NEOM Company and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have announced a joint project to establish the world’s largest coral garden at Shushah Island, Saudi Arabia.
The project is a tangible demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protect 95 per cent of nature within NEOM. The 100-hectare Shushah Island Coral Reefscape will showcase reef restoration innovations and accelerate solutions for conserving coral reefs in a changing climate. Set to be completed in 2025, the investment is a centrepiece of NEOM’s vision for developing “in harmony with nature” and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable relationship between people and planet.
NEOM and KAUST will build the coral reefscape around Shushah Island in the Red Sea, home to over 300 native coral and 1,000 fish species. Once complete, the coral reefscape will present a unique R&D opportunity for coral preservation and attract international scientists, researchers and eco-conscious travellers once established.
Explaining the importance of the project, NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr said: “One of our missions at NEOM is to reinvent conservation for the good of the natural world and for future generations to enjoy. Our coral reef collaboration with KAUST is a vivid example of how we are doing that. Through our innovative technologies and combined expertise, we are expanding the scientific world’s understanding of how corals adapt to climate change whilst protecting the beautiful coral reefs that are indigenous to the Red Sea and so fundamental to the biodiversity of our oceans and the success of NEOM.”
