The Government has given special attention to this sector along all its Arabian Gulf and Red Sea coasts. Following a number of studies, it has provided various means of support and incentives to small fishermen, facilitating the purchase of boats equipped with modern fishing gear and offering effective marketing facilities.

Aware of the importance of fish, the State formed a company with a capital of SR 100 million, the Saudi Fisheries Company, in which, in addition to the State, some 16,000 citizens hold shares. This company has successfully built its private fleet and provides a large variety of fish and prawn for local and export markets. In 1999, 56,000 tons of fish were caught.