Brought together all sectors and activities associated with marine fisheries and aquaculture sector in one place
The fourth edition of the Saudi International Marine Exhibition (SIMEC) was held from 10-12 Feb 2024 at the Riyadh Int. Convention & Exhibition Center in Saudi Arabia. At the three-day exhibition, which featured up to 15,000 visitors, more than 1,500 business meetings took place, 20+ workshops were held, and multiple cooperation agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) were signed. The 3rd Edition was held from 4-6 Feb 2024.
The Saudi Arabian Chefs Association organized the Seas Chef cooking contest at SIMEC this year, in which more than 30 chefs created diverse seafood dishes and were judged by a panel of experts. In addition, there was a Master Class live cooking event, where over 60 trainee chefs and exhibition visitors had the opportunity to cook with professional chefs.
Local aquaculture companies produce high quality products for the local and international markets under the strict guidance and control of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA). There is already an advanced and highly productive shrimp farming industry, while the marine fish farming industry is also growing carefully. Additionally, fresh-water fish, mainly tilapia, have been produced in substantial quantities through inland aquaculture in recent years.
Several initiatives have been launched by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) to catalyze the private sector’s interest and efforts in aquaculture. Among such initiatives are extensive R&D programs for improving domestication and efficiency of native species, market studies and marketing campaigns to increase awareness and consumption of local seafood products, as well as support for the development of infrastructure and capacity.
In implementation of directives of His Excellency Minister of Environment, Water & Agriculture of holding fisheries exhibition, the National Fisheries Development Program organized a remarkable event to highlight the importance and sustainability of the fisheries sector, and how to leverage and fully exploit these untapped resources to advance the associated economic sectors. As part of the event, a major exhibition will bring together various sectors and activities from various sectors and areas to highlight the numerous advantages of Saudi Arabia’s strategic location. In order to discuss new developments and emerging issues in the international arena, the conference aimed to attract international experience and global expertise mainly focused on aquaculture, marine fisheries and other significant topics.
In the area of aquaculture, SIMEC showcased the latest advanced technologies as the first specialized marine exhibition in KSA. An important meeting point with the decision makers in the fisheries industry, the event was an opportunity to showcase and promote new brands.
Some key objectives of SIMEC were, “to provide an annual platform for professional and scientific discussion between the fisheries sector and key players”, “to promote domestic and foreign investment in the aquaculture sector”, “to establish connection with key local decision makers in fisheries and other associated industries”, and “to showcase state -of- the art marine products and cutting- edge aquaculture technologies”.
Added features:
- The first ever specialized exhibition in Saudi Arabia focusing on fisheries, aquaculture and related maritime activities and industries.
- Networking with the key stakeholders and decision makers in the fields of fisheries, aquaculture and related activities and industries.
- Ideal platform for trade talks and commercial agreements between importers and exporters of live, chilled and frozen seafood products.
- Unmatched connection point between the National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP) and private sector partners.
- Unique opportunity for establishing effective partnerships with the sector’s leading local and international companies, key players and networking with industry experts and professionals.
- Innovation showcase featuring state -of- the -art products and cutting -edge aquaculture technologies.
- Prestigious event as a peerless showcase and promotion for new products and related services.
Exhibitors Categories:
Aquaculture: Aquaculture technology, Inland aquaculture, Solutions, equipment and training companies, Universities and scientific colleges, Feed
Fisheries: Fishing boats, Fishing Tools, Port construction
Seafood: Fresh and frozen fish (exporter and importer companies), Food processing and packaging
Algae: Algae technology, Environmental consulting companies