The forum's agenda reflects Oman's comprehensive approach to making aquaculture a cornerstone of its economy. Photo: Oman News Agency (ONA)

Oman Positions Itself as a Global Aquaculture Hub at Key Investment Forum

OMAN
Tuesday, September 09, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources Highlights Sector's Rapid Growth, Aligning with Oman Vision 2040 to Boost Food Security and Economic Diversification

MUSCAT— The Aquaculture Investment Opportunities Forum, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, convened today in Muscat with a clear goal: to showcase Oman's rapidly expanding aquaculture sector as a pillar of its economic future. The two-day event brings together stakeholders from across the globe to discuss the industry's potential, successes, and future investment opportunities in the Sultanate.

The forum, held under the patronage of Eng. Ali Mohammed Al Abri, Undersecretary for Water Resources, underscored the government's commitment to developing a sustainable "blue bioeconomy." This aligns directly with Oman Vision 2040, a national strategy to diversify the economy away from oil and gas. Photo: Oman News Agency (ONA)

A Sector on the Rise: Key Figures and Projections

The event's opening remarks, delivered by Dr. Abdulaziz Al Marzouqi, Director General of Fisheries Resources Development, highlighted the sector's remarkable growth. Globally, aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors, with an annual growth rate of approximately 9%. In Oman, this growth is even more pronounced, with production reaching 5,500 tons in 2024, valued at over RO 12.5 million (approx. $32.5 million). This is a significant increase from 2023's production of 5,000 tons, valued at RO 11.5 million.

These figures reflect growing investor confidence, with the number of aquaculture projects launched in Oman reaching 22 in 2025, representing a total investment exceeding RO 1 billion (approx. $2.6 billion). The Ministry's goal, under Oman Vision 2040, is to increase farmed fish output to 200,000 metric tons per annum by 2040 and create approximately 11,000 jobs.

Global Perspective and Strategic Opportunities

The forum's sessions focused on both the local and international context of aquaculture. Discussions addressed global market trends, challenges, and successful models, including a review of the experience of Chile, a leading global aquaculture producer. Experts from international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) are contributing to the dialogue.

A Rabobank report, titled "Caught in the current: Geopolitics threaten the global seafood industry," provides a critical backdrop to these discussions, highlighting the rising instability in global seafood trade due to tariffs and geopolitical tensions. This context makes Oman's strategic focus on developing a robust, domestic aquaculture industry even more crucial for enhancing food security and reducing reliance on volatile international markets.

Photo: Oman News Agency (ONA)

The Sultanate's rich marine environment supports the farming of over 15 aquatic species, including white leg shrimp, Omani abalone, and Atlantic salmon. The forum showcased promising opportunities within this framework, highlighting the success story of the Musandam Aquaculture Company and the financial services offered by Sohar International Bank to support new ventures. Furthermore, the event featured the latest technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence in farming systems, demonstrating Oman's commitment to innovation in the sector.

The forum's agenda reflects Oman's comprehensive approach to making aquaculture a cornerstone of its economy, not only by providing a supportive legislative and regulatory environment but also by fostering a knowledge-sharing ecosystem to drive sustainable growth.

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