Saudi Arabia launches OceanQuest to lead global deep-sea discovery
OceanQuest will also support country’s environmental targets, including its commitment to conserve 30 percent of marine habitats
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) – Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of OceanQuest, a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to deep-ocean exploration, innovation, and international scientific cooperation.
Officially unveiled in Jeddah, the initiative supports the goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
OceanQuest is positioned to accelerate ocean discovery by building multidisciplinary research partnerships, advancing technological innovation, and promoting global knowledge-sharing.
With a strong focus on public engagement, the foundation seeks to enhance ocean literacy and raise awareness about the role of ocean science in addressing global environmental challenges.
Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the Kingdom’s broader vision for scientific progress and international collaboration.
He described the initiative as a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to unlocking the ocean’s potential for the benefit of humanity, while fostering global partnerships and creating opportunities for future generations.
Headquartered at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, OceanQuest will contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s national research and development objectives.
The foundation is expected to provide $80 million in research funding by 2050 and support more than 150 scientists annually, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for scientific excellence and innovation.
This will be achieved through efforts such as mapping and protecting sensitive ecosystems, promoting sustainable projects along the Red Sea, supporting the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
The initiative also aims to explore the role of deep-sea corals in natural carbon sequestration to aid national decarbonization strategies.
The foundation brings together influential leaders from Saudi Arabia’s public and private sectors, academia, and the global scientific community.
With its launch, OceanQuest marks the beginning of a new chapter in ocean exploration, offering a platform for groundbreaking research and international collaboration in the service of environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
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