Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research/node/2587473/saudi-arabia
Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
KAUST scientists use an in-situ incubation chamber to measure calcium carbonate dissolution, photosynthesis and the respiration rates of seagrass. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)
Top Saudi university wins Japan Prize for marine ecosystem research
KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, among prize recipients
Kingdom solidifies its global standing in developing marine solutions to combat the effects of climate change
Updated 23 January 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has been awarded the prestigious Japan Prize for its research into advancing the understanding of changing marine ecosystems and blue carbon.
The university’s achievement solidifies Saudi Arabia’s global standing in developing marine solutions to combat climate change, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
KAUST’s Prof. Carlos Duarte, a biological oceanography and marine ecology academic, is among the recipients of the Japan Prize. His groundbreaking work in marine ecology has earned him international recognition.
Professor Carlos M. Duarte in mangrove wetlands at KAUST. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)
KAUST’s board of trustees’ secretary-general, Dr. Fahad bin Abdullah Toonsi, expressed pride in the university’s achievement, emphasizing its role in enhancing global understanding of marine ecosystems.
He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in sustainable climate-change solutions and marine conservation, a milestone reflecting KAUST’s commitment to excellence as a part of Saudi Vision 2030.
Established in 1985 and often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Japan,” the honor is awarded annually to scientists who make exceptional innovations in science and technology that promote peace and prosperity for humanity.
Duarte will travel to Tokyo in April to receive the award from Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.
Jeddah Book Fair set to showcase rising Saudi literary scene
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops
Updated 09 December 2025
Arab News
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is preparing to host the Jeddah Book Fair from Dec. 11 to 20 at Jeddah Superdome, bringing together more than 1,000 local and international publishing houses and agencies from 24 countries across 400 booths.
Held under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the fair is part of the commission’s “Saudi Reads” campaign, which seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
Jeddah Book Fair’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage. (Supplied/@saudibookfairs)
Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasil, CEO of the commission, said the Jeddah Book Fair reflects the leadership’s continued commitment to cultural development and the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s literature, publishing and translation sector.
He highlighted the fair’s interactive programs for publishers, authors, translators and the public, which are designed to enhance content quality, support creative development and foster knowledge partnerships.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Jeddah Book Fair seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
• It will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
• The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers.
The event also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural hub attracting major publishers, content creators and investors.
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops. A dedicated children’s zone will feature literary and entertainment activities tailored to young visitors, along with competitions to inspire reading and creativity.
The fair will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
Book-signing stations will give readers the chance to meet their favorite authors, while cultural organizations, community groups and universities will present their latest publications and initiatives.
A manga and anime zone will highlight collectibles from the genre, alongside specialized books. A discounted books section will also be available to promote wider access to reading.
The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers, where hundreds of titles across literary and cultural fields will be showcased, underscoring the fair’s role in nurturing local talent and enriching the Kingdom’s evolving literary scene.
