Sayad Project

Sayad Project is a national initiative supervised by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It aims to encourage citizens to engage in the fishing profession and localize it.

The project was launched on October 1, 2018, in collaboration with several government entities. It aims to attract fishermen, fishing associations, institutions, companies, boat owners, and anyone interested in pursuing the fishing profession.

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, through the Sayad Project, aims to empower and encourage citizens to engage in the fishing profession, contributing to the sustainability of the fishing sector, which is an important supporter of the economy.

The project is part of the Kingdom’s projects to develop the fisheries sector in the Kingdom and aims to serve the fishing profession and fishermen while localizing the profession in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Implemented in collaboration with the Cooperative Saudi Council, the project contributes to training and preparing Saudi youth by subjecting trainees to programs that enable them to practice the profession using proper methods.

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has provided several benefits to encourage participation in the Sayad Project. Fishing boats are classified into two types: boats with inboard engines and boats with outboard engines. When owners of boats with inboard engines join the project, fishermen are allowed to participate in the Sustainable Rural Development Program, "Saudi Reef."

Participants can defer payments to the Agricultural Development Fund for up to one year if needed. Additionally, if they are unable to join the Sayad Project immediately, they are granted a grace period of up to six months. As for the owners of boats with outboard engines, they are given the opportunity to join the Sustainable Rural Development Program upon participating in the project. They are also allowed a repayment period of up to one year. If they are unable to participate during the specified period, they are granted a grace period of up to four months.

The Sayad Project, affiliated with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, is implemented in collaboration with several entities, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, the Cooperative Societies Council, and the National Program for the Development of the Fisheries Sector. The latter is responsible for managing awareness and guidance campaigns and activating the initiative to prepare ports and provide logistical services.

The General Directorate of Border Guards contributes to the project by ensuring compliance with the law. The Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) is responsible for attracting job seekers, training them to access employment opportunities, and providing support for two years from the start of employment. Meanwhile, the Agricultural Development Fund provides loans to support establishments and assist fishermen in entering the field.

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture launched the Direct Financial Support Program for Saudi Fishermen on July 14, 2024, as part of the Sustainable Rural Development Program initiative. The program contributes to providing financial support for the development of the fisheries sector and promoting the practice of fishing, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Direct Financial Support Program for Saudi Fishermen is an initiative focused on developing the fisheries sector and supporting the local economy. It also aims to localize the fishing profession and ensure its sustainability within the local community by providing direct support to small-scale fishermen. The program contributes to enhancing the efficiency and quality of the sector, organizing fishing operations, and boosting competitiveness to increase production.