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Welcome to Ocean Action Forum

From Ocean Conservation to Economic Acceleration:

A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth

27th - 28thOctober 2025
Jeddah Hilton, KSA
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EVENT OVERVIEW

Saudi Arabia, positioned along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, is at the forefront of marine sustainability. As the Kingdom accelerates its Vision 2030 agenda, the Ocean Action Forum serves as a dynamic catalyst for transformative change. Bringing together policymakers, environmental leaders, project owners, and industry experts, the forum is designed to shed light on key industry trends and issues, foster strategic partnerships, provide exclusive high-impact networking, and explore cutting-edge solutions to safeguard marine ecosystems.

FORUM KEY FOCUS

Marine Ecosystems

Innovating to restore marine ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass.

Sustainable Fishing

Ensuring sustainable fishing to protect fish stocks and support livelihoods.

Marine Pollution

Tackling marine pollution, including plastics, runoff, and oil spills, through innovative waste solutions.

Sustainable Ocean

Promoting sustainable ocean industries, such as aquaculture, tourism, and renewable energy.

Climate Resilience

Building climate resilience by mitigating impacts, enhancing marine adaptation, and addressing rising sea levels.

Ocean Technologies

Utilizing AI, satellite monitoring, and robotics to advance ocean research and conservation.

Key Stakeholders

Engage with key decision-makers, regulators, and industry pioneers.

Exploring Innovations

Discover the latest innovations in marine conservation, waste management, and ocean technology

Sustainable Blue Economy

Forge alliances to drive sustainable blue economy initiatives

MARKET DRIVERS

Owner: Red Sea Global
Budget: $1.2 billion (initial phase)
Completion Date: 2027 (initial phase)
Project Overview: The Amala Project focuses on wellness and eco-tourism, integrating marine conservation with luxury tourism, and aims to protect the Red Sea's ecosystem.Project to include, coastal development, Amaala island, and Triple Bay
Owner: The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC)
Budget: $100 million (for restoration efforts)
Completion Date: 2030
Project Overview: Aimed at restoring and protecting coral reefs along the Red Sea coast, this initiative focuses on combating coral bleaching and promoting marine biodiversity in the region
Owner: Saudi Wildlife Authority
Budget: $500 million
Completion Date: 2027
Project Overview: This project focuses on the conservation of marine species in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, supporting local marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable fisheries management.

Speakers

Dr. Vienna Eleuteri

Senior Advisor to the CEO

Saudi Red Sea Authority

Dr. Mark Dimech

Marine Director

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology 

Dr. Nandhagopal Ganesan

Marine Monitoring Expert

Parson Corporation Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu –Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries

Ali Qasem

Environmental Consultant

Aramco

Dr. Lina Eyouni

Senior Manager of Environmental Monitoring

Red Sea Global

Dr.Deni Porej

Director of Marine Conservation

NEOM Nature Reserve

Asaad Mohamed

Director Aquaculture Development Program

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Khalfan bin Mohamed Al-Rashdi

Director of the Aquaculture Center

General Directorate of Fisheries Research, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources

Huda Al Houqani

Director

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)

Dr.Saleh Alzamanan

Director of Mangrove Forest

National Center for Vegetation Cover Development & Combating Desertification

Dr. Amzath Ahmed

Minster of State

Minster of State Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources

Ahmed Stifi

Managing Director

Acumen Consulting GmbH

Fouad Lamghari Ridouane

Director of Research

Fujairah Research Centre

Ziad Hawi

Environmental Specialist

Saudi Aramco

Captain Turki AlShehri

Managing Director

National Maritime Academy

Ignasi Ferrer

CEO and co-founder

Ocean Ecostructures

Muyassar Abualreesh

Associate Professor of Aquaculture and Biotechnology

King Abdulaziz University

Mohammed AlKhalid

CEO and Founder

Netzero

Eng. Ahmed Nabil

Founder and CEO

Alpha Consultancy

Stefan Ost

General Manager

TraCon GmbH & Co. KG

Walter Krug

Inventor & Project Manager

Tracon GmbH & Co. KG

Lauren Jefferies

Associate Director

Buro Happold

Mohamed Eltayeb

Senior Manager Environment & Sustainability

Cruise Saudi

AGENDA

13:30 – 14:30

Registration and Networking Coffee Break 

14:30 – 14:35

Welcome Remarks by Great Minds Events Management   

14:35 – 14:40 

Opening Remarks by Conference Chairperson 

Speaker:

  • Dr. Vienna Eleuteri, Senior Advisor to the CEO, Saudi Red Sea Authority
14:40 – 15:15 

Opening Panel Discussion: Advancing Sustainable Ocean Plans for Long-Term Marine Stewardship

  • Exploring frameworks for effective marine spatial planning, cross-sector collaboration, and policy alignment to support sustainable ocean economies.
  • Strengthening Monitoring Frameworks with clear indicators and performance measures to track progress and enhance accountability
  • Highlighting best practices in engaging local communities and policymakers to ensure inclusive and impactful ocean sustainability initiatives

Moderator:

  • Dr. Vienna Eleuteri, Senior Advisor to the CEO, Saudi Red Sea Authority

Panelists:

  • Fouad Lamghari Ridouane, Director of Research, Fujairah Research Centre
  • Captain Turki AlShehri, Managing Director, National Maritime Academy
  • Dr. Mark Dimech, Marine Director, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
  • Dr. Amzath Ahmed, Minster of State, Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources
  • Lauren Jefferies, Associate Director, Buro Happold
15:15 – 15:30 

Keynote Presentation : Deep Tech Solutions to Renaturalize Marine Infrastructures: From Grey Spaces to Blue Oases  

  • Deploying advanced materials and bioengineering techniques to transform artificial coastal and marine structures into ecologically functional habitats.
  • Leveraging AI, sensors, and robotics to monitor, restore, and enhance biodiversity within ports, breakwaters, and seawalls.
  • Integrating nature-based design with deep tech innovations to convert grey infrastructure into resilient blue ecosystems that support both marine life and human communities.

Speaker:

  • Ignasi Ferrer, CEO and co-founder, Ocean Ecostructures
15:30 – 15:50 

Presentation: Unlocking Aquaculture to Advance Sustainable Oceans and Resilient Fisheries

  • Driving advancements in aquaculture technologies to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability.
  • Integrating sustainable aquaculture practices that support marine biodiversity and coastal resilience
  • Building inclusive blue economies by supporting local fisheries and sustainable livelihood opportunities

Speaker:

  • Asaad Mohamed, Director Aquaculture Development Program, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
15:50 – 16:35 

Exhibition Tour and Networking Coffee Break 

16:35 – 16:50 

Prsentation: Harnessing Marine Spatial Planning for Sustainable Ocean Development”

  • Coordinating activities like fishing, shipping, tourism, and energy to reduce conflicts and maximize efficiency.
  • Using Marine Spatial Planning to identify and safeguard ecologically sensitive marine and coastal areas.
  • Supporting sustainable growth while adapting to climate change impacts on marine environments. Speaker:

Speaker:

  • Dr.Deni Porej, Director of Marine Conservation, NEOM Nature Reserve, KSA
16:50 – 17:00

Presentation: Driving Transparency and Impact in Coastal Restoration

  • Demonstrating large-scale mangrove restoration across Saudi Arabia, tracked through the netzero Mangrove Action Platform
  • Highlighting community engagement initiatives that strengthen coastal ecosystems and support marine biodiversity

Speaker:

  • Mohammed AlKhalid, CEO and Founder, Netzero
17:00 - 17:15

Presentation- Translating Data into Actionable Strategies for Conservation and Sustainable Development

  • Transforming environmental data into policy and planning tools that drive informed decisions on land use, biodiversity, and resource management.
  • Bridging research with practical implementation by aligning findings with on-the-ground projects, funding mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks.
  • Engaging stakeholders with measurable outcomes that track progress, scale impact, and ensure long-term sustainability

Speaker:

  • Dr. Lina Eyouni, Senior Manager of Environmental Monitoring, Red Sea Global
17:15 – 17:50

Panel Discussion: Restoring Coastal Ecosystems by Scaling Mangroves, Seagrass, and Salt Marshes for Climate Resilience

  • Revitalizing biodiversity and scaling habitat restoration to protect marine life and coastal communities
  • Implementing policies to regulate land use and prevent overexploitation of coastal ecosystems
  • Leveraging nature-based solutions and technology for ecosystem monitoring and restoration

Moderator:

  • Muyassar Abualreesh, Associate Professor of Aquaculture and Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University

Panelist:

  • Dr. Nandhagopal Ganesan, Marine Monitoring Expert, Parson Corporation (Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu – Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries),KSA
  • Ali Qasem, Environmental Consultant, Aramco,KSA
  • Eng. Ahmed Nabil, Founder and CEO, Alpha Consultancy
  • Mohamed Eltayeb, Senior Manager, Environment & Sustainability, Cruise Saudi
17:50-18:05

Presentation: Aqua BIO Kat-Revolutionizing Filtration for Sustainable Aquaculture

  • Implementing advanced filtration technologies to prevent microplastic contamination in aquatic systems, protecting human and animal health.
  • Utilizing bio-based filter innovations that optimize aquaculture efficiency while maintaining ecological balance.
  • Promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that minimize environmental pollution and support circular water management.

Speaker:

  • Stefan Ost, General Manager, TraCon GmbH & Co. KG
  • Walter Krug, Inventor & Project Manager, Tracon GmbH & Co. KG
18:05-18:20

Presentation: Driving Mangrove Restoration and Coastal Resilience in Saudi Arabia

  • Strengthening coastal protection through large-scale mangrove restoration to reduce erosion and safeguard communities
  • Integrating mangrove ecosystems into national climate strategies to boost carbon sequestration and biodiversity
  • Advancing scientific research and monitoring systems to track mangrove health and guide adaptive restoration efforts

Speaker:

  • Dr.Saleh Alzamanan, Director of Mangrove Forest, National Center for Vegetation Cover Development & Combating Desertification
18:20-18:25

Closing Remarks by Conference Chairperson 

Speaker:

  • Dr. Vienna Eleuteri, Senior Advisor to the CEO, Saudi Red Sea Authority
18:25

Networking and End of Day One 

13:30 - 14:30 

Registration and Networking Coffee Break 

14:30 – 14:35 

Opening Remarks by Conference Chairperson 

Speaker:

  • Dr. Vienna Eleuteri, Senior Advisor to the CEO, Saudi Red Sea Authority
14:35 -14:50

Presentation: Restoring Trust to Restoration: A Blockchain and Al-Powered Paradigm for Marine Conservation

  • Novel platform where coral or reef restoration plot is uniquely tracked, Al-monitored, and certified using blockchain-issued tokens
  • Al-driven species detection, on-chain data validation, and community-based verification
  • Redefine restoration standards, truth, traceability, technology verifiable conservation outcomes

Speaker:

  • Fouad Lamghari Ridouane, Director of Research, Fujairah Research Centre
14:50:15:05

Presentation: Unlocking Aquaculture to Advance Sustainable Oceans and Resilient Fisheries

  • Promoting aquaculture as a scalable solution to reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and ensure long-term food security.
  • Integrating sustainable practices and technology in aquaculture operations to minimize environmental impact and enhance productivity.
  • Empowering coastal communities through inclusive aquaculture initiatives that create jobs, build local capacity, and enhance socio-economic resilience

Speaker:

  • Khalfan bin Mohamed Al-Rashdi, Director of the Aquaculture Center, General Directorate of Fisheries Research, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, Oman
15:05:15:20

Presentation: Business Planning in Fisheries - The Ecosystem-Based Approach to Fisheries Management

  • Adopting an Ecosystem-Based Approach that balances ecological health with economic objectives in fisheries
  • Integrating Business Planning Tools to align resource use, market strategies, and community needs
  • Promoting Long-Term Sustainability by managing fisheries within the broader marine ecosystem

Speaker:

  • Dr. Mark Dimech, Marine Director, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
15:20:16:00

Networking Coffee Break 

16:00-16:35

Panel Discussion: Scaling Nature-Positive Solutions for a Sustainable Future

  • Advancing carbon sequestration techniques through regenerative agriculture and reforestation
  • Implementing green infrastructure and blue-green solutions for climate adaptation
  • Designing urban forests and eco-corridors to enhance biodiversity in cities

Moderator:

  • Muyassar Abualreesh, Associate Professor of Aquaculture and Biotechnology, King Abdulaziz University

Panelist:

  • Huda Al Houqani, Director, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), UAE
  • Ignasi Ferrer, CEO and co-founder, Ocean Ecostructures
  • Ahmed Stifi, Managing Director, Acumen Consulting GmbH
16:35-16:50

A Visionary Project Showcase: The Regional Center for Sustainable Fisheries Development on Abu Ali Island

  • Combining heritage fishing practices with advanced research to create culturally grounded, sustainable fisheries
  • Supporting national food strategies by improving fishery yields, reducing imports, and promoting local aquaculture
  • Positioning Abu Ali Island as a model for Gulf-wide cooperation in marine conservation and blue economy growth

Speaker:

  • Ziad Hawi, Environmental Specialist, Saudi Aramco
16:50-16:55

Closing Remarks by Conference Chairperson 

Speaker:

  • Dr. Vienna Eleuteri, Senior Advisor to the CEO, Saudi Red Sea Authority
16:55

Networking and End of Ocean Action Forum 

PAST EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

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Ocean Action Forum KSA at a Glance

Driving the Next Wave of Marine Conservation

With Saudi Arabia at the forefront of marine sustainability, Ocean Action Forum KSA is bringing together the brightest minds and most influential voices in ocean conservation, policy, and innovation.

The future of our oceans is being written – will you be a part of it?

Attendees
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Decision Makers 
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Regional and International Speakers
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WHO WILL ATTEND

General Managers, Directors, Heads, Project Managers, Engineers, Specialists, Developers, Analysts,
Consultants, Researchers from the following departments:
  • Marine Conservation
  • Marine Biodiversity
  • Climate Change
  • Coral Restoration
  • Marine Environmental
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture
  • GIS
  • Marine Biologist
  • Marine Ecologist
  • Marine Operations
  • Metocean Expert
  • Oceanographer
INDUSTRIES:
  • Government & Ministries
  • Environment Centers and Organizations 
  • IGOs & NGOs
  • Oil & Gas
  • Energy & Utilities
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Transport & logistics
  • Aquaculture and Sustainable Fisheries Industries

WHY GET INVOLVED IN THE OCEAN ACTION FORUM? 

Unparalleled Networking Opportunities:

Gain exclusive access to high-profile stakeholders shaping Saudi Arabia’s ocean conservation programs and strategies.

Showcase Cutting-Edge
Solutions:
Present your latest technologies, products, and services to an audience actively seeking marine sustainability innovations.
Strategic Partnerships & Business Growth: 
Explore collaborative opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s expanding blue economy, including aquaculture, ocean monitoring, and eco-tourism.
Strategic Partnerships &
Business Growth: 
Explore collaborative opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s expanding blue economy, including aquaculture, ocean monitoring, and eco-tourism.
Market Expansion &
Brand Visibility: 
Gain exposure through media coverage, speaking opportunities, and targeted industry engagement.

TESTIMONIALS

"I had the honor of participating in the forum to share AD Ports' innovative projects and initiatives within the realm of environmental sustainability. It was also a pleasure to connect with numerous industry partners at the event and discuss potential opportunities for deeper collaboration."
Yousef Abbas
Yousef AbbasSenior Sustainability Specialist, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, UAE
"We are proud sponsors of this forum, and it has been a pleasure to participate thus far. We thoroughly enjoyed the diverse presentations and panel discussions, as well as the wide range of topics covered. The networking opportunities have also been excellent. It is truly a great opportunity to present our products and services, and I’m delighted to be here with you today."
Laurens Poelhekke
Laurens Poelhekke Commercial Manager, Boskalis, UAE
"We are honored to be a strategic partner of the forum. These past two days have been incredibly productive, allowing us to connect with many of our valued customers and gain insights into the region's upcoming environmental projects. We are excited to bring our advanced technologies to the region and contribute to achieving its ambitious sustainability goals. Thank you to the organizers for hosting such a significant and impactful event."
Theo Belle
Theo Belle Regional sales manager, offshore, Exail FZE
"The discussion here today has highlighted that the key to achieving meaningful results in environmental protection lies in collaboration, cross-disciplinary education, and teamwork. This forum is essential for professionals in the field to gain valuable insights, and it underscores the need for a holistic approach. Construction engineers must work closely with biologists, for example, to ensure they collaborate effectively and develop cohesive plans."
Eng. Mario Terceros
Eng. Mario TercerosVice President- Engineering & Product Development, Expander Body International, (EBI) Inc, Spain

sponsors & parnters

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Industry Partner

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Official Logistics Partner

Media Partners

PARTNERSHIP MESSAGE

Ocean Action Forum, where we will bring together key stakeholders to discuss and drive action for marine conservation and sustainability. Partnering with us provides visibility among industry leaders, government bodies, and innovators in ocean protection, please contact us on partnerships@gmevents.ae to find out more about sponsorship packages and opportunities.
REgister Now

REGISTRATION

Online event registrations are now closed. You may purchase your ticket at the event registration counter on the 1st day of the event. Please refer to the agenda for timings.


    Accomodation

    We’ve secured a special discounted rate at the Jeddah Hilton for our event attendees. Availability is limited, so we encourage you to book early to ensure your stay.

    Exclusive Rate Details
    Rate: SAR 1027.00 (single occupancy)Includes: Buffet breakfast and all applicable taxes and fees:
    5% Municipality Fee and 15% VAT BB per room per night

    How to Book
    Click on the link below to book your accommodation at Jeddah Hilton

    BOOK YOUR GROUP RATE FOR GM GROUP
    Other information:
    • Check-in: 3:00 PM
    • Check-out:12:00 PM
    • Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability and may incur additional charges. Rooms are non-refundable due to the special group rate; however, name changes are permitted up to 2 days before check-in.
    Important: Please Note: Room rates and availability are subject to change based on the hotel’s occupancy. Great Minds Event is not liable for any changes in pricing or room availability

    Venue

    • Jeddah Hilton, KSA
    • Al Kurnaysh Br Rd, Ash Shati, Jeddah 21362, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
    • Telephone: +966 92 000 3800

    Floor Plan

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