King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Marine Technology Society (MTS) have announced the launch of the Red Sea Section, the society's first section in the middle east. The section was established on January 9, 2023 at KAUST with the goal of facilitating communication between those interested in marine science and technology from inside and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The term blue economy refers to the efforts made by countries to exploit the oceans sustainability to achieve economic growth and improve the quality of life. Today, there is a global trend towards this field. This prompted the United Nations to name this decade the United National Decade of Ocean Sciences. With the aim of developing new technologies for sustainable ocean exploration and environmental monitoring. 

In response to this global call, Saudi Arabia has pledged unprecedented support for ocean science research in order to preserve the kingdom's biodiversity and develop new economies linked to the seas and oceans. There is no doubt that the launch of the Naval Technology Association department on the shores of the Red Sea in cooperation with KAUST presents an exceptional opportunity to achieve this, drawing on the strengths of both institutions. 

Dr. Lloyd Smith, director of the Core Laboratory for Coastal and Marine Resources at KAUST, said "Marine technology in the Kingdom is no different from its counterparts anywhere in the world, and it is increasing, and it is important to attract investments from partners from all over the world. We will have access to professional development programs that the society offers, which will help KAUST in training national cadres to meet the growing demand for this speciality in the country," stated Smith.

Justin Manley, President of the Marine Technology Society says, "We fully understand the importance of KAUST in supporting marine technology in the Middle East region. Our new division will serve as a gateway to the best academic and industrial institutions in Saudi Arabia for the better use of marine resources, testing and development of new marine technologies." 

The Marine Technology Society was founded in 1963 to promote the use and awareness of marine technology as solutions to global challenges by launching many professional development initiatives and serving as the main hub for the world's network of marine technology institutions. It is noteworthy that the society does not only work with researchers, engineers and scientists in the field of marine and ocean sciences; but also with policymakers, educators, businesses and other stakeholders. 

It is reported that KAUST, with its core coastal and marine resources laboratory, it is a regional leader in marine technology. It has an extensive network with influential regional entities and institutions, in addition to its foreign partnerships.

The university hopes, by consolidating its partnership with the Marine Technology Society, they will enhance its international presence and build fruitful relations. For example, MTS partnered with KAUST last month to host RobotoKAUST, the university's third annual conference on robotics, which the university hosted May 8-10, 2023. On May 13, 2023 the university hosted for the first time ever, a MATE ROV regional event. The MATE ROV Competition is an underwater robotics competition for students from across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that aims to solve underwater challenges by designing and building remotely operated marine vehicles. The winning team was invited to participate in the international competition in the United States. 

Jill Zande, President and CEO of MATE Inspiration for Innovation, explained, "The MATE ROV Competition has had a significant impact on developing future talent in the field of marine technology, as it has greatly contributed to supporting talent and encouraging innovation and creativity for students who will enter the workforce.