The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) is charting a course towards a sustainable future by utilising its rich marine heritage through a flourishing blue economy, with regional scientific co-operation and joint coastal initiatives acting as key enablers, marine conservationist and ocean advocate engineer Ahmed Nabil has said.
“I have many fellows at Qatar University (QU), they are doing an excellent job as well in marine conservation, helping in minimising the impact of coastal development. So I would say Qatar is playing a key role, and as I always say, there is no ceiling for improvement,” he said, lauding Qatar’s efforts and the contributions of researchers at QU.
Nabil was speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of Qatar Events Show 2025’s ‘Tourism and the Blue Economy: A Pathway to Climate Resilient Events in the 21st Century’ session Thursday. Citing the significant strides made in recent years, Nabil noted a ‘wonderful progress’ in this area, with environmental authorities and agencies playing increasingly vital roles in coastal development projects.
With the GCC region historically dependent on oil and gas, he said the blue economy serves as an opportunity for economic diversification, with tourism at its forefront. He pointed to the region’s deep historical connection to the ocean, rooted in centuries of fishing, pearl diving, and hunting. This legacy, he added, provides a natural springboard for developing unique tourist experiences that showcase local cultures and heritage.
Well positioned within the Arab Gulf, Nabil said the region boasts a rich marine environment packed with diverse species, including unique “resilient corals” capable of withstanding harsh conditions. He noted that these corals could be essential for the future of marine ecosystems globally, which are increasingly threatened by coral bleaching due to climate change.
“Starting from the Arab Gulf, the corals and the fish, or the rich biodiversity, could be a very good starting point for research for supporting the world and the corals of the future,” he pointed out.
Beyond research, he said he sees the region becoming a prime destination for eco-tourism activities such as whale and shark watching, turtle nesting observations, various water sports, among others.
Nabil noted the significant technological advancements within GCC nations, describing the last decade as a period of “wonderful movement”. He cited the UAE’s leading research vessels as a proof to collaborative regional efforts in marine science, working side by side. He also commended QU’s ongoing work in seagrass and Dugong conservation, underlining his conviction that the GCC is “in the lead” in these conservation efforts.
Nabil stressed that collaboration is indispensable for the success of the blue economy, urging for further development of scientific co-operation among all GCC countries and across the Arab Gulf.
Defining the blue economy broadly to cover all ocean-related human activities from fishing and shipping to coastal development, resorts, and water sports he spotlighted its growing relevance for the GCC.
Given its strategic location along the Arab Gulf, Arab Sea, and Red Sea, Nabil said the ocean plays an important role in the region’s geography, resources, and the cultural fabric of its people.
“That’s why we believe the next or the future of the economy is going to be from the ocean and back to the ocean,” he said.
