KAU Inaugurates Aquaculture Facility Development Project in Partnership with Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture

King Abdulaziz University, represented by the Faculty of Marine Sciences, opened the Aquaculture Facility Rehabilitation and Development Project at the Faculty’s campus in Obhur, Jeddah, on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. The project was launched in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, represented by the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program (NLFDP). It reflects integration between the academic and government sectors to support the sustainable development of aquaculture in the Kingdom.

The opening was held under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti, Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and was attended by King Abdulaziz University President Dr. Tareef bin Youssef Alaama, Deputy Minister for Agriculture at the Ministry Dr. Suliman bin Ali Al-Khateeb, and Assistant Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Shaikhi.

During the opening ceremony, attendees watched a documentary film about the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. Eng. Faris bin Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, Director General of the General Department of Fish Resources Health and Services, then reviewed current and future areas of cooperation between the Ministry and the university. Afterward, H.E. the Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, accompanied by attendees, went on a tour of the Aquaculture Facility Rehabilitation and Development Project facilities.

Dean of the Faculty of Marine Sciences Dr. Turki bin Muteb Al-Raddadi explained that the Aquaculture Facility Rehabilitation and Development Project is one of the high-impact projects aimed at developing the educational and research infrastructure in aquaculture. It contributes to supporting applied scientific research, localizing modern technologies and enhancing food security, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The project will provide an advanced environment for conducting applied studies and research related to local species suited to the Red Sea environment, developing aquaculture systems and technologies, supporting genetic improvement programs, and increasing the production efficiency of economically valuable aquatic organisms. These efforts will contribute to developing the fisheries sector and enhancing its sustainability.

For his part, Head of the Marine Biology Department Dr. Mohammed bin Mutlaq Sarhan stated that the project serves as a specialized educational and training platform to qualify students of the Faculty of Marine Sciences and national talent through practical and applied programs that develop their skills and enhance their readiness for the labor market in aquaculture and marine sciences.

Dr. Sarhan noted that the project highlights the importance of the partnership between King Abdulaziz University and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in supporting innovation and scientific research. It also contributes to building an advanced educational and research ecosystem that supports the development of the aquaculture sector, increases production efficiency and enhances the sustainability of marine resources, helping achieve the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in food security and sustainable economic development