Saudi Arabia to Host First Global Coral Reef Summit in 2026

Saudi Arabia is set to host the world’s first Global Coral Reef Summit in 2026, marking a new international forum dedicated exclusively to the protection and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems.

The announcement was made during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos, where Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, confirmed that the Kingdom will convene the global gathering later this year. While specific dates and programme details have not yet been disclosed, the summit is positioned as the first of its kind to focus solely on coral reef challenges and solutions at a global level.

The confirmation places coral reef conservation among the environmental priorities highlighted by the Saudi delegation during the Davos meetings, where a range of national and international initiatives were discussed.