Saudi Arabia Launches Marine Protection Plan to Secure Seas and Create 100,000 Jobs by 2030

Saudi Arabia is accelerating its push to protect marine ecosystems while expanding the kingdom’s blue economy — a move expected to create 100,000 jobs and contribute around SR22 billion to the economy by 2030. Built into the larger Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative objectives, the plan pairs conservation targets with practical industry support across tourism, aquaculture, shipping, renewable energy and marine biotechnology.

Why the initiative matters

With more than 3,800 km of coastline along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to lead regional marine stewardship. The government has committed to protecting 30% of its land and sea areas by 2030, aligning national targets with global conservation goals. Healthy seas support coastal livelihoods, fisheries, tourism and port operations — and help unlock long-term economic value for citizens and expatriates alike.

Major threat: invasive marine species

A primary challenge to these ambitions is the spread of invasive aquatic species. Non-native organisms often arrive via shipping ballast water, aquaculture, hull fouling and the aquarium trade. Once established, they can outcompete native species, alter habitats and damage fisheries and infrastructure. Globally, these invasions cause tens of billions of dollars in losses each year, which makes early detection and prevention a priority for Saudi planners.

KAUST–NCW partnership: science meets policy

To address this risk, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has teamed up with the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) to map and monitor invasive species across Saudi waters. The joint programme is producing a comprehensive marine species database and developing scientific tools — risk assessment models, early-warning systems and practical threat-evaluation methods — designed to protect coastal industries and biodiversity.

Official resources: KAUST (https://www.kaust.edu.sa) and the National Center for Wildlife (https://ncw.gov.sa) lead the research coordination. The programme supports national priorities set out in Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.

What the field work revealed

• Surveys were carried out at 34 coastal sites along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
• Scientists collected over 10,000 marine samples to build diagnostic reference libraries.
• About 200 potentially invasive species were flagged for further study; more than 70 non-native species have already been confirmed within Saudi waters.

Researchers are increasingly using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to detect species early, even when individuals are rare or elusive. This approach improves the speed and sensitivity of monitoring efforts and makes it feasible to screen many locations more frequently.

From research to local capacity

In May 2025, NCW staff joined an intensive KAUST training workshop on invasive-species detection and risk assessment, gaining hands-on experience with eDNA methods, species identification, and rapid response planning. Building local scientific capacity is central to sustaining monitoring programmes and ensuring rapid action when new threats appear.

Regulation and cross-border action

Controlling pathways such as ballast water is a policy priority. International standards and guidelines — including the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention — inform national rules to reduce introductions from global shipping. Saudi regulators are working to strengthen inspections, ballast-water controls and protected-area management while using satellite and remote-sensing tools for enforcement and planning.

New models of stewardship and inclusion

Saudi conservation efforts are also notable for social innovation. The kingdom recently launched the Middle East’s first all-female sea ranger corps to patrol and protect more than 170 km of coastline on the Red Sea, a step that promotes gender diversity in marine protection roles and expands community engagement with conservation.

What this means for the expatriate community

The expansion of the blue economy creates many opportunities for expatriates living in Saudi Arabia. Employers across research institutions, private-sector aquaculture, coastal tourism operators, maritime logistics firms and renewable-energy projects will need skilled staff. Key areas of demand include:

• Marine scientists and lab technicians (eDNA, taxonomy, monitoring)
• Environmental risk analysts and GIS specialists
• Aquaculture managers and technicians
• Hospitality and tourism professionals for coastal resorts and eco-tourism
• Maritime engineers, port operations and logistics experts
• Policy, compliance and environmental enforcement staff

Expat professionals should note: most work in Saudi Arabia requires employer sponsorship and a valid work visa. Job seekers can look for opportunities with research centres like KAUST, international conservation NGOs, private aquaculture companies, tourism operators, and government agencies. Upskilling in eDNA methods, GIS, aquaculture certification, and regulatory compliance will be particularly valuable.

Practical steps for expats who want to get involved

1. Follow open roles at major research and conservation organisations (start with KAUST and NCW websites listed above).
2. Seek training courses in eDNA, marine monitoring, and aquaculture from universities and accredited providers.
3. Engage with local NGOs, volunteer projects and protected-area initiatives to build networks and experience.
4. Monitor regulatory developments — especially in ballast water and protected area rules — through official sources and employer briefings.
5. Consider short courses or micro-credentials in GIS, data analysis and environmental compliance to improve employability.

Where to find official information

Helpful official resources and guidance:

• Vision 2030: https://www.vision2030.gov.sa
• KAUST research and training: https://www.kaust.edu.sa
• National Center for Wildlife: https://ncw.gov.sa
• Saudi Ministry of Environment (policy and protected areas): https://www.mewa.gov.sa
• IMO ballast water guidance: https://www.imo.org

Looking ahead

By combining strong science, cross-agency collaboration and clear economic targets, Saudi Arabia aims to protect its marine heritage and broaden opportunity for residents and expatriates. Early detection systems, local training, and better regulation of shipping pathways will reduce the risk that invasive species undermine those goals. For expats, the growing blue economy offers a range of career paths — from hands-on lab work to coastal hospitality and maritime engineering — all contributing to a healthier sea and a more diverse Saudi job market.

Protecting the kingdom’s seas today is an investment in tomorrow’s jobs and communities. For expatriates already living here or considering a move, the marine conservation drive is a tangible sector to watch for work, volunteering and professional growth as Saudi Arabia pursues its 2030 goals.