MONACO, RIYADH: AMAALA, the luxury development situated along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, signed a partnership agreement on Sept. 27 with The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco and Oceanographic Institute.

This follows a framework agreement signed last year at the Monaco Yacht Show to explore areas of mutual collaboration. The partners will work on oceanographic and marine life research and conservation initiatives to benefit the world’s oceans with four opportunities identified for joint projects: Coral reef management, iconic species protection, marine protected areas enforcement and fighting plastic pollution.

AMAALA CEO Nicholas Naples said: “We are very selective with whom we align, as is The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Their mission to raise awareness of the impact of human activities on the natural environment, encourage more environmentally friendly behavior and promote innovative solutions, makes the foundation a natural fit for us. We are committed to fully sustainable development throughout the design, build and operation phases, which includes being carbon neutral from the start of operations. We plan to create a coastal oasis that not only flourishes but a place that elevates the role of responsible tourism globally.”

H.E. Bernard Fautrier, vice president and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation said: “The impact of human activities on the ocean has been devastating, and through our partnership with AMAALA, we look to come together and raise awareness of that impact, integrating environment preservation and sustainability into the heart of the future. Monaco has long been committed to the environment, and we look forward to working alongside AMAALA to safeguard the biodiversity of the Red Sea, taking actions for future.”

We are very selective with whom we align, as is The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Nicolas Naples, AMAALA CEO

Professor Patrick Rampal of Centre Scientifique de Monaco added: “We are very pleased to have entered into this partnership with AMAALA, which will allow us to pursue innovative areas of research in a previously undiscovered location. 

“This project will allow us to collaboratively better understand the biology of corals in order to better protect their ecosystems. The Red Sea corals offer exceptional characteristics, in particular their resistance to environmental stresses, which will be interesting to explore with Saudi researchers.”

This event marks the first partnership for AMAALA, which is anchored around the three pillars of wellness and sports, art and culture and sun, sea and lifestyle. 

The signing was the culmination of participation in the Monaco Yacht Show, where AMAALA also hosted its inaugural advisory board meeting. AMAALA, who participated in the third Monte Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean, welcomed board members and select guests to the celebration. 

This major fundraising event gathers international artists and philanthropists for an exclusive gala in favor of the foundation’s worldwide initiatives dedicated to a sustainable ocean. Veteran champion for climate change action Robert Redford was honored for his global environmental contributions.