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.
 

 


How Saudi Arabia is using innovation, research, and regulation to turn waste into a circular economy success

Updated 05 July 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is using innovation, research, and regulation to turn waste into a circular economy success

  • Engineering, AI and cross-sector partnerships are driving sustainable solutions to manage 110 million tons of waste annually
  • New laws, financial incentives and rising investor interest are reshaping the Kingdom’s waste management and recycling landscape

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia accelerates toward a circular economy under Vision 2030, experts say universities, research institutions, and business leaders are playing a crucial role in developing innovative waste management solutions that align with national sustainability goals.

In early 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced a waste management plan aiming to recycle up to 95 percent of waste and add SR120 billion ($31.99 billion) to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.

Saudi Arabia generates more than 110 million tons of waste each year, much of it originating from cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Its waste management market is projected to grow from $5.97 billion in 2025 to $8.72 billion by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence.

To meet this challenge, academic partnerships, regulatory reforms and emerging technologies are coming together to reshape the sector, Sultan Al-Muaythir, chairman of the civil engineering department at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, told Arab News.

Forming knowledge-sharing agreements with leading countries in waste management, he said, is a strategic step toward building a sustainable, locally adapted system that draws on global best practices and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s circular economy ambitions.

To drive innovation in the sector, Al-Muaythir emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary support. Fields like civil engineering, landfill and waste management, geotechnical engineering, and soil sciences all contribute to the design and development of critical infrastructure.

Sultan Al-Muaythir, chairman of the civil engineering department at Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University. (Supplied)

Mechanical engineering plays a key role in advancing collection and treatment equipment, while chemical, agricultural and biotechnology engineering disciplines help analyze waste composition and develop transformation processes.

Electrical engineering, he added, is essential for operating smart systems and managing energy generated through treatment.

Al-Muaythir also pointed to the Kingdom’s updated regulatory landscape, particularly the introduction of the Waste Management Law and its executive regulations, as a strong foundation for encouraging innovation and investment in sustainable practices.

He explained that the next phase calls for faster plan implementation, broader international research collaboration and direct incentives for advanced processing technologies — steps that would speed up the Kingdom’s progress toward its environmental and development goals.

While government action is essential, Al-Muaythir said innovation in waste management is not a luxury, but a necessity for building a clean environment and a functioning circular economy.

He added that individual responsibility plays an equally important role. “Adopting conscious behaviors towards waste and committing to sorting and reuse/recycling constitute the first building blocks in creating a more sustainable future,” he said.

Expanding on this vision, Abdullah Alakel, chairman of the Saudi Scientific Research and Innovation Association, said waste management innovation is a cornerstone of Vision 2030’s broader goal to build a circular and sustainable economy.

Abdullah Alakel, chairman of the Saudi Scientific Research and Innovation Association. (Supplied)

He told Arab News that scientific research is a key driver in tackling environmental challenges — from recycling and waste-to-energy technologies to the use of artificial intelligence to improve sorting and collection processes — ultimately boosting operational efficiency and reducing environmental harm.

To support this ecosystem, the association provides business incubators and innovation accelerators, offering technical and financial assistance. It also facilitates connections between researchers, donors and investors to help turn ideas into market-ready solutions.

Alakel noted that several joint initiatives with academic and industrial partners are already underway, including efforts to convert organic waste into economic products such as fertilizers and biofuels.

DID YOU KNOW?

 

• Saudi Arabia aims to recycle up to 95 percent of its waste by 2040. Waste management sector is projected to contribute $32bn to GDP by 2040.

• Half of the Kingdom’s waste comes from Riyadh (21 percent), Jeddah (14 percent) and Dammam (8 percent).

(Sources: Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Waste Management)

Other projects aim to develop scalable recycling technologies and improve overall waste management efficiency.

Beyond research, the association works to foster a culture of sustainability across society. Alakel said it organizes public awareness campaigns, educational workshops in schools and universities, and national competitions that encourage creative, environmentally responsible solutions.

He added that the association plays a critical role in bridging academia and implementation by hosting scientific conferences, building strategic partnerships and supporting national innovation deployment in alignment with Vision 2030’s environmental goals.

Farah Al-Gharib, CEO of Precision & Choice Environmental Solutions, echoed those views, underscoring the opportunity to enhance coordination between stakeholders as Saudi Arabia moves toward a circular economy.

Farah Al-Gharib, CEO of Precision & Choice Environmental Solutions. (Supplied)

She told Arab News that aligning regulations, expanding infrastructure for sorting and collection, and stimulating private investment remain key challenges. Raising public awareness and promoting innovation are also essential to achieving sector-wide transformation.

To accelerate progress, Al-Gharib called for a more integrated and flexible system that encourages public-private partnerships. Activating source-level sorting and offering financial incentives to investors, she said, would help drive growth in the sector.

Clear metrics, such as waste reduction, cost savings and job creation, should be used to measure success.

KAUST's waste collection fleet is equipped with technology that supports efficient operations, from online vehicle tracking to waste bin management. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)

Looking ahead, she expects more companies to invest in smart technologies and expand their collection and treatment networks. Seamless integration across the entire waste value chain — from source to processing and redistribution — is essential, she said, to avoid bottlenecks and uphold the core principles of the circular economy.

“Based on our experience in the sector, we believe that unifying and updating regulations under a single, clear, and transparent regulatory framework would directly contribute to attracting investors, reducing the complexity of procedures and the classification of recyclable products, thereby accelerating regulatory processes and stimulating production,” said Al-Gharib.

She concluded that clear legislation and coordinated responsibilities across authorities are key to scaling up circular economy initiatives effectively and sustainably.
 

 


Hayy Cinema hosting classic movie program for children in Jeddah

Hayy Cinema, which is an Art Jameel initiative, provides a unique approach to film presentation. (@hayyjameel)
Updated 04 July 2025
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Hayy Cinema hosting classic movie program for children in Jeddah

  • The program includes twice daily screenings of classic Arab cartoons that have left a lasting impression on viewers and a complementary range of artistic activities inspired by the films

JEDDAH: Hayy Cinema in Jeddah is running an entertainment program that provides an interactive experience to evoke childhood memories and strengthen cultural bonds between generations.

The program includes twice daily screenings of classic Arab cartoons that have left a lasting impression on viewers and a complementary range of artistic activities inspired by the films.

Hayy Cinema, which is an Art Jameel initiative, provides a unique approach to film presentation. Its facilities include a 168-seat theater, private screening room, multimedia library and an educational exhibition, all designed with architectural inspiration drawn from the history of Gulf cinema.

The children’s program runs until Sunday.

 


Falcon breeders auction to be launched in August

Updated 04 July 2025
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Falcon breeders auction to be launched in August

  • The season will start with the International Falcon Breeders Auction, running from Aug. 5-25, showcasing top local and international falcon farms

RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club has announced its schedule for the current year, featuring six major events spanning a total of 122 days in Malham, north of Riyadh, and other venues across the Kingdom.

The event is designed to engage a broad audience interested in falconry, hunting and related cultural traditions.

The season will start with the International Falcon Breeders Auction, running from Aug. 5-25, showcasing top local and international falcon farms.

The Saudi Falcons Club Auction will run from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, serving as a key platform for presenting top local falcons and providing a reliable economic avenue for falconers.

The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition, the largest of its kind in the region, will take place from Oct. 2-11. It will feature exhibitors from both within and outside the Kingdom, showcasing the latest equipment and supplies for falconry, hunting, travel, weapons and outdoor adventures.

 


Saudi transport officials conduct more than 317,000 inspections in June

Updated 04 July 2025
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Saudi transport officials conduct more than 317,000 inspections in June

  • Makkah region reported the highest number of offenses at 21,000, followed by Riyadh at 13,000, Eastern Region at 4,508, and Madinah at 3,557

RIYADH: The Saudi Transport General Authority carried out more than 317,000 inspections covering land, sea, and rail transport activities across the Kingdom in June, identifying 51,143 offenses.

Of these, 27,756 were detected through field inspections and 23,387 through automated monitoring, while all efforts involved collaboration with relevant authorities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Compliance rates were robust, with land transport achieving 94 percent compliance and maritime transport recording an impressive 99 percent. These figures highlight licensees’ strong adherence to the rules and regulations.

Makkah region reported the highest number of offenses at 21,000, followed by Riyadh at 13,000, Eastern Region at 4,508, and Madinah at 3,557. Qassim recorded 1,914 violations, Tabuk 1,316, and Aseer 1,073, while the remaining violations were from other parts of the Kingdom.

 


Japan’s crown prince visits Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo

Updated 04 July 2025
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Japan’s crown prince visits Saudi pavilion at Osaka Expo

  • Visited in the company of Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.

TOKYO: Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Akishino visited Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on Thursday, in the company of Saudi Ambassador to Japan Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.

“We were deeply honored by the visit of their Imperial Highnesses,” Binzagr told Arab News Japan. “It was a beautiful visit.”

He noted how much the pair had enjoyed the music of the oud, which was being played as the imperial guests entered the courtyard of the pavilion and which echoed throughout the building owing to the design of the walls and corridors to amplify the sound.

“The imperial couple also enjoyed Saudi coffee and (a selection of various) dates,” Binzagr said, adding that the variety and color of Saudi dates is influenced by the minerals in the soil of each region where they are grown in the Kingdom.

Binzagr said they had discussed the similarities in the cultures of Saudi Arabia and Japan, adding that despite appearing different, they shared a deep pride in their heritage and history, and both countries' ability to link the East and West.

He added that Japan is authentic with what it has but is also able to blend it with foriegn best practices with its great openness. Binzagr said that he believes this makes for something very special that Saudi Arabia also shares with Japan.

“We both value our roots and connectivity, and we both seek to celebrate balance in everything we do,” he said.

At the pavilion, the imperial couple viewed the plan for Riyadh Expo 2030 and indicated they were keen to visit at that time or even before, Binzagr said.

“We are keenly looking forward to more visits between members of Japan’s Imperial Family and members of our Royal Family of Saudi Arabia,” Binzagr added.

”Such visits add a special dimension to an already special relationship.”