KAUST and the MTS announced the Red Sea Section, the first MTS Section in the Middle East

The Red Sea Section, the first MTS Section in the Middle East, was announced by the Marine Technology Society (MTS) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The Red Sea Section, established on January 9, 2023, and based at KAUST, links international and domestic marine research and technology partners.

A blue economy, which refers to initiatives to use the ocean responsibly for economic growth and improved quality of life, is becoming more prevalent throughout the world. In keeping with that, the United Nations has designated this decade as the Decade of Ocean Science with the goal of creating fresh technological advancements for environmentally responsible ocean exploration.

Saudi Arabia has vowed an unprecedented investment to ocean scientific research in response to this worldwide call to action, aiming to protect the Kingdom's biodiversity and create new ocean-related sectors. In this situation, KAUST and MTS saw the incredible possibility presented by building a division right on the Red Sea's coastlines that combines the best attributes of both businesses.

Since its founding in 1963, MTS has worked to promote marine technology's use and understanding as solutions to the world's problems. MTS acts as a centre for the global network of maritime technology organisations and supports several professional development activities. It collaborates with politicians, educators, corporations, and other stakeholders in addition to ocean researchers and engineers like those at KAUST.

Through the Coastal and Marine Resources Core Lab (CMR), KAUST is already acknowledged as the leader in marine technology in the area. Additionally, it has developed a large network of local and international collaborators. Building on its numerous connections, KAUST will enhance its profile globally by becoming an MTS partner.

Since 2001, students have participated in the MATE ROV Competition. The MATE ROV contests are organised by MATE Inspiration for Innovation, a global coalition of organisations working to advance marine technical education and create a skilled workforce for the blue economy. With MATE Inspiration being a part of MTS, both organisations may expand their missions, forge new alliances, and engage in more synergistic activities.