project importance and expected impact

Majed Al-Buraikan, the official spokesperson for the "Reef Saudi Arabia" program, explained that these comprehensive development projects are establishing a unique economic model in Al-Rais, combining the preservation of traditional fishing crafts with their modernization using the latest technological tools. The project is expected to have a multi-dimensional impact

• At the local level, the project will directly contribute to creating sustainable job opportunities for the province's residents in administrative, technical, and logistical fields, thus enhancing the economic stability of the local population. It will also improve the working environment for fishermen, increase the efficiency of the fishing sector, and transform Al-Rais into a prime investment and tourism destination.
• At the national level, the project plays a pivotal role in strengthening the supply chain for seafood products, ensuring they reach the end consumer with the highest standards of quality and health and safety. This, in turn, supports the national food security system and reduces reliance on imports.

Project details: Integration between auction and maintenance

The project was designed to achieve unique operational integration. On the one hand, the fish auction aims to reduce losses from the catch and improve the shelf life of products by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a large showroom, a dedicated ice-making area, and a modern administrative department. The auction targets 150 boats per month, with an average daily production of 40 kilograms per boat. On the other hand, the advanced boat maintenance center offers comprehensive solutions to minimize boat downtime. It includes a fully equipped metal workshop, technical support systems for towing and transporting boats, and provides genuine spare parts, ensuring the continuity of fishermen's work and increasing their income. The center also strives to localize technical skills and develop national talent to provide highly professional after-sales services, guaranteeing the sustainability of the sector.