How Saudi Arabia champions cutting-edge research into unique Red Sea marine environments — blue holes

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In a decade-long expedition led by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife, 20 extremely deep underwater sinkholes, known as “blue holes,” were discovered along the Kingdom’s southern Red Sea coast. (NCW photo)
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In a decade-long expedition led by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife, 20 extremely deep underwater sinkholes, known as “blue holes,” were discovered along the Kingdom’s southern Red Sea coast. (NCW photo)
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In a decade-long expedition led by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife, 20 extremely deep underwater sinkholes, known as “blue holes,” were discovered along the Kingdom’s southern Red Sea coast. (NCW photo)
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In a decade-long expedition led by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife, 20 extremely deep underwater sinkholes, known as “blue holes,” were discovered along the Kingdom’s southern Red Sea coast. (NCW photo)
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Updated 30 March 2024
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How Saudi Arabia champions cutting-edge research into unique Red Sea marine environments — blue holes

  • Expeditions carried out by the Saudi National Center for Wildlife and OceanX have revealed 20 blue holes
  • Future exploration will further map these extremely deep underwater formations and identify diverse species

RIYADH: While Saudi Arabia has long been feted for its ancient sites, distinctive culture and sweeping desert landscapes, recent strides in marine research and exploration could soon see scientists and tourists alike flocking to the Kingdom’s bluer regions.

In just the first year of a decade-long expedition led by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife, 20 extremely deep underwater sinkholes, known as “blue holes,” were discovered along the Kingdom’s southern Red Sea coast.

Blue holes, named for their vibrant color, have long been recognized as havens for a diverse array of marine life, attracting researchers eager to study their remarkable biodiversity and leisure divers drawn to their profound natural beauty.

 

 

Mohammad Qurban, CEO of NCW, said that the discovery of blue holes marked a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s exploration of marine ecosystems.

“The blue holes’ discovery in Saudi Arabia was a result of the groundbreaking exploration effort in collaboration with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology during the Red Sea Decade Expedition,” he told Arab News.

“Exploring the Wonders of the Red Sea: A Decade Expedition” is an unprecedented scientific research expedition launched last year by the NCW in partnership with OceanX and KAUST.




The OceanXplorer. (NCW photo)

Researchers are using advanced diving techniques, remote sensing technologies, remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles to examine the geology, hydrology, biology and chemistry of the blue holes to unravel the mysteries of these unique ecosystems.

“Scientific diving allows for direct observation and sample collection, while technology enables the mapping and study of blue holes’ deeper and more inaccessible parts,” Carlos Duarte, the expedition’s chief scientist and a distinguished professor of marine science at KAUST, told Arab News.

Duarte is credited with having identified a previously unexplored area of the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast, which extends north from Jazan to Al-Lith, as an area of potential interest for marine conservation.




Researchers are using advanced diving techniques to examine the biology and chemistry of the blue holes. (NCW photo)

“This is a labyrinth of coral reefs, which I explored during a few years using a KAUST research vessel,” he said.

“Venturing through this labyrinth is a daunting task, as it has very shallow areas adjacent to deep areas. On one occasion, the bow of the vessel was just above an emerging coral reef, but the depth sounder, which is located 15 meters toward the stern of the vessel, read 750 meters.”

Duarte said that he must have been right next to a blue hole without even knowing it, “as we did not have the necessary mapping underwater equipment at the time.




In a decade-long expedition led by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife, 20 extremely deep underwater sinkholes, known as “blue holes,” were discovered along the Kingdom’s southern Red Sea coast. (NCW photo)

“Hence, I targeted this area in the design of the Red Sea Decade Expedition — the most ambitious exploration of the Saudi Red Sea to date, led by the National Center of Wildlife, where I served as chief scientist and we had the right platform, the advanced research vessel OceanX, to explore this region.”

As a result of this latest expedition, researchers believe they have identified the existence of two types of blue holes — blue rings and sunken lagoons.

Blue rings are cylinders of coral that rise from about 400 meters deep and are topped by a ring of coral extending to the surface, whereas sunken lagoons are formed by the collapse of carbonate platforms and can be as deep as 700 meters — or perhaps even deeper.




A closer view of a blue ring, composed of cylinders of coral that rise from about 400 meters deep. (NCW photo)

“We explored with an advanced vessel, submersibles, deep-water robots, a shallow-draft mapping vessel and a helicopter, coupled with advanced sequencing technology,” Duarte said.




Carlos Duarte

“The National Center of Wildlife is planning a subsequent expedition to explore and map the many blue holes that we could not explore, as conserving this natural treasure must be based on the best possible data.”

Duarte said that blue holes are worthy of particular attention by conservationists because of the many endangered marine species that depend on them.

“These are unique features, a few of which have been described elsewhere in the ocean, but not in the number and size of the blue holes in the Saudi Red Sea,” he said.

“We observed marine mammals seeking refuge inside these blue holes, which they seem to be using as a nursery, with their newborns protected in their interior.

“Blue holes contribute in a multifaceted way by uncovering geological processes driving the dynamics of carbonate platforms and expressing the limits of environments for marine life through the extreme conditions they present.

“They also provide evidence of the importance of physical shelter for vulnerable marine life, thereby informing conservation efforts.”




Researchers are also using remote sensing technologies, remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles to examine the biology and chemistry of the blue holes. (NCW photo)

What makes blue holes so fascinating, however, is their extreme depth, much of which is beyond the reach of even the most advanced underwater exploration methods. At those depths, some of the hardiest and least understood organisms flourish.

“At depth, they are deprived of oxygen, presenting unique biological communities that deserve further attention,” Duarte said.

“They are even mysterious for local fishermen, who do not venture inside this reef labyrinth, and their true nature can only be gathered from the air at low altitude, so even satellites cannot really accurately portray their nature.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• Exploring the Wonders of the Sea: A Decade Long Expedition has mapped more than 62,000 sq km of seabed and collected more than 800 samples.

• The expedition team reported numerous sightings of megafauna across the Red Sea, including sharks, manta rays and turtles.

• NCW is researching biological diversity and threats to these important marine environments in Saudi waters of the Red Sea.

Because of the rare characteristics of these environments and the precious species that depend on them, Qurban said that the NCW is implementing a dedicated conservation effort aimed at protecting blue holes.

“These efforts include establishing marine protected areas, regulating diving and fishing activities, and conducting scientific research to understand the ecological significance of blue holes better,” he said.

The environmental goals of these expeditions fall in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 social reform and economic diversification plan, initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, and the Saudi Green Initiative, established in 2021.




With the discovery that precious species depend on the blue holes, the NCW is implementing a dedicated conservation effort to protect them. (NCW)

“The National Center for Wildlife is working toward preserving 30 percent of the Red Sea waters as protected areas by 2030, in addition to closely collaborating with local environmental agencies, marine conservation organizations, research institutions and stakeholders to develop and implement a holistic conservation strategy aimed at safeguarding blue holes.”

As for the future of Saudi marine exploration in the Red Sea, Duarte said that the latest blue hole discoveries are just the tip of the iceberg.

“They have been at an ‘arm’s length’ from us for millennia, but only now we were able to explore them,” he said.

“What we found is simply the beginning, as many remain to be explored and those we were able to explore may not be the most remarkable ones.”

 


How Saudi Arabia’s wild lotus shrub was brought back from the brink of extinction

Updated 13 min 25 sec ago
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How Saudi Arabia’s wild lotus shrub was brought back from the brink of extinction

  • The wild lotus shrub thrives in streams, blooming with small red flowers during the hot summer months
  • Afforestation and land reclamation efforts under the Saudi Green Initiative were key to the plant’s revival

RIYADH: After coming to the brink of extinction, the wild lotus shrub has been rediscovered in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region. This revival is owed in large part to the afforestation and land reclamation efforts of nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative.

Protecting and preserving wild areas, along with restoring trees and plants to the environment, such as this annual shrub with its vibrant red flowers, are key components of Saudi Arabia’s sustainable development agenda.

The wild lotus is native to areas stretching from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Arabian Peninsula. It thrives in arid regions and dry shrubland biomes, found in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and the Sinai Peninsula.

Nasser Al-Majlad, president of Aman Environmental Society, told the Saudi Press Agency that the wild lotus shrub has been found thriving in streams in the valleys of the Kingdom’s Northern Borders region.

Locally known as “Hamar Ward” or “Harbith,” the shrub blooms during the hot summer months, producing small, red flowers. Its scientific name is Lotus lanuginosus.

“Wild Lotus, or Hamar Ward, is an herbaceous perennial wild plant, branched, extending vertically to 40 cm or 20 cm, and its leaves are compound with five leaflets and their dimensions are from 1.3 to 0.5 cm,” Obid Aloni, an environmental activist and member of Al-Yusr and Desert Plants Association, told Arab News.

Echinops, an erect branching spiny-leaved herb that is one meter high and has very pale blue flowers in spherical heads. This flower is found in Diriyah and other parts of the central region of Saudi Arabia. (Shutterstock photo)

Herbaceous perennial plants complete their life cycle over a period of more than two years. They have non-woody stems, allowing them to reach their full height and produce flowers year after year.

Aloni, who has specialized in plants and agriculture for 30 years, told Arab News that the wildflower serves as a stunning embellishment in both cultivated and rocky landscapes.

“It is planted usually at the beginning of winter — for those who want to plant it — like spring flowers,” he said, adding that the species had almost reached extinction if not for the efforts of royal reserves in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to the wild lotus shrub, Saudi Arabia’s wilderness is home to a diverse array of flower species — including the Convolvulus buschiricus. Native to Hegra in the Madinah province, this shrubby plant has hairy stems that can grow up to 1 meter in height. It also has pink, scentless flowers measuring 2.5 cm in width.

Retama raetam, a shrubby plant with thin and flexible branches, is found in Hegra in Madinah province. (Shutterstock)

Also found in Hegra is the Retama raetam, a shrubby plant with thin, flexible branches. Its small flowers, measuring one cm in width, are accompanied by simple, narrow leaves that are 10 mm long.

Other Saudi wildflowers include the Lavandula dentata in Asir’s Jabal Soudah, Echinops in Diriyah and Teucrium oliverianum in Tumair, Riyadh province. Teucrium oliverianum, commonly known as "ahneh," is also found in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, located in the Kingdom's northern provinces.

DID YOUKNOW?

• The lotus flower is a traditional herb used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

• The plant’s tea has been promoted as a weight-loss aid and a drink for reducing body lipids.

• Nelumbo nucifera is known for its anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Afforestation and the preservation of natural habitats in the Kingdom have advanced significantly in recent years, driven by environmental protection schemes like the Saudi Green Initiative.

One of the key goals of the SGI is to rehabilitate more than 74 million hectares of land by planting 10 billion trees nationwide, while also restoring the Kingdom’s natural greenery.

Teucrium oliverianum, commonly known as "Ahneh," thrives in Riyadh province as well as in the Kingdom's northern provinces. (SPA)

Through extensive planting efforts, the Saudi government aims to restore vital ecological functions, improve air quality, and, ultimately, reduce the frequency of sandstorms.

Since 2021, more than 49 million trees and shrubs have been planted, and 94,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated, according to the SGI website.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to environmental protection extends beyond its borders, making a significant impact at both a regional and global level.

The Kingdom launched the Middle East Green Initiative in 2021 to help mitigate the impact of climate change in the wider region and position Saudi Arabia as a leader in global sustainability efforts.

The MGI also promotes afforestation with the aim of planting some 50 billion trees across the Middle East.

Lavandula dentata, a flower native to Asir that reaches up to 60 centimeters and has leaves with toothed edges and a slightly woolly texture. (Shutterstock)

Also contributing greatly to the restoration of nature in Saudi Arabia is the NEOM giga-project taking shape on the Kingdom’s northwestern coastline. In collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification, NEOM has been implementing its own regreening initiative since 2022.

Khaled Al-Abdulqader, the center’s CEO, highlighted in a NEOM report that the regreening initiative will significantly support efforts to protect the environment, in addition to “directly contributing to the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative.”

Through dedicated afforestation efforts, wildflowers like the wild lotus and other native plants may have the opportunity to grow and thrive, even in some of the most arid regions of the world.

The Kingdom’s commitment to maintaining a healthy environment and balancing its ecosystem is a key goal of its Vision 2030 agenda, aimed at ensuring sustainable development while creating a thriving society.
 

 


Makkah royal commission showcases city’s cultural, tourist offerings at World Travel Market

Updated 08 November 2024
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Makkah royal commission showcases city’s cultural, tourist offerings at World Travel Market

  • Saudi minister of tourism speaks of Kingdom’s investment in sector

LONDON: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites this week showcased key projects that highlight the Saudi city’s rich cultural and historical significance, as part of the Saudi delegation at the World Travel Market 2024 in London.

Major initiatives featured by the RCMC included the Hira Cultural District, the Revelation Exhibition, the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba, and the Institute of Manuscripts and Revival of Islamic Heritage.

The RCMC pavilion also provided insights into major infrastructure developments, such as Makkah’s public transportation system.

This system, with 12 bus routes covering all neighborhoods, is designed to ensure seamless, reliable travel and improve the quality of life for both residents and visiting pilgrims.

This year’s World Travel Market event, which finished on Thursday, also saw Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi minister of tourism and chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, launch the Kingdom’s participation with the Saudi Land Pavilion.

The pavilion included the Visit Saudi exhibition, organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority for the fourth consecutive year and supported by more than 70 partners in the sector, including destinations, hotels, airlines and travel companies.

Al-Khateeb said: “Saudi Arabia, the fastest-growing tourist destination globally, seeks to solidify its leadership in world tourism, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals by highlighting unique destinations, new projects, and significant investment opportunities.”

He added: “Saudi Arabia is the largest global investor in the tourism sector.”


Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

Updated 08 November 2024
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Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

  • She became the youngest certified instructor at the age of just 11
  • Assere now tutors students of all ages

MAKKAH: After qualifying at just 11 years old, Reman Assere officially became Saudi Arabia’s youngest calligraphy instructor.

Her journey started in fifth grade, sparked by a school activity. She began with basic exercises but, with continuous practice and self-learning through platforms such as YouTube, she steadily refined her skills.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Her ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy, believed to be the earliest example of a universal style of Arabic calligraphy. Once qualified, she was registered on the Ministry of Culture’s official platform, Al-Khattat.

What truly set her apart and caught people’s attention was her relentless dedication to learning. Even during vacations, she practiced tirelessly, seeking out special events and connecting with other calligraphers.

FASTFACT

Reman Assere’s ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy.

Now aged 15, Assere told Arab News that her professional training was carried out under the guidance Shurooq Al-Harbi. She also highlighted the pivotal role played in her development by Prof. Siraj Al-Omari, whose ongoing support and encouragement were instrumental.

Today, Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style.

Reman Assere

However, her journey has been far from easy. A lack of calligraphy institutes in her native region of Abha posed considerable challenges and meant she had to rely on online courses or travel to other cities.

It was worth it, however. Her numerous awards include first place in the 2023 Cultural Skills Competition and the Ministry of Education’s National Olympiad for Arabic Calligraphy. She has also demonstrated her talents at prominent events, such as the Layalina Festival in Wadi Al-Dawasir and the Abha Shopping and Entertainment Festival.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Assere has also led courses at the Holy Mosque Library in Makkah and organized calligraphy workshops in schools.

Today, she is recognized as one of the most influential trainers in Arabic calligraphy, teaching across all age groups. She takes pride in seeing her students compete in calligraphy competitions, a testament to the success of her approach and teaching methods.

Reman Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style. (Supplied)

Even in an age of rapid technological advancements, Assere is confident that calligraphy’s unique beauty will endure. She believes the future is bright for students and trainees, as the art of calligraphy continues to inspire and cultivate creativity.

She explained how the beauty of Arabic calligraphy is in the balance and harmony of its letters, with fluid lines that interlace. For Assere, Arabic calligraphy not only captures the essence and grace of the Arabic language, but it also allows the writer to convey thoughts and emotions.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. Rooted in precise geometric principles, Arabic calligraphy achieves a harmonious visual balance, allowing for flexibility in letter formation, overlapping designs, and intricate decorative motifs.

Assere said: “The beauty of Arabic calligraphy extends beyond writing; it is a visual art that enhances both artworks and decorations. Over time, it has become a cultural symbol that embodies Arab and Islamic identity.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

  • The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities

CAIRO: The Saudi pavilion at the World Urban Forum in Cairo this week hosted a series of workshops and bilateral meetings on the Kingdom’s strategies and projects in comprehensive urban planning.

The Saudi presence also underlined the positive effect of these strategies on achieving sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in Saudi cities, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

Through representatives and officials of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and more than 30 national entities, the Saudi pavilion showed the Kingdom’s efforts to adopt and expand comprehensive urban planning practices focused on sustainability, and apply the requirement to study environmental impact in municipal and investment projects.

The meetings highlighted the concept of smart municipalities aimed at improving the quality of municipal services in Saudi regions and adopting modern technologies and enhanced municipal regulations for smart city policies, as well as the use of artificial intelligence technologies and data in improving the quality of life.

The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported, in addition to urban landscape development projects and visual distortion treatment projects.

 

 


Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

  • Two discussed ongoing efforts to address the issues in Gaza and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke on the phone on Friday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, they reviewed regional issues, with a particular focus on Gaza and Lebanon and ongoing efforts to address the issues there, SPA added.

In a separate call on Friday with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Blinken stressed the need to stop the fighting in Sudan and the need to support efforts to form a civilian government, the State Department said.

Blinken also discussed the need to expand humanitarian access to Sudan and thanked the UAE for its provision of aid for Gaza and Lebanon, according to a State Department statement.