Ali Alabyadh, a 30-year-old geologist born and raised in Tarout Island, is the first Saudi to achieve the goal of being selected as one of the 13 young people to take part in the RE.GENERATION Future Leaders Cohort, organized and funded by The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Because of his passion for coral reefs and ocean conservation, Alabyadh decided to change his career as a geologist in the oil and gas industry to become a Ph.D. student in marine science at KAUST. Under the supervision of Prof. Raquel Peixoto, Alabyadh has been developing and implementing approaches for coral restoration in the Red Sea.

“He is an outstanding student and one of our best divers, on top of being extremely engaged and enthusiastic. He is also a very easy-going, collaborative and kind human being. I am not surprised but, yet, very proud of him for all these achievements,” says Prof. Peixoto.

During the two-week transformative experience offered by the RE.GENERATION Program, an exceptional group of young leaders, improved their skills in leadership and communication by learning from renowned experts in the field. They also built connections that, in Alabyadh’s case, were already fruitful.

To learn more about Alabyadh's journey and impact in his own words, watch the video below: