On April 14, 2025, the Ocean Quest Foundation officially launched its operations in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step towards a new phase of marine exploration and international collaboration in this vital field. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2021 - 2030) aimed at fostering sustainable development through enhanced ocean science.
Ocean Quest is a Saudi non-profit organization based at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Jeddah. The foundation is dedicated to exploring the mysteries of the oceans to benefit humanity and enhance global awareness of marine environmental issues. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ocean Quest, emphasized that the foundation's launch is in harmony with Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting progress and innovation across various sectors.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Prince Badr stated, "The launch of Ocean Quest represents a global opportunity for marine exploration, strengthening international cooperation and providing unique opportunities for future generations to create innovative solutions for current and future environmental challenges." This sentiment reflects the foundation's broader mission to accelerate marine exploration, promote technological innovations, and establish partnerships that enhance interdisciplinary research.
Ocean Quest aims to invest 3 billion riyals (approximately 800 million dollars) in specialized research and development for marine exploration by 2050. This substantial investment is part of the foundation's strategy to contribute to the realization of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainability and innovation. The organization plans to support the development of over 150 young men and women annually, encouraging them to pursue careers as scientists in the marine sector.
The foundation's initiatives also include ambitious plans to protect 30% of marine life. This will be achieved by supporting Saudi Arabia's strategies in biotechnology, pharmaceutical industries, and monitoring sensitive marine ecosystems. Additionally, Ocean Quest aims to enable sustainable projects in the Red Sea and harness the potential of deep-sea coral reefs in carbon absorption, thus contributing to the Kingdom's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
The Board of Trustees of Ocean Quest comprises prominent figures, including Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah Toonsi, Yasser bin Othman Al-Rumayyan, Abdulaziz bin Ismail Trabzouni, Engineer Ayman bin Mohammed Al-Madifer, Giouvani Baughan, Professor Edward Byrne, and Raymond Thomas Dalio. Their collective expertise is expected to drive the foundation's mission forward, fostering collaboration and innovation in marine research.
As a non-profit organization rooted in scientific exploration, Ocean Quest represents a commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges through research and education. The foundation seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of oceans and the need for sustainable practices to protect marine ecosystems.
In conclusion, the launch of Ocean Quest in Saudi Arabia not only signifies a pivotal moment for marine exploration but also underscores the Kingdom's dedication to advancing scientific research and international cooperation in environmental stewardship. As the foundation embarks on this ambitious journey, it aims to inspire a new generation of scientists and foster a global dialogue on the critical issues facing our oceans today.
