Red Sea luxury development project AMAALA joins Monaco partners to protect marine environment

The Red Sea corals offer exceptional characteristics, in particular their resistance to environmental stresses, which will be interesting to explore with Saudi researchers. (AN file photo)
Updated 04 October 2019
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Red Sea luxury development project AMAALA joins Monaco partners to protect marine environment

  • The partnership is anchored around the three pillars of wellness and sports, art and culture and sun, sea and lifestyle

MONACO, RIYADH: AMAALA, the luxury development situated along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, signed a partnership agreement on Sept. 27 with The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Centre Scientifique de Monaco and Oceanographic Institute.

This follows a framework agreement signed last year at the Monaco Yacht Show to explore areas of mutual collaboration. The partners will work on oceanographic and marine life research and conservation initiatives to benefit the world’s oceans with four opportunities identified for joint projects: Coral reef management, iconic species protection, marine protected areas enforcement and fighting plastic pollution.

AMAALA CEO Nicholas Naples said: “We are very selective with whom we align, as is The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. Their mission to raise awareness of the impact of human activities on the natural environment, encourage more environmentally friendly behavior and promote innovative solutions, makes the foundation a natural fit for us. We are committed to fully sustainable development throughout the design, build and operation phases, which includes being carbon neutral from the start of operations. We plan to create a coastal oasis that not only flourishes but a place that elevates the role of responsible tourism globally.”

H.E. Bernard Fautrier, vice president and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation said: “The impact of human activities on the ocean has been devastating, and through our partnership with AMAALA, we look to come together and raise awareness of that impact, integrating environment preservation and sustainability into the heart of the future. Monaco has long been committed to the environment, and we look forward to working alongside AMAALA to safeguard the biodiversity of the Red Sea, taking actions for future.”

We are very selective with whom we align, as is The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Nicolas Naples, AMAALA CEO

Professor Patrick Rampal of Centre Scientifique de Monaco added: “We are very pleased to have entered into this partnership with AMAALA, which will allow us to pursue innovative areas of research in a previously undiscovered location. 

“This project will allow us to collaboratively better understand the biology of corals in order to better protect their ecosystems. The Red Sea corals offer exceptional characteristics, in particular their resistance to environmental stresses, which will be interesting to explore with Saudi researchers.”

This event marks the first partnership for AMAALA, which is anchored around the three pillars of wellness and sports, art and culture and sun, sea and lifestyle. 

The signing was the culmination of participation in the Monaco Yacht Show, where AMAALA also hosted its inaugural advisory board meeting. AMAALA, who participated in the third Monte Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean, welcomed board members and select guests to the celebration. 

This major fundraising event gathers international artists and philanthropists for an exclusive gala in favor of the foundation’s worldwide initiatives dedicated to a sustainable ocean. Veteran champion for climate change action Robert Redford was honored for his global environmental contributions.


Joy Awards 2026 spotlights arts in the Arab world

Updated 18 January 2026
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Joy Awards 2026 spotlights arts in the Arab world

RIYADH: Riyadh hosted its annual Joy Awards, bringing together stars and creative projects from across the Arab world as part of an event that has been held annually since 2022. The 2026 ceremony continued its focus on recognizing storytelling and creative work, while highlighting projects released over the past year.
As audiences anticipated the winners following the release of the nominees, awards were presented across six sectors; music, cinema, series, directors, sports and influencers. In addition to category awards, the ceremony also honored recipients of special accolades including Personality of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, and Joy Honorary awards.
Previous events have recognized Arab and international figures for their contributions to the arts, including Matthew McConaughey, who received the Personality of the Year Award in 2025.
Amid the Kingdom’s expansion of its entertainment sector — spanning film, music and sports — the Joy Awards reflected Riyadh Season’s role in hosting large-scale cultural events.
This year’s fan-favorite nominees, many of whom were Saudi nationals, were cheered on as they walked the Joy Awards’ iconic lavender carpet, where fashion once again took center stage as a key expression of the region’s evolving creative identity.
Among winners who took home the Joy Awards was Saudi 14 year old Rateel Alshehri, who won Favorite Female Influencer. Speaking to Arab News on the lavender carpet, Rateel shared her excitement towards Joy Awards:
“I’m so excited about being at Joy Awards today, it’s something I’ve been looking forward to (…) Everyone here deserves to be here.” On her beautiful sky-blue gown, Rateel shared that she was wearing Saudi designer, Adnan Akbar.
Rateel’s excitement towards the awards was echoed by both Arab and non-Arab guests on the lavender carpet as many took in the unique atmosphere that Riyadh offers Joy Awards; where Arab entertainment and art is celebrated.
Lebanese actress Laila Abdullah also shared her enthusiasm towards both the award show and the Kingdom’s ambitions in hosting the Joy Awards and creating a hub for creative voices.
Speaking to Arab News she emphasized Saudi’s unique qualities: “It’s this mix of culture and luxury (…) It has that Gulf Arab character, the Saudi touch, you know? And that’s what really makes it stand out” Joy Awards was filled with a bustling energy that was eager and excited to give a platform to dreamers, artists, and talents who have been waiting to showcase their visions within the Arab world. It was a celebration that went beyond mere award-giving, reflecting the same ambition and creative momentum that defines Riyadh Season.
The lavender carpet paved way for international guests to speak to Saudi media on how it feels to be a part of an artistic celebration of Arab talent. Speaking to Arab News, Australian actor Luke Arnold shared his excitement towards attending the Joy Awards: “What I’m most excited about is kind of what I love about film and television, which is people from all over the world coming together to tell stories and share their expertise (…) It’s really exciting hearing about some of the potential projects happening, meeting some of the local talent here…just really excited to have more stories out in the world.”
Speaking to Arab News, Lebanese fashion influencer Karen Wazen reiterated the sentiment on Riyadh giving Joy Awards a special and unique energy for the arts, saying: “I am so impressed, I’m so proud to be at an event like this in our region, in Saudi Arabia. This is probably the most impressive and big carpet that I’ve ever seen (…) I’m very excited to watch the ceremony, but also I think to just meet so many people from our industries, it’s a beautiful place to do so.”
That vibrant atmosphere was on full display at the Joy Awards as the ceremony continued with stars like Millie Bobby Brown winning the Personality of the Year Award and the Lifetime Achievement Honor presented to acting legend Forest Whitaker. The stardom was not limited to the film sector, as American pop star Katy Perry performed her iconic songs live; and British singer Robbie Williams took to stage to give a standout performance.
The Joy Awards 2026 once again proved that setting new benchmarks in entertainment and creative expression is not only achievable, but celebrated when driven by local talent and support. As stars from around the world took to Riyadh’s lavender carpet, Arab culture was placed firmly at the forefront — spanning film, music, and digital creativity. The Joy Awards stand as a symbol of the broader cultural transformation that Riyadh is championing across the Arab world’s entertainment industry.