How Saudi Arabia is developing tourism while protecting its precious marine ecosystems

One of the jewels in Saudi Arabia’s marine crown is the Red Sea, which boasts more than 1,000 species of fish and about 265 types of coral. (RSG photo)
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Updated 05 October 2024
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How Saudi Arabia is developing tourism while protecting its precious marine ecosystems

  • Projects on the Kingdom’s coastlines seek to balance ecotourism with marine conservation and the preservation of unique biodiversity 
  • From relocating coral fragments to protecting endangered species, Red Sea Global is setting a global standard for sustainable development

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s coastal waters are home to a diverse range of marine ecosystems, supporting vital fisheries and a growing tourism industry, all while hosting critical marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests.

With the growing impact of climate change and human activity, protecting these ecosystems has become a national priority, with the Kingdom taking strides to preserve and enhance its natural heritage.

One of the jewels in Saudi Arabia’s marine crown is the Red Sea, which boasts more than 1,000 species of fish and about 265 types of coral. Not only is this ecosystem vital for local livelihoods and traditional practices, it is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.

“The coastal ecosystems of the Red Sea, including coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves, offer substantial economic, social and cultural value,” Raed Al-Basseet, group chief environment and sustainability officer at Red Sea Global, told Arab News.

“Economically, these ecosystems are essential to local fisheries, tourism and coastal protection, playing a key role in supporting local livelihoods and generating revenue that contributes to Saudi Arabia’s growing economy.

“Socially, these ecosystems provide food security, employment opportunities and recreational spaces for local communities.

“Culturally, the marine biodiversity of the Red Sea is deeply embedded in the Kingdom’s heritage, attracting ecotourism and offering visitors a chance to engage with a unique natural environment.

“Protecting these ecosystems ensures the preservation of biodiversity while supporting sustainable tourism and fisheries that will continue to benefit future generations.”




According to regional conservation authority PERSGA, about 14.7 percent of Red Sea fish are unique to the area, making it one of the world’s top regions for this type of endemism. (RSG)

A striking feature of the Red Sea’s coral reefs is their ability to withstand higher temperatures, a quality that offers hope for global efforts to protect reefs in the face of warming oceans. Unlike other regions where coral reefs are succumbing to bleaching events due to rising sea temperatures, those in the northern Red Sea display extraordinary heat tolerance.

This resilience not only makes them vital to marine biodiversity but also positions them as a potential model for coral regeneration projects worldwide.

Marine scientists are particularly keen on studying these corals to uncover why they thrive in warmer conditions and how these traits might be applied to more vulnerable reefs elsewhere.

DID YOUKNOW?

• The Red Sea hosts more than 1,000 species of fish and about 265 types of coral, several with unique heat resistance.

• Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 promotes sustainable tourism while safeguarding vital marine ecosystems.

• Red Sea Global leads conservation efforts, including coral breeding and relocation projects, to enhance biodiversity and resilience.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative is not only about economic diversification but also creating a sustainable future that balances development with environmental stewardship. One aspect of it is the push toward restorative tourism, which seeks to attract visitors while ensuring minimal environmental impact.

The Kingdom’s Red Sea coastline, with its pristine waters and thriving coral reefs, offers immense potential for eco-friendly tourism, drawing divers, researchers and nature lovers alike.

Ecotourism and marine conservation go hand in hand, as the protection of marine biodiversity helps to preserve the very attractions that tourists come to experience.

A shining example of the Kingdom’s commitment to marine conservation is Red Sea Global, a Saudi company that is leading the development of sustainable luxury tourism projects — namely AMAALA and The Red Sea — that are central to the Vision 2030 agenda




Ecotourism and marine conservation go hand in hand, as the protection of marine biodiversity helps to preserve the very attractions that tourists come to experience. (RSG photo)

AMAALA focuses on wellness and art-inspired luxury, while The Red Sea includes an archipelago of pristine islands and coral reefs, designed to attract eco-conscious travelers.

“At destinations such as AMAALA, RSG has implemented a range of environmental regeneration initiatives including afforestation programs, monitoring and enhancing coral reefs,” Al-Basseet said.

“We’ve also designated conservation zones on several islands, with 75 percent of AMAALA’s coastline protected. Cutting-edge technology supports these conservation efforts, monitoring and safeguarding marine biodiversity while ensuring that human activity in the area is in harmony with nature.

“Our goal is to create a harmonious balance between luxury tourism and environmental stewardship, preserving the natural habitats that make these destinations so unique.”

RSG has partnered with the Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform to spearhead efforts to protect and regenerate coral reefs. As part of this, the company is set to open a state-of-the-art coral breeding lab, which will focus on nurturing juvenile coral for restoration projects.




RSG's floating nurseries offer versatile solution to prevent thermal stress. (RSG photo)

By breeding and relocating coral fragments, it hopes to strengthen coral populations, particularly in areas facing environmental pressures.

Another vital component of Saudi Arabia’s marine conservation efforts is the environmental survey conducted by RSG last year, covering 250 km of coastline. One of the largest of its kind by a developer, it provided invaluable insights into the health of local ecosystems.

The findings revealed important breeding sites for endangered species, such as hawksbill and green turtles, underscoring the region’s critical role in global biodiversity.




RSG's coral breeding facility enables production of young corals year round. (RSG photo)

Indeed, RSG’s initiatives go beyond coral conservation.

“RSG is fully committed to achieving a net conservation benefit of 30 percent by 2040,” Al-Basseet said. “Our efforts thus far include the installation of over 760,500 solar panels across five large solar farms, which have already reduced CO2 emissions by 46,350 tonnes.

“In parallel, our mangrove nursery produced over 1 million seedlings last year and 3 million seedlings targeted for this year. These plants are transplanted across our sites, contributing to the long-term restoration and protection of vital ecosystems.

“Its projects have also highlighted the importance of protecting endangered marine species, such as the hawksbill turtle and the critically endangered halavi guitarfish, both of which depend on the region’s coastlines and underwater nurseries for survival.”

The company has also developed programs to protect turtle nesting sites and initiatives aimed at monitoring the health of marine habitats.




Among the key findings of a Red Sea Global study released in 2022 include "prominence of endangered and vulnerable species such as Hawksbill turtles and Sooty falcons in the coastline across The Red Sea and Amaala destination areas. (RSG photo)

“At Red Sea Global, we have initiated several critical programs to safeguard endangered species such as the hawksbill turtles and sooty falcons, identified during our comprehensive environmental surveys,” Al-Basseet said.

“These efforts include habitat conservation, the protection of turtles’ nesting sites and tagging programs to monitor their behaviors.

“On birds, we’ve established artificial nesting sites for the sooty falcon and implemented preventive measures to mitigate bird collisions.

“We have also undertaken the translocation of vulnerable plant species like the doum palm, underscoring our proactive approach to biodiversity conservation and ensuring the continued survival of these species.”

These efforts also include using technology such as satellite imagery, drones and autonomous underwater vehicles to monitor the health of coral reefs, track turtle populations and safeguard critical marine resources.

“RSG is leveraging state-of-the-art technologies to monitor and protect marine ecosystems,” Al-Basseet said. “Our initiatives include drone surveys equipped with multispectral cameras and advanced tools for detailed coral reef mapping.

“Satellite imagery further supports our efforts by providing real-time monitoring of marine environments and vegetation, ensuring the health and sustainability of critical resources such as coral reefs, seagrasses and mangroves.

“Additionally, we deploy environmental monitoring buoys that provide real-time data on water quality, temperature and other key environmental parameters, helping us track and respond to changes in the marine ecosystem swiftly and effectively.”

While much attention is given to the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the Arabian Gulf are equally noteworthy.

The National Center for Wildlife is working to assess ecosystem health and develop a strategy to protect marine biodiversity there.




A researcher is shown at work underwater as part of an assessment of habitats along the Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast being conducted by the National Center for Wildlife. (NCW photo)

The region is rich in seagrass meadows and mangrove forests, both of which play essential roles in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems and protecting coastlines from erosion.

Saudi Arabia’s conservation strategy also emphasizes the importance of marine protected areas. As of last year, the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden had helped designate more than 30 such areas, covering about 12 percent of the Kingdom’s marine territory.

These protected zones are essential for preserving sensitive habitats, such as fish spawning grounds and coral reefs, while preventing overfishing and other destructive practices.

Saudi Arabia’s marine conservation efforts not only benefit the Kingdom but also have global implications.




Research conducted by Red Sea Global has identified the Al-Wajh lagoon as a secure habitat for endangered Halavi guitarfish. (RSG photo)

The corals of the Red Sea could provide answers to the broader challenge of coral bleaching worldwide, while the nation’s approach to sustainable tourism offers a model for other countries seeking to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.

Furthermore, these efforts contribute to global efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, as healthy marine ecosystems play a key role in carbon sequestration and coastal protection.

With ambitious goals, innovative technologies and a commitment to restoring its natural heritage, Saudi Arabia is proving that conservation and development can go hand in hand.

As the Kingdom continues to lead in marine conservation, both the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf will remain vital parts of the global ecosystem, supporting not only local livelihoods but also the health of the planet’s oceans.
 

 


Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

The event at Ithra featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
Updated 8 sec ago
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Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

  • Concert features symphonic arrangements, in-game HD visuals

DHAHRAN: It is “game on” at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture after it opened its doors to an event on Thursday.

The orchestral performance, which is being held nightly at the Ithra Theater — with two shows scheduled for Friday — celebrates the soundtracks of popular video games and attempts to breathe new life into them.

The concert features symphonic arrangements paired with in-game HD visuals and exclusive concept art from popular titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Assassin’s Creed, and The Witcher 3.

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others. (Supplied)

Sergey Smbatyan, founder of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the artistic director and principal conductor since 2005, was on hand to lend context and commentary between the scores on opening night.

He told the crowd before the show: “If you’re not a gamer, what I want you to do is to imagine that you’re in a museum — an art museum — but instead of a curator telling you about the images that you’re going to see on this huge screen, let these musicians tell you that exact story.

“Tonight there is no right time to clap; there is no wrong time to clap. If you hear something you like from these guys (gesturing to the orchestra behind him on stage), let us know.

“We're going to start off tonight with role-play games, or what are known as RPGs, where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. The game is focused on interactive storytelling, decision-making and strategy.”

Dhahran resident Paul Blay took his two daughters Sylvia, 11, and Celeste, 10, to the show.

Blay, who is a father of six, told Arab News: “I get emails about Ithra events and saw this one and I thought it would be fun for me and the girls to go to. Like with anyone that you love, I shared the things I love with them.”

The Blay family moved to the Kingdom last year and were keen to attend an event that merged gaming with music.

Celeste told Arab News: “I really like video game music; the music is really pretty and I like listening to that. It is kind of what motivated me to come here. And, also, my dad likes video games.”

The older Blay sisters have both taken music lessons and play multiple instruments, including the piano, the harp and the clarinet.

Their father said: “Some of the best music that’s being composed nowadays is for movies and video games. I expected it to be really high quality and good (at Ithra).”

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.

The last show takes place on April 5, with tickets starting at SR200 ($53), available at the venue or via the Ithra website.

 


Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

Updated 38 sec ago
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Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

  • The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations

MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz launched the “Love of Khaled Al-Faisal” exhibition as part of Jeddah Season festivities.

The ceremony was attended by Prince Turki bin Faisal, alongside several relatives of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

The delegation toured the exhibition, housed at the Abadi Al-Johar area in Jeddah, which runs from April 3-8 and welcomes visitors daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
Updated 18 min 19 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

  • Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors

HAIL: With its vibrant array of wildflowers framed by golden sand dunes and majestic mountains, the Poppy Reserve in Al-Khattah is one of the Hail region’s most captivating attractions.

Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors, particularly during holidays, Eid and the spring season.

The attraction enchants guests with its sweeping fields of poppies, perfectly balanced in form and color. As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder.

This striking beauty enhances the region’s reputation for breathtaking scenery and offers a unique experience.

 


Saudi Arabia concludes participation in Bologna Book Fair

The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience. (SPA)
Updated 18 min 27 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia concludes participation in Bologna Book Fair

  • The Saudi pavilion experienced significant engagement from publishers and international literary agencies, Al-Bassam added

BOLOGNA: Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in the Bologna International Book Fair 2025, held in Bologna, Italy, from March 31 to April 3.

The event introduced visitors to Saudi heritage through a comprehensive cultural experience.

Bassam Al-Bassam, general manager of publishing at the Saudi Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission, said the commission organized various initiatives to enhance the publishing and translation industry in the Kingdom and showcase the Saudi cultural landscape.

The Saudi pavilion experienced significant engagement from publishers and international literary agencies, Al-Bassam added.

By participating in international book fairs, the Kingdom aims to enhance its cultural presence on a global scale and create new opportunities to promote Saudi culture both regionally and internationally.

 


Attempt to smuggle qat foiled in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan

Patrols of the Border Guard in Al-Daer, Jazan, foiled an attempt to smuggle 45 kg of hashish. (SPA)
Updated 18 min 33 sec ago
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Attempt to smuggle qat foiled in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan

  • Preliminary procedures have been completed, and the seized narcotics were handed to the competent authority

JAZAN: Saudi Border Guard land patrols in Farasan, Jazan, arrested three Yemenis for violating border security system regulations and attempting to smuggle 171 kg of qat.

Meanwhile, Border Guard land patrols in Al-Daer, Jazan, foiled an attempt to smuggle 45 kg of hashish. Preliminary procedures have been completed, and the seized narcotics were handed to the competent authority.