How Saudi Arabia champions cutting-edge research into unique Red Sea marine environments — blue holes

Special How Saudi Arabia champions cutting-edge research into unique Red Sea marine environments — blue holes
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In a decade-long expedition led by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife, 20 extremely deep underwater sinkholes, known as “blue holes,” were discovered along the Kingdom’s southern Red Sea coast. (NCW photo)
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Updated 30 March 2024
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How Saudi Arabia champions cutting-edge research into unique Red Sea marine environments — blue holes

How Saudi Arabia champions cutting-edge research into unique Red Sea marine environments — blue holes
  • Expeditions carried out by the Saudi National Center for Wildlife and OceanX have revealed 20 blue holes
  • Future exploration will further map these extremely deep underwater formations and identify diverse species

RIYADH: While Saudi Arabia has long been feted for its ancient sites, distinctive culture and sweeping desert landscapes, recent strides in marine research and exploration could soon see scientists and tourists alike flocking to the Kingdom’s bluer regions.

In just the first year of a decade-long expedition led by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife, 20 extremely deep underwater sinkholes, known as “blue holes,” were discovered along the Kingdom’s southern Red Sea coast.

Blue holes, named for their vibrant color, have long been recognized as havens for a diverse array of marine life, attracting researchers eager to study their remarkable biodiversity and leisure divers drawn to their profound natural beauty.

 

 

Mohammad Qurban, CEO of NCW, said that the discovery of blue holes marked a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s exploration of marine ecosystems.

“The blue holes’ discovery in Saudi Arabia was a result of the groundbreaking exploration effort in collaboration with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology during the Red Sea Decade Expedition,” he told Arab News.

“Exploring the Wonders of the Red Sea: A Decade Expedition” is an unprecedented scientific research expedition launched last year by the NCW in partnership with OceanX and KAUST.




The OceanXplorer. (NCW photo)

Researchers are using advanced diving techniques, remote sensing technologies, remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles to examine the geology, hydrology, biology and chemistry of the blue holes to unravel the mysteries of these unique ecosystems.

“Scientific diving allows for direct observation and sample collection, while technology enables the mapping and study of blue holes’ deeper and more inaccessible parts,” Carlos Duarte, the expedition’s chief scientist and a distinguished professor of marine science at KAUST, told Arab News.

Duarte is credited with having identified a previously unexplored area of the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast, which extends north from Jazan to Al-Lith, as an area of potential interest for marine conservation.




Researchers are using advanced diving techniques to examine the biology and chemistry of the blue holes. (NCW photo)

“This is a labyrinth of coral reefs, which I explored during a few years using a KAUST research vessel,” he said.

“Venturing through this labyrinth is a daunting task, as it has very shallow areas adjacent to deep areas. On one occasion, the bow of the vessel was just above an emerging coral reef, but the depth sounder, which is located 15 meters toward the stern of the vessel, read 750 meters.”

Duarte said that he must have been right next to a blue hole without even knowing it, “as we did not have the necessary mapping underwater equipment at the time.




In a decade-long expedition led by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife, 20 extremely deep underwater sinkholes, known as “blue holes,” were discovered along the Kingdom’s southern Red Sea coast. (NCW photo)

“Hence, I targeted this area in the design of the Red Sea Decade Expedition — the most ambitious exploration of the Saudi Red Sea to date, led by the National Center of Wildlife, where I served as chief scientist and we had the right platform, the advanced research vessel OceanX, to explore this region.”

As a result of this latest expedition, researchers believe they have identified the existence of two types of blue holes — blue rings and sunken lagoons.

Blue rings are cylinders of coral that rise from about 400 meters deep and are topped by a ring of coral extending to the surface, whereas sunken lagoons are formed by the collapse of carbonate platforms and can be as deep as 700 meters — or perhaps even deeper.




A closer view of a blue ring, composed of cylinders of coral that rise from about 400 meters deep. (NCW photo)

“We explored with an advanced vessel, submersibles, deep-water robots, a shallow-draft mapping vessel and a helicopter, coupled with advanced sequencing technology,” Duarte said.




Carlos Duarte

“The National Center of Wildlife is planning a subsequent expedition to explore and map the many blue holes that we could not explore, as conserving this natural treasure must be based on the best possible data.”

Duarte said that blue holes are worthy of particular attention by conservationists because of the many endangered marine species that depend on them.

“These are unique features, a few of which have been described elsewhere in the ocean, but not in the number and size of the blue holes in the Saudi Red Sea,” he said.

“We observed marine mammals seeking refuge inside these blue holes, which they seem to be using as a nursery, with their newborns protected in their interior.

“Blue holes contribute in a multifaceted way by uncovering geological processes driving the dynamics of carbonate platforms and expressing the limits of environments for marine life through the extreme conditions they present.

“They also provide evidence of the importance of physical shelter for vulnerable marine life, thereby informing conservation efforts.”




Researchers are also using remote sensing technologies, remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles to examine the biology and chemistry of the blue holes. (NCW photo)

What makes blue holes so fascinating, however, is their extreme depth, much of which is beyond the reach of even the most advanced underwater exploration methods. At those depths, some of the hardiest and least understood organisms flourish.

“At depth, they are deprived of oxygen, presenting unique biological communities that deserve further attention,” Duarte said.

“They are even mysterious for local fishermen, who do not venture inside this reef labyrinth, and their true nature can only be gathered from the air at low altitude, so even satellites cannot really accurately portray their nature.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• Exploring the Wonders of the Sea: A Decade Long Expedition has mapped more than 62,000 sq km of seabed and collected more than 800 samples.

• The expedition team reported numerous sightings of megafauna across the Red Sea, including sharks, manta rays and turtles.

• NCW is researching biological diversity and threats to these important marine environments in Saudi waters of the Red Sea.

Because of the rare characteristics of these environments and the precious species that depend on them, Qurban said that the NCW is implementing a dedicated conservation effort aimed at protecting blue holes.

“These efforts include establishing marine protected areas, regulating diving and fishing activities, and conducting scientific research to understand the ecological significance of blue holes better,” he said.

The environmental goals of these expeditions fall in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 social reform and economic diversification plan, initiated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, and the Saudi Green Initiative, established in 2021.




With the discovery that precious species depend on the blue holes, the NCW is implementing a dedicated conservation effort to protect them. (NCW)

“The National Center for Wildlife is working toward preserving 30 percent of the Red Sea waters as protected areas by 2030, in addition to closely collaborating with local environmental agencies, marine conservation organizations, research institutions and stakeholders to develop and implement a holistic conservation strategy aimed at safeguarding blue holes.”

As for the future of Saudi marine exploration in the Red Sea, Duarte said that the latest blue hole discoveries are just the tip of the iceberg.

“They have been at an ‘arm’s length’ from us for millennia, but only now we were able to explore them,” he said.

“What we found is simply the beginning, as many remain to be explored and those we were able to explore may not be the most remarkable ones.”

 


Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation
Updated 8 sec ago
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Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation

Saudi Culinary Arts Academy receives full institutional accreditation
  • The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission

RIYADH: The Saudi Culinary Arts Academy (ZADC) was awarded a full institutional accreditation certificate on Sunday, with the support of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province.

The recognition was granted during the inauguration ceremony of the academy’s new building on March 16.

The accreditation follows an agreement signed on March 10 between the academy and the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to implement institutional accreditation processes.

The achievement underscored ZADC’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and excellence in culinary education and training.

By equipping national talents with specialized skills, the academy aims to contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The achievement also aligns with the broader efforts of the Education and Training Evaluation Commission to ensure quality and excellence in education and training institutions across the Kingdom.


Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project

Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project
Updated 17 March 2025
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Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project

Restoration for Jouf’s Al-Saidan Mosque in crown prince’s project
  • Mosque is second oldest in region of northern Saudi Arabia
  • It will be expanded to accommodate 68 worshippers

RIYADH: The Al-Saidan Mosque is undergoing a restoration as part of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques.

The site is a significant landmark in Dumat Al-Jandal, the location of several battles in early Islamic history. It is the second oldest mosque in the Jouf region in northern Saudi Arabia, after the Omar bin Al-Khattab Mosque.

It is currently undergoing expansion and restoration as part of the project, which focuses on preserving historic sites in the Jouf region.

Its area is to be extended from 179 to 202 sq. meters to accommodate 68 worshippers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The mosque was constructed by the Saidan tribe and features the Aba Al-Jibal well and an elaborate staircase leading to the ablution area. It used to be a place for Friday prayers, a courthouse, and a school for Qur’anic studies.


Prophet’s Mosque’s AI-driven medical capsules enhance healthcare

Madinah Health Cluster has launched 2 smart medical capsules in northern central area of Prophet’s Mosque to enhance healthcare
Madinah Health Cluster has launched 2 smart medical capsules in northern central area of Prophet’s Mosque to enhance healthcare
Updated 17 March 2025
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Prophet’s Mosque’s AI-driven medical capsules enhance healthcare

Madinah Health Cluster has launched 2 smart medical capsules in northern central area of Prophet’s Mosque to enhance healthcare
  • Detect chronic diseases, conduct rapid tests, measure vital signs, perform electrocardiograms 

RIYADH: The Madinah Health Cluster has launched two smart medical capsules in the northern central area of the Prophet’s Mosque to enhance healthcare for visitors and pilgrims, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The “Tabah and Tibabah” capsules use advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to detect chronic diseases, conduct rapid tests, measure vital signs, and perform electrocardiograms.

They are linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital for specialized support, according to the SPA.

The capsules expand healthcare services, complementing existing facilities including the Al-Salam Endowment and Al-Haram hospitals.

The capsules are operated during peak times by trained medical workers and serve over 576 patients daily. They reflect the collaboration between the government and private sector. 

Meanwhile, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority teams in Madinah transferred an emergency cardiac patient for treatment through their Cardiac Attacks pathway in 56 seconds.

Dr. Ahmed bin Ali Al-Zahrani, director of the authority’s regional branch, explained that the Medical Transfer Center received a call via the 997 hotline about a patient in his 60s experiencing severe chest pain at the Prophet’s Mosque.

An advanced care team that was dispatched performed an electrocardiogram and diagnosed an acute heart attack. This was communicated to the on-duty physician, who activated the Cardiac Attack pathway protocol.

The patient was transported to the Hayat National Hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab via a special route, where the medical team was ready for immediate intervention.

Al-Zahrani said the rapid response and coordination by the emergency teams helped prevent complications and led to a successful outcome for the patient.


British explorer ready to complete dream expedition across Saudi Arabia

British adventurer Alice Morrison is on a remarkable 2,500-km journey through Saudi Arabia, traveling north to south. (Supplied)
British adventurer Alice Morrison is on a remarkable 2,500-km journey through Saudi Arabia, traveling north to south. (Supplied)
Updated 17 March 2025
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British explorer ready to complete dream expedition across Saudi Arabia

British adventurer Alice Morrison is on a remarkable 2,500-km journey through Saudi Arabia, traveling north to south. (Supplied)
  • Second phase of Alice Morrison’s historic Saudi trek will cover 1,300 km and is expected to take 70 days

JEDDAH: British adventurer Alice Morrison is on a remarkable 2,500-km journey through Saudi Arabia, traveling north to south. She recently completed the first phase on foot, exploring the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes while highlighting its rich history and cultural transformation.

A TV presenter and writer, Morrison was the first woman to walk Morocco’s Draa River. She has also cycled from Cairo to Cape Town, ran around Mount Everest and walked across Jordan.

Originally from Edinburgh, she documents her adventures through books, documentaries, her “Alice in Wanderland” podcast, and is now filming the BBC show “Arabian Adventures: The Secrets of the Nabateans.”

In an interview with Arab News, Morrison, 61, discussed her recent journey in Saudi Arabia, which ended on Feb. 14 just before Ramadan, after completing the first section of her 2,500-km trek.

The trek, split into two phases, is expected to take five months.

Accompanied by camels Jusy and Lulu, as well as local guides, Morrison began the first phase on Jan. 1, covering 930 km, averaging 23 km or 33,000 steps daily.

Morrison said she has been working on the project for decades and was determined to make her dream come true.

The second phase will start in Madinah in October this year and finish near Najran, on the Yemen border, in December.

Morrison said: “When I was 11, my father gave me a copy of Wilfred Thesiger’s ‘Arabian Sands,’ about an Englishman crossing the Empty Quarter with his Bedouin companions. It fired my imagination. I later studied Arabic, and when Saudi opened up to non-Hajj tourism, I began planning the journey.

“I have always wanted to explore Saudi Arabia since studying Arabic at university, but I was initially hesitant because it was an unknown to me,” she added.

Asked about her impression of Saudi Arabia, she said: “I thought the people would be strict and serious. In fact, I found a people who love to laugh, joke and enjoy life — some of the most hospitable folk on the planet.”

Morrison split her trek into two phases due to Saudi Arabia’s intense heat and the holy month of Ramadan.

“Yes, I will be back in October to complete the expedition and walk to the Yemen border. It will be 1,300 km and take about 70 days. I can’t wait,” she said.

“The country is so rich in history. We have discovered Bronze Age tombs, 4,000-year-old rock carvings, and mechanical treasures from the old Hejaz railway, now named for the provinces it passes through. I can’t wait for phase two — though my feet can.”

Speaking about the highlights of her journey, Morrison said: “Exploring AlUla was a big highlight. It is rich in history, with the Nabatean and Dadanite kingdoms. I was lucky to be shown around by distinguished archeologist Wissam Khalil, who kept finding new artifacts under our feet. I also saw a wild Arabian oryx in the Sharaan Nature Reserve. It was thrilling to see an animal once extinct thriving again.”

Morrison also met Saudi women along the way, including walking with the country’s first female wildlife rangers in Wadi Al-Disah, part of the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve.

Speaking about the challenges, she said: “I had bad blisters and was in a lot of pain, but I just took painkillers and kept going. Our camels bolted, and Lulu injured herself, so we had to find a solution. We found a camel herder and a vet, bought her food, and now she is recovering on the farm.

“We also walked through a terrible sandstorm that scoured my skin and filled me with despair, but Shaya Al-Shaya, the guide who walked with me, and I, encouraged each other and finished.”

On her route, Morrison, a fluent Arabic speaker, has been warmly hosted by many locals. “I have to mention the hospitality. Everywhere we went, people tried to help us and wanted to know all about the expedition. We had so many sheep slaughtered for us. I am grateful to every single kind person who looked after us, fed us and welcomed us.

“Things are really changing in Saudi Arabia now — very rapidly. For me, it is an interesting time to come, talk to young women, and see what their dreams and hopes are.”


Ramadan in Qatif showcases Saudi small town spirit

Ramadan in Qatif showcases Saudi small town spirit
Updated 17 March 2025
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Ramadan in Qatif showcases Saudi small town spirit

Ramadan in Qatif showcases Saudi small town spirit
  • Festive gatherings typical of tight-knit community
  • Locals enjoy spirituality, family gatherings in holy month

RIYADH: Locals in Qatif practice Ramadan traditions by reconnecting with relatives, keeping the community spirit of small Saudi towns alive.

Like other regions of the Kingdom during Ramadan, families and friends gather to scope for the best markets, cafes and restaurants as Qatif’s days turn into nights.

But for many locals, Ramadan is about staying in and reconnecting with relatives in the tight-knit locale.

Dana Al-Awamy, a university student from Qatif, told Arab News that her Ramadan routine “feels like a celebration because everyone is fasting together and breaking their fast together.

“The food we eat is always the same so it is kind of ritualistic ... my favorite part about Ramadan is the community and feeling the spiritual connection to God.”

Having lived abroad, Al-Awamy had a foreign concept of Ramadan, but coming back home has given her the chance to immerse herself in the holy month, surrounded by the warmth of her family.

During the month, Al-Awamy honors her late grandmother, who was the heart of past celebrations.

“She was an amazing chef and it was her that would cook most of the food and make specific dishes only in Ramadan.

“I miss that now. I really believe because of that, it made me enjoy Ramadan as a kid and grow to love it even more as an adult,” she said.

Sara Al-Awami shares her treasured moments with family, highlighting that the holy month brings a beautiful balance of spirituality, family and community, making it her favorite time of the year.

“We have a daily walk before iftar, which has become a small but meaningful tradition. The evenings are filled with gatherings, game nights, and, of course, enjoying all the delicious food,” she said.

“I also love wearing traditional clothing during Ramadan — it adds to the festive and cultural spirit of the month. And while I’d love to say I help with the cooking, my real specialty is showing up just in time for iftar ... especially for dessert.”

“One of my favorite things about Ramadan is the strong sense of community and generosity that fills the month.”

Having lived in different places, Al-Awami realized that while there may be slight cultural differences, Ramadan is celebrated in a very similar way in countries across the Gulf.

“The essence of the month is always about family, loved ones and coming together. The Eastern Province, like many other regions, is full of vibrant Ramadan traditions — whether it’s the communal iftars, the traditional fashion, the late-night outings, or the spiritual gatherings,” she said.

“But overall, across the Gulf, the core of Ramadan remains the same: A time of faith, family and generosity.”

Having spent many years celebrating Ramadan abroad and alone, she has come to appreciate the time spent with family even more.

“Nothing compares to the warmth of breaking your fast with loved ones, the conversations that last late into the night and the shared traditions that make this month so special,” she said.

“Now, I cherish these moments even more because I know what it’s like to experience Ramadan without them.

“Whether in the Eastern Province, Kuwait, London, or the US, what makes Ramadan truly meaningful is the connection — with family, with the community and with faith.”