RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife has conducted a study of marine biodiversity in the Red Sea.
The research examined underwater habitats, and was part of efforts to safeguard the Kingdom’s natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Scientists used an environmental sensitivity map to classify different underwater areas based on the vulnerability of the species found there, prioritizing areas with a high number of at-risk species.
Surveys were carried out on 64 locations along the coastline to investigate the health of the species in those regions.
Changes in water temperature were measured in 37 different spots, to monitor the impact that higher temperatures have on wildlife.
CEO of the NCW, Mohammed Qurban, said that the study aligned with the green development goals of Saudi Arabia, which promote environmental sustainability in the Kingdom.
He also talked about the significance of surveys and how they were a critical tool to detect signs of any changes to habitats, which allowed organizations to address any issues.
NCW said in a statement that it would continue a number of studies and programs throughout the year to protect the marine and terrestrial biodiversity in the Kingdom.
The Red Sea is home to an array of wildlife including whales, dolphins, hammerhead sharks and sea snakes.
This week, one of the largest coral colonies in the world was discovered in the Red Sea.
The massive Pavona coral colony is expected to become an environmentally friendly tourist attraction managed by Red Sea Global.
Earlier this month, marine scientists found creatures thriving in deep waters of the Red Sea under seemingly unfavorable conditions of low oxygen levels and high acidity.
The unusual ecosystem was found in Difat Farasan near the border between Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The NCW is also leading initiatives to protect the dugong population in the Red Sea from further decline.
Efforts by the center include satellite tracking and scientific research to monitor its distribution in Saudi Arabia’s territorial waters.
Additionally, national plans are in place to manage and rehabilitate the species’ natural habitats, supporting long-term sustainability and the conditions necessary for dugong reproduction and survival.
NCW carries out study of marine biodiversity in Red Sea
https://arab.news/ny9kr
NCW carries out study of marine biodiversity in Red Sea
- The research examined underwater habitats
- Scientists used an environmental sensitivity map to classify different underwater areas
Prizes worth more than SR2m as MrBeast’s Beast Land launches at Riyadh Season
- Star joins visitors in thrilling celebration, bringing iconic challenges
- Event drew massive crowds of fans eager to meet the online star, who has the world’s most popular YouTube channel in terms of subscribers
RIYADH: The highly anticipated Beast Land zone has officially opened as part of Riyadh Season 2025, and was attended by world-renowned content creator Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast.
The global star joined visitors in a thrilling celebration, bringing his iconic online challenges to life through real-world competition.
The event drew massive crowds of fans eager to meet the online star, who has the world’s most popular YouTube channel in terms of subscribers.
Guests engaged in high-energy competitions and interactive experiences that combined entertainment and creativity, marking one of the most dynamic openings of this year’s season.
Among those attending was Khaled Al-Sabbagh, who was present at the opening with his daughter Julia.
Speaking to Arab News, Al-Sabbagh said he was “very excited to be here today at the opening. My daughter Julia is a big fan of MrBeast and she’s looking forward to playing all the games and seeing him if he’s here today.”
Julia said: “I’m a really big fan of MrBeast. I can’t wait to play all the games.”
Russian YouTuber Vlad Tarasoff told Arab News: “I’m from Russia, and we came here especially to this park opening to try to meet MrBeast.
“We’re so excited — it looks beautiful, especially at night. When we finally met him, it was unbelievable. We didn’t think it would be possible, but somehow we did it.”
Tarasoff described the experience as “unusual and amazing,” and added that Beast Land exceeded his expectations in creativity and design.
Saudi visitor Maan Al-Samson, who attended with his friends, also shared his enthusiasm at the launch.
He told Arab News: “We are in MrBeast’s Beast Land and we’re very excited about this day and Riyadh Season 2025.
“We just played one of the games and, after two tries, we finally made it. We’re so happy and excited and we hope this experience will be repeated in the future.”
At the heart of Beast Land lies the Beast Arena, where participants compete for more than SR2 million ($533,000) in prizes across challenges that test agility, intellect and endurance.
Contestants earn points by completing a variety of interactive games each day, with daily cash prizes for the top performers.
The season’s grand prize will be awarded to the participant with the highest cumulative score at the end of the competition period.
The arena’s points-based system rewards both skill and speed, with challenges inspired by MrBeast’s signature blend of surprise and adventure.
Beyond the arena, Beast Land includes more than 20 food and beverage outlets.
Now in its sixth edition, Riyadh Season 2025 is one of the world’s largest entertainment festivals, featuring 11 main zones.
The season offers a diverse lineup of live performances, concerts, sporting events, culinary showcases, and fashion experiences.
The event continues to expand its global reach, setting new benchmarks for creativity while highlighting the Kingdom’s growing influence on the international entertainment stage.
