A new chapter in marine science and conservation has begun in Saudi Arabia with the official launch of OceanQuest, a non-profit foundation established to drive deep-ocean exploration, international collaboration, and innovation in ocean research. The announcement was made last week in Jeddah and posted on OceanQuest’s LinkedIn page.
Based at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, OceanQuest aims to contribute to the global understanding of marine ecosystems, while also aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).
The foundation is committed to accelerating the pace of ocean discovery, supporting cross-border scientific partnerships, and raising public awareness about the ocean’s role in environmental and human wellbeing. Its work will span the fields of oceanography, biotechnology, climate science, and sustainable development.
“Saudi Arabia is a country built on progress and driven by innovation,” said Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Chairman of the OceanQuest Board of Trustees. “OceanQuest reflects our ambition to lead in scientific discovery and foster meaningful global cooperation that benefits both people and the planet.”
Meanwhile, the CEO of OceanQuest, Martin Visbeck, praised the “critical” mission of OceanQuest.
“It is an extraordinary privilege to lead OceanQuest as we embark on one of the most critical missions of our time – exploring and safeguarding the oceans for the betterment of humanity,” reads a statement by Visbeck on OceanQuest’s website. “The work we are doing here will have a profound impact on the future of our planet, from uncovering new discoveries to addressing the pressing environmental challenges that affect us all.”
OceanQuest plans to invest SAR 3 billion in research and development by the year 2050, with a goal of supporting over 150 scientists annually. In line with Saudi Arabia’s environmental goals, the foundation will also assist efforts to conserve 30 percent of the Kingdom’s marine habitats, promote sustainable initiatives along the Red Sea coast, and harness the carbon-absorbing potential of deep-sea coral ecosystems.
The foundation will contribute to Saudi Arabia’s broader research, development, and innovation (RDI) strategy by facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and translating science into actionable policy and investment. Areas of focus include marine biodiversity, pharmaceuticals derived from marine organisms, and the identification of ecologically sensitive areas.
OceanQuest’s governance structure brings together a mix of national and international leaders from science, investment, academia, and development. In addition to Prince Bader and CEO Visbeck, members of the Board of Trustees include:
-
Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi, Advisor to the Royal Court
-
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Public Investment Fund
-
Abdulaziz bin Ismail Tarabzoni, Advisor to the Royal Court
-
Eng. Ayman Al-Mudaifer, CEO of NEOM
-
John Pagano, CEO of Red Sea Global
-
Prof. Edward Byrne, President of KAUST
-
Raymond Thomas Dalio, philanthropist and founder of OceanX and Bridgewater Associates
OceanQuest is set to serve as a hub for advancing marine knowledge, providing a platform for scientists, innovators, and policymakers to shape the future of ocean stewardship in the Kingdom and beyond. Through a combination of research funding, international cooperation, and public engagement, the foundation seeks to contribute meaningful solutions to some of the most urgent challenges facing the world’s oceans today.
Comments (0)