Omani startup, Simak partner to pilot sustainable algae-based fish feed production

OMAN – Tuhlub Al Mustadama, an Omani start-up specialising in sustainable aquaculture feed, has partnered with seafood company Simak to launch a pilot project to develop locally produced algae-based fish feed and advance commercial aquafeed manufacturing in Oman.

The cooperation agreement marks a key step in moving the company’s research and development efforts into industrial-scale pilot production, supporting the country’s food security ambitions and blue economy strategy.

The agreement was signed by Zahir Al Alawi, Founder of Tuhlub Al Mustadama, and Abdulaziz Al Yaqoubi, Supply Chain Manager at Simak.

Under the partnership, Simak will provide production facilities, operational services and available raw materials at its facility in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, while Tuhlub Al Mustadama will lead feed formulation, nutritional analysis, production supervision and product testing.

The pilot project will assess the feed’s efficiency, consistency and commercial production potential using locally available algae and seaweed as key ingredients.

“This agreement with Simak marks a significant milestone for Tuhlub Al Mustadama, taking our sustainable fish feed project from research and development into pilot implementation and paving the way for an Omani product with the potential for commercial-scale production,” said Zahir Al Alawi.

“Through this collaboration, we aim to develop feed using locally available resources, supporting food security while enhancing the competitiveness of Oman’s aquaculture sector and blue economy.”

Project supports Oman’s aquaculture and blue economy goals

Tuhlub Al Mustadama is a member of the Zubair Enterprise Development Centre (Zubair EDC), which supports entrepreneurship and innovation in Oman.

The company focuses on developing environmentally sustainable aquaculture feed by utilising locally available algae and seaweed resources, reducing reliance on imported feed ingredients while supporting the country’s growing aquaculture sector.

Ali Shaker, Head of ESG & Sustainability at The Zubair Corporation, said the partnership demonstrates how innovation-driven start-ups can create economic and environmental value.

“We are proud of the achievements of Zubair EDC’s members, which demonstrate the importance of empowering Omani entrepreneurs and supporting them in transforming innovative ideas into scalable businesses,” Shaker said.

He added that the agreement reflects the role of strategic partnerships in helping research-based businesses reach commercialisation while contributing to the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

The collaboration also highlights the growing role of partnerships between start-ups, industry and research institutions in accelerating innovation across Oman’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors through the development of locally produced, sustainable feed solutions.

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