Ocean Quest: Saudi Arabia Dives into the Depths of Global Discovery

A Non-Profit Foundation Redefining Humanity’s Relationship with the Seas—From Jeddah to the World

🔵 BETH News Agency – Strategic Report

In a quiet yet profound move, Saudi Arabia has officially launched the non-profit foundation Ocean Quest, opening a new chapter in humanity’s relationship with the ocean.
Headquartered at KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) in Thuwal near Jeddah, the foundation’s mission extends far beyond ocean exploration—it aims to shape a new global scientific and environmental future, born in Saudi Arabia and impacting the world.

🧭 A Global Message from the Kingdom: Exploration, Innovation, and Sustainability

His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ocean Quest, stated:

“The foundation represents a global opportunity to foster international cooperation and craft innovative solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s oceanic challenges—for the benefit of all humanity.”

Ocean Quest's core values can be summed up in three words:
Discovery – Innovation – Sustainability.

💡 The Ocean is Not a Mystery—It’s a Scientific Frontier

Ocean Quest is transforming the ocean from a visual wonder into a living lab for innovation. Among its main objectives:

SAR 3 billion (USD ~800M) investment in R&D by 2050.

Training 150 young scientists annually to become experts in ocean sciences.

Supporting the protection of 30% of marine life through cutting-edge biotech and pharmaceutical research.

Empowering sustainable Red Sea projects and leveraging deep-sea coral reefs for carbon absorption—contributing to Saudi Arabia’s ambitious emissions reduction goals.

🌐 Ocean Quest… Saudi Vision, Global Depth

Led by a world-class board of scientists, strategists, and investors, Ocean Quest merges:

Strategic finance (Public Investment Fund)

Scientific excellence (KAUST)

Mega-project leadership (NEOM, Red Sea Global)

Global expertise (Ray Dalio, founder of OceanX and Bridgewater Associates)

This unique synergy positions Ocean Quest as both a scientific observatory for ocean exploration and a diplomatic force for marine innovation.

🔍 Symbolic Insight: Why Explore the Deepest Parts of the Planet Now?

The answer isn’t just environmental or scientific.
It’s philosophical:

“While others look to the stars, Saudi Arabia is looking beneath—seeking answers in the depths.”

If the sky is the limit for some nations… then for the Kingdom, the ocean is the new frontier.

📌 BETH Summary:
Ocean Quest is not just a marine project—it's a new scientific doctrine aligned with Vision 2030, fusing environmental awareness with economic ambition.