Saudi Arabia is intensifying efforts to safeguard its marine ecosystems and strengthen its blue economy — a sector projected to contribute SAR 22 billion and create 100,000 jobs by 2030. One of the primary threats to this vision is the spread of invasive marine species, introduced through shipping and aquaculture, which can cause tens of billions of dollars in economic losses each year.
KAUST, NCW
To address this challenge, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has joined forces with the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) to monitor invasive species and assess their risks. The initiative aims to build a comprehensive knowledge database to support the long-term sustainability of Saudi Arabia’s environmental and economic resources.
Importance of Marine Protection
NCW CEO Dr. Mohammed Qurban emphasized that protecting marine ecosystems is critical for the growth of sectors such as coastal tourism and aquaculture. He explained that the KAUST–NCW research partnership will enable the Kingdom to develop scientific assessment tools, risk models, and early warning systems to anticipate environmental threats.
Field Surveys, Findings
As part of the collaboration, researchers surveyed 34 sites along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts, collecting over 10,000 marine samples. The surveys identified around 200 potentially invasive species, including more than 70 non-native species already found in Saudi waters.
Building National Expertise
In May, NCW employees took part in a specialized KAUST workshop designed to develop national capabilities. The training covered invasive species risk assessment protocols and advanced technologies such as environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis for early detection.
This partnership between KAUST and NCW demonstrates how research institutions and national agencies can work together to protect biodiversity, strengthen environmental resilience, and support the sustainable growth of the blue economy.
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