KAUST is investing in a state-of-the-art 50-meter oceanographic research vessel (RV) to replace the existing Thuwal RV, selecting Glosten for the design. The new RV will feature a reconfigurable deck, advanced positioning system, and weather-hardy traits tailored for the Red Sea's unique conditions. This upgrade aims to enhance KAUST's marine research capabilities, enabling studies in shallow reef and deep-water environments up to 3000 meters. Why it matters: The advanced vessel positions KAUST to lead Red Sea research, supporting Saudi Arabia's environmental and economic initiatives like NEOM and the Red Sea giga-projects.
KAUST has commissioned Freire Shipyards to build the RV Thuwal II, Saudi Arabia's first regional class research vessel, expected to be completed in 2026. The vessel will be 50m long and designed for a 30-year lifespan, with modular labs and green propulsion technologies. It will support marine research in the Red Sea, accommodate 30 people, and aid in emergency response. Why it matters: This investment enhances Saudi Arabia's research capabilities in marine science and positions KAUST as a hub for Red Sea exploration and international scientific collaboration.
A collaborative research team from KAUST and King Abdulaziz University (KAU) conducted a 16-day study of the Red Sea aboard the KAU research vessel RV Al-Azizi. The study measured a pelagic transect of the Red Sea, examining nutrient cycling, ecosystem health, and biodiversity. The research was part of a Saudi Arabian contribution to the Second International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE-2). Why it matters: This collaboration demonstrates resource sharing between Saudi universities, contributing to Saudi Vision 2030 goals and furthering understanding of the Red Sea's ecosystem.
The AQABA project, a collaboration involving KAUST and international institutions, studies air quality and climate change in the Arabian Basin using a marine research vessel. The vessel traveled from France through the Suez Canal, around the Arabian Peninsula, and stopped at KAUST. Researchers presented findings on atmospheric dust, air pollution, and aerosol measurements, highlighting the impact of dust on renewable energy and air pollution on health. Why it matters: The project provides crucial data for understanding and addressing climate challenges and air quality issues in the Middle East.
KAUST researchers have made the first direct observations of active hydrothermal vent fields in the Red Sea, specifically on Hatiba Mons. The total active area spans 1.6 km2, the largest reported globally, with vent temperatures around 40 degrees Celsius supporting thriving microbial communities. The observations, confirmed using remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs), build on over a decade of data collection. Why it matters: These findings provide insights into the Red Sea's unique biological and mineralogical resources, offering a model to study the evolution of life in extreme environments.
KAUST researchers undertook a week-long expedition in May 2017 from Al-Lith, Saudi Arabia to explore the biodiversity of the Red Sea. The expedition involved 35 participants, including KAUST faculty and 10 international marine scientists, and collected over 3,000 specimens. Over 50 species not previously recorded were found during the expedition. Why it matters: Cataloging the Red Sea's biodiversity is crucial given increasing development and provides insights into how marine organisms adapt to extreme conditions, which can inform climate change predictions.
The Coastal and Marine Resources (CMR) Core Lab at KAUST has received two safety awards from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). They received a Gold Award for overall health and safety and a Bronze Award for fleet management safety. The CMR Core Lab operates a fleet of research and support vessels, including Saudi Arabia’s first fully equipped research vessel, the RV Thuwal. Why it matters: These awards highlight KAUST's commitment to safety and excellence in marine science research and operations within the region.
KAUST and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) are collaborating to research the Red Sea's shallow reef and deep-water environments. The partnership utilizes Japanese specialty equipment and the KAUST-owned research vessel RV Thuwal, with funding from the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and KAUST. The initiative will address critical data gaps about the Red Sea and provide information for government regulations. Why it matters: This collaboration will advance understanding of the Red Sea's unique environment, relevant to Saudi Arabia's giga-projects and environmental protection efforts.