Red Sea Research Center

The Red Sea Research Center is part of the research network at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). Established according to advanced global standards, it provides a comprehensive understanding of coral reef ecosystems and the surrounding oceanographic conditions. It focuses on maintaining a suitable environment for coral reef growth along the Red Sea coast of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and ensuring its preservation.

The Red Sea Research Center was inaugurated with the opening of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in 2009. It was equipped with modern facilities and researchers dedicated to studying the Red Sea. The center conducts a range of research to develop a comprehensive understanding of the Red Sea's rich environment, providing essential knowledge to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of its natural resources.

The Red Sea Research Center operates with a vision focused on providing scientific knowledge to sustainably support the Kingdom's goals for economic growth and diversification. It aims to be a global leader in various aspects of marine science, particularly regarding the impact of climate change on marine systems. Additionally, the center supports and facilitates the work of faculty members at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in extensive research across the Red Sea.

The center's mission is to provide scientific guidance to key Saudi stakeholders, conduct research, and enable technologies for sustainable interactions between people and the sea. The center also trains and educates future leaders in marine sciences, including Saudi nationals.

The Red Sea Research Center includes several research facilities, covering areas such as analysis, microbiology, ecology, and microscopy, in addition to essential support facilities.

The center also hosts numerous research programs in various fields, including coral genomics and cell type transcriptomics, coral reef ecosystem studies, marine microbial ecology, fisheries and marine environment, Red Sea hydrography, oceanography, Red Sea biogeographic information systems, and the distribution and biodiversity of plankton.