In the arid landscapes of Saudi Arabia, a startup based in Riyadh is pioneering a revolution in aquaculture through Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). Mustadem aims to facilitate sustainable and water-efficient fish farming, particularly in harsh desert environments.

Identifying Challenges in Local Protein Production

CEO Abdulrahman Binghaith shared insights with AgTechNavigator about the startup’s extensive research into the local protein market. By mapping the entire food value chain—from feed technologies to processing facilities—Mustadem is pinpointing critical gaps that hinder the sector’s growth.

The Importance of Water Efficiency

“In Saudi Arabia, the most precious resource we have is water,” Binghaith emphasized. “The traditional aquaculture methods result in significant water waste. We aim to introduce innovative solutions to mitigate risks, especially after a viral outbreak in 2012 that led to substantial industry losses.”

Advantages of RAS

A key benefit of RAS, according to Chief Technical Officer Ivar Warrer-Hansen, is its minimal water requirement. “This allows us to position our farms close to markets, enhancing local self-sufficiency and minimizing reliance on imports,” he noted.

The technology’s flexibility also opens doors to farming cold-water species like salmon in the desert. Warrer-Hansen explained, “While cooling expenses exist, the potential savings on imports from countries like Norway, where fish costs about $3 per kilogram, justify the investment in salmon farming here.”

Challenges in Implementation

Despite the promise of RAS, Warrer-Hansen cautioned that over half of global projects fail due to inexperienced developers and unproven technologies. His extensive background, including his role as CEO of RASLogic and involvement in pioneering RAS developments in Denmark, positions him uniquely to tackle these challenges.

Growing Demand for Seafood

Fish consumption in Saudi Arabia remains low, hindered by limited access to fresh seafood. However, Binghaith forecasts a rise in demand corresponding with the increasing need for animal protein. “Fresh fish procurement is challenging due to distance; 200,000 tonnes are imported annually from regions like Turkey and Norway,” he pointed out.

Future Plans and Expansion

Mustadem is on a mission to transform Saudi Arabia’s aquaculture landscape. The startup is currently building a RAS farm specialized in Sobaity sea bream, a fish better adapted to the region’s warmer climate and an optimal choice for local aquaculture.

Looking ahead, Mustadem has plans to diversify its offerings by including species such as trout, sea bream, and salmon, reinforcing its position as a key player in the future of fish farming. By leveraging RAS technology, the company aims to support food security and improve the efficiency of fish farming in extreme climates.