SAR 1.4 Billion Bio-Protein Plant Planned in Jubail Industrial City

Saudi Industrial Investment Group plans to build a bio-protein production plant in Jubail Industrial City in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, with an estimated cost of SAR 1.4 billion (USD 370 million).

The facility will produce 50 kilotonnes of single-cell protein annually for use in aquaculture feed. According to a company statement to the Saudi Exchange, the plant will use natural gas as its feedstock.

The project will be jointly owned by Saudi Industrial Investment Group, which will hold an 80% stake, and UK-based biotechnology company Unibio, which will hold the remaining 20%.

Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 and be completed in the final six months of 2027. A six-month trial run will follow before commercial production is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2028.

The facility will produce Uniprotein, a single-cell protein developed by Unibio for use in aquaculture feed. According to Unibio chief executive David Henstrom, local production will help provide a year-round supply of feed ingredients for fish and shrimp farming operations.

Saudi Industrial Investment Group previously invested USD 70 million in Unibio in March 2023 and currently holds a 24% stake in the biotechnology company.