Dr. Abdulrahman Obaid Al-Youbi, president of King Abdul Aziz University 

Dr. Abdulrahman Obaid Al-Youbi is also chairman of the KAU's Prince Khalid Al-Faisal Center for Moderation.
Updated 30 March 2019
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Dr. Abdulrahman Obaid Al-Youbi, president of King Abdul Aziz University 

Dr. Abdulrahman Obaid Al-Youbi has been the president of King Abdul Aziz University (KAU) in Jeddah since 2016, and is also the chairman of the university’s Prince Khalid Al-Faisal Center for Moderation.

Recently, Al-Youbi signed a memorandum of cooperation to promote a culture of moderation and to combat terrorism, extremism, and racism, with Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, president of the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques.

Al-Youbi previously served as KAU’s vice president, as dean of its faculty of science, and as a part-time consultant at the Ministry of Higher Education.

Al-Youbi is also involved in committees at several other universities around the Kingdom, including Taibah University, the University of Tabuk, Jazan University and Northern Border University.

He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry from KAU, and received a scholarship to complete his education in the UK, where he gained his doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of Essex in 1986.

Al-Youbi began working at KAU in 1981. He was made an assistant professor of physical chemistry in 1986, an associate professor in 1992, and became a full professor in 2000.

 

The memorandum of cooperation includes a number of objectives aimed at mainstreaming the approach of moderation in society, combating extremist and terrorist ideologies, and enhancing intellectual awareness through conducting joint scientific research and applied and field studies on mainstreaming the approach of moderation, developing intellectual awareness and protecting society from extremism.


Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide

Updated 26 February 2026
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Red Sea Global unveils scientific model for regenerative tourism worldwide

  • The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by studies covering 8 marine habitats

TABUK: Red Sea Global (RSG) has unveiled a science-based model aimed at achieving a 30% net positive conservation benefit across its tourism destinations by 2040. 

The framework is now available for global adoption, according to a statement released by RSG.

Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Red Sea Global is the multi-project developer behind ambitious regenerative tourism destinations like “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA.” 

As a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the company aims to diversify the national economy while setting new global benchmarks for sustainable, nature-positive development.

CEO John Pagano stated that openly sharing this detailed approach will help elevate the global tourism sector and secure a healthier environment for future generations.
 

Map showing the boundaries of the Red Sea Zone. (Graphic from the RSG report)

The cornerstone of this initiative is the proprietary SIIG Model, a four-step framework:
• Survey: Establish biodiversity baselines and monitor long-term changes.
• Identify: Assess risks to priority habitats and species.
• Intervene: Execute evidence-based actions, such as regulating fishing and enhancing natural habitats.
• Gain: Measure and verify biodiversity improvements.

The report details the model’s rollout at “The Red Sea” and “AMAALA” destinations, backed by extensive 2022–2023 environmental baseline studies covering eight marine habitats and priority species groups during 2022 and 2023. 

A major intervention is the 5,015-square-kilometer Fishery Management Area in Al-Wajh Lagoon. The plan reserves 38% of the area for priority conservation—protecting 62% of local coral reefs—while allocating 61% for sustainable fishing.

According to scientific modeling, eliminating fishing in high-protection zones could increase reef fish populations by 113%, sharks and rays by 72%, and marine mammals by 24%. These measures are expected to boost coral resilience, support ecosystem recovery, and protect vulnerable species like sea turtles and seabirds.
Ihab Kindi, RSG’s Red Sea Destination Executive Director, called the data-driven model a practical roadmap for large-scale marine recovery. The complete methodology is available in the new report, “The SIIG Model: A Roadmap Toward Achieving Measurable Conservation Gains.”