Rahma Khazaka

Emirati marine biologist leading coral reef restoration initiatives in the Arabian Gulf

Rahma Khazaka is a pioneering marine biologist from the United Arab Emirates making significant contributions to coral reef conservation in the Arabian Gulf. As Director of the Marine Science Research Center at Zayed University, she has developed innovative techniques to restore coral reefs damaged by climate change and coastal development. Her team's breakthrough method of using 3D-printed structures to cultivate coral larvae has been adopted globally, with projects in Indonesia and the Maldives.

Khazaka's work has directly impacted over 15,000 square meters of reef restoration since 2020. She co-founded the UAE Coral Restoration Project, which partners with local communities to train fishermen in sustainable practices. Her research on temperature-resistant coral species has been featured in Nature Scientific Reports and Marine Pollution Bulletin.

In 2023, she launched the first coral seed bank in the Middle East, preserving genetic diversity of 80+ species. Her advocacy led to the UAE government designating 20% of its coastal waters as marine protected areas by 2030. Khazaka regularly collaborates with international organizations like the UNDP and Ocean Agency, appearing in BBC documentaries about coral conservation. She also mentors young female scientists through the Emirates Women in Science initiative, inspiring a new generation of marine researchers.

Her recent work focuses on artificial intelligence applications for coral health monitoring. The Zayed University Coral Lab under her leadership has become a global hub for reef restoration innovation. Khazaka's TEDx talk 'Rebuilding Oceans' has over 500,000 views, spreading awareness about marine biodiversity conservation.