Saudi Arabia to host first Global Coral Reef Summit

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to host the first Global Coral Reef Summit in 2026, marking a major international initiative aimed at protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems, as the Kingdom steps up its role in global environmental and technological cooperation.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos by Her Royal Highness Reema Bandar Al Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States. The summit will bring together global leaders, scientists and investors to address the growing threats facing coral reefs worldwide.

According to the announcement, the Global Coral Reef Summit will focus on closing policy and regulatory gaps, developing science-based solutions and advancing sustainable financing and investment mechanisms to scale coral reef protection and recovery efforts. Coral reefs are increasingly under pressure from climate change, pollution and overuse, with implications for biodiversity, coastal protection and food security.

The environmental focus formed part of a broader set of Saudi-led announcements at Davos that also highlighted the Kingdom’s ambitions in tourism, artificial intelligence and industrial transformation.

Speaking on the role of tourism in fostering dialogue and social impact, His Excellency Ahmed Alkhateeb, Minister of Tourism, said: “Tourism brings peace at a time when it’s needed – connecting people and encouraging dialogue. Tourism growth is good for peace, it’s good for people, good for youth, and good for women.”

Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation was also underlined during the forum. His Excellency Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, said: “Saudi Vision 2030 was about economic diversification and empowering youth. Fast forward to today and we’ve achieved 56 per cent non-oil contribution to GDP, and in terms of talent and youth, our tech force has increased dramatically.”

New partnerships boost digital, industrial growth

Earlier in the day, HUMAIN and the National Infrastructure Fund announced a Strategic Financing Framework Agreement of up to $1.2 billion to support the expansion of AI and digital infrastructure projects in the Kingdom. The agreement outlines non-binding financing terms to support the development of up to 250 megawatts of hyperscale AI data centre capacity.

On the industrial front, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, announced the Lighthouse Operating System, a country-level framework designed to accelerate manufacturing transformation.

Developed with the World Economic Forum’s Advanced Manufacturing and Production Centre, the initiative aims to diversify the economy, strengthen non-oil industries and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and logistics.

The ministry and the World Economic Forum also confirmed a cooperation agreement, signed on the sidelines of the Future Minerals Forum, to strengthen partnerships around critical minerals needed for energy and advanced technologies. Running until September 2027, the agreement aims to support resilient, sustainable and responsible mineral supply chains aligned with global energy transition goals.

Together, the announcements at Davos highlight Saudi Arabia’s expanding international agenda, spanning environmental stewardship, technological leadership and long-term economic transformation.