2030 Expo bid puts the making of a green Riyadh in the limelight
Green Riyadh Project was launched in 2019 to transform the Saudi capital into a more sustainable and livable metropolis
From planting native species of trees to boosting water conservation, urban planners are using every tool in their kit
Updated 23 September 2023
Rawan Radwan
JEDDAH: For decades, traditional urban planning approaches were applied in major cities across the world, resulting in sprawling forests of concrete devoid of adequate greenery. Riyadh, the Saudi capital, was no exception.
That is why the Green Riyadh Project was launched in 2019 to transform the city into a more sustainable and livable metropolis, by increasing total green space from 1.5 percent to 9 percent and planting some 7.5 million trees, irrigated with recycled water.
By 2030, project developers plan to have greenified some 120 neighborhoods, covered more than 1,000 km of main roads in greenery, and to have developed more than 40 city parks.
Already, one cannot visit Riyadh without noticing the abundance of greenery, with millions of trees having been planted and new parks and green spaces sprouting up all over the city.
The project is having a positive impact on the environment in a city where summer temperatures can rise as high as 55 C.
Extra green spaces are helping to reduce air pollution and mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing average air temperatures in urban areas by 2 C and surface temperatures by up to 15 C.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the urban greening project is also improving the quality of life for Riyadh’s residents, providing much-needed areas for recreation and relaxation, while also helping to reduce noise pollution and heat-island effects.
“With a city that has rapidly grown horizontally for years, it is becoming costly — physically, financially and environmentally — to move around,” Shahad Manea, an urban designer based in Riyadh, told Arab News.
“Green spaces are engines to encourage vertical expansion, making cities more efficient, dense and convenient. This in turn establishes and increases public reliance on the cheapest and healthiest mode of transit — walking.
“Walkable cities are not only healthier but also more human, as the pace becomes slower, interactions become more frequent, encouraging dialogue, strengthening communities and improving quality of life.”
As with other cities around the globe, Riyadh has not escaped the twin pressures of population growth, expected to reach 15 to 20 million by 2030, and hotter summers.
Rising temperatures lead to greater demand for air conditioning, which in turn pushes up energy consumption, jacking up the burning of fossil fuels, increasing pollutants in the air, and contributing to even higher temperatures.
“Looking at the long-term gains, green spaces contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas effects,” said Manea.
“This does not only reduce environmental pollution and ozone threats but also causes temperatures to decline, strong winds to break down, helps minimize sun exposure and dryness, reduces the impact of sandstorms, and regulates CO2 levels.
“This in turn will reduce cooling and irrigation costs, the over-reliance on private transit and its gas consumption.”
One innovative way to maximize green spaces in urban areas is to transform rooftops and other exterior structures like bus shelters into gardens, which can help reduce interior temperatures and collect rainwater — particularly during heavy downpours.
“These roofs and other green areas are great spaces for rainwater collection while minimizing runoff overflowing the streets, which causes costly damage annually,” Manea added.
Indeed, in order for a greening project of this scale to remain sustainable in Saudi Arabia’s desert climate, planners have made water conservation and reuse a top priority.
The city intends to improve its current usage of treated water for irrigation purposes from 11 percent to 100 percent, increase the amount of treated water used for irrigation from 90,000 cubic meters to a million by 2030, and to plant native species that can withstand the dry climate.
About 72 native shade-plant species compatible with Riyadh’s environment will be used for the project.
These include trees and shrubs such as the Acacia nilotica, also known as the gum arabic tree, and other species from the same family, Ziziphus spina-christi, known locally as Al-Sidr, wattle, hollyhock, queen’s wreath, and neem tree.
“Green spaces are always relevant, useful, timeless, and never fall out of style,” said Manea.
“However, to future-proof these spaces, the sole use of native plants should be implemented to make sure these places remain in good condition as these species self-sustain, prevent local ecosystems from going extinct and require minimal irrigation and maintenance.
“The use of native species reduces the chances of infrastructure complications when functions of the green space shift. Additionally, large green spaces should be constructed with differentiation in mind.
“Adaptable spaces are differentiated, meaning they are not rigid and defined enough, which makes them flexible to have room for future functions, public interpretations, and technological advances.”
Once its aims are achieved, the Green Riyadh Project will be a milestone that contributes to fulfilling a key goal of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to promote the capital’s position among the world’s top 100 most livable cities.
Saudi Arabia, France discuss economic cooperation, global aid
KSrelief, business and trade officials hold talks with visiting French parliamentarians, industry leaders
40 French and 90 Saudi Arabian companies participate in Riyadh conference
Updated 08 December 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Leading government and business representatives from Saudi Arabia and France held discussions on economic cooperation, global aid initiatives and human rights at a conference in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor-general of the Kingdom’s aid body KSrelief, briefed Amelia Lakrafi, chair of the French-Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Committee, on the nation’s efforts worldwide.
Al-Rabeeah, who is also an adviser at the royal court, said KSrelief has implemented 2,625 projects in 94 countries worth over $6 billion, and spent a further $483 million in various sectors, in cooperation with 175 international, regional and local partners, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom’s Human Rights Commission President Dr. Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, had discussions with Lakrafi and her delegation on ways to improve cooperation.
Officials from Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Development and Logistics Program also held talks with French representatives at the conference titled “France 2030 and Vision 2030: Toward Energy and Industry Transformation.”
The conference — attended by Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar AlKhorayef and France’s Ambassador Ludovic Pouille — showcased over 40 French companies, 16 governmental entities from both sides, and 90 Saudi Arabia firms.
The expanded collaboration between Saudi Arabia and France will include skills training and support for startups.
Saudi and US defense ministers discuss ties during call
During the call, they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in the defense field
Updated 07 December 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman has received a phone call from US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The parties discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations in defense matters.
Prince Khalid later said in a post on X: “We reviewed the defense relations between our two countries and discussed the latest regional and international developments.”
In a call with @secdef, we reviewed the defense relations between our two countries and discussed the latest regional and international developments.
Prince Khalid traveled to Washington last month to meet with top Biden administration officials to discuss the war in Gaza and the prevailing security situation in Yemen.
DUBAI: The global research nonprofit World Resources Institute says approximately 83 percent of the population in the Middle East and North Africa region faces water stress owing to the impact of climate change.
Despite being judged the globe’s richest country in terms of natural resources, Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most water-scarce countries. While the global benchmark for absolute water scarcity is 500 cubic meters per capita annually, Saudi Arabia’s availability is only 89.5 cubic meters.
As long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns cause water bodies to dry up, Saudi Arabia and its neighbors face a common challenge, that of providing their citizens and residents a reasonably good standard of living in the world’s most arid region.
In efforts to drive change, Saudi Arabia is taking a leading role in global forums, leveraging its influence at the G20 intergovernmental forum and the Clean Energy Ministerial to highlight not only environmental concerns but also regional expertise.
Nowhere is that more evident than at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference, or COP28, in Dubai where Jean-Francois Gagne, head of the secretariat at the Clean Energy Ministerial, stressed the importance of regional coordination in advancing ambitions to address climate change.
About 53 percent of Saudi consumers listed clean and safe water as a significant environmental concern. (AFP)
“Saudi Arabia has the advantage of being at the G20 table, allowing it to play a leadership role in bringing regional knowledge and environmental concerns to the international table. This is crucial because we need all regions of the world to move forward together,” Gagne previously told Arab News.
“When you have regional champions, it really helps making sure that there’s no one that gets left behind in terms of advancing our clean energy goals.”
In parallel, there has been a noticeable change in the Saudi public’s perception of the challenges posed by climate change in recent times.
The Ecolab Watermark Study, a global survey that measures consumers’ perception of water across 15 countries, indicates a high level of awareness by Saudi consumers, and both concern and optimism about overcoming climate challenges.
According to the study, which was launched in 2023, about 53 percent of Saudi consumers listed clean and safe water as a significant environmental concern, while 80 percent agreed that water scarcity can be effectively addressed.
Saudi Arabia currently relies heavily on groundwater and desalination plants to meet its water needs. (AFP)
“Saudi consumers are correct, and with a combination of strategies across government, business and industry, and adoption of smart water technologies, the management, conservation and security of water can be meaningfully addressed,” said Stefan Umiastowski, Ecolab’s senior vice president and market head of India, Middle East, Africa.
Saudi Arabia currently relies heavily on groundwater and desalination plants to meet its water needs, and with its fast-growing population and rapid industrial growth, demand is increasing.
Umiastowski pointed out that with the continued decline in groundwater levels and increased pressure on existing resources, an eventual water crisis cannot be ruled out.
“The good news is that sustainable water management practices and solutions are available and can be implemented quickly and effectively,” he told Arab News.
The Ecolab study found that despite a significant majority of consumers believing that water scarcity can be addressed, around 74 percent of them feel that businesses and manufacturers need clearer guidance and plans.
In fact, approximately three-quarters of Saudi consumers perceive government leaders as more concerned than business and nonprofit leaders about the necessity for water conservation and climate change.
“This insight on water stewardship from a consumer perspective indicates the need for both urgent and more visible action by business and industry to increase sustainability measures,” Umiastowski said.
Batoul Almutab, environmental, social and governance expert, and founder of Incora Consultancy, says there are indications of a change in how Saudi consumers view climate change as the Kingdom actively works to increase awareness and advocate for sustainable behaviors.
Almutab says this commitment is evident in the education system, where children are learning about sustainable practices as part of the nationwide school curriculum. She also believes that the younger generation of Saudis is far more likely to purchase items from brands that prioritize sustainability.
“In fact, 62 percent of Gen Z shoppers opt for sustainable brands, with 73 percent willing to spend more for sustainable products,” she told Arab News.
“While we have yet to have a collective cultural awakening, the generations to come will spearhead this shift.”
Despite the many initiatives aimed at addressing the question of water scarcity in Saudi Arabia, Almutab believes there is room for improvement.
Effective and sustainable water and waste management will be a significant step forward in addressing key environmental issues, said Daymion Jenkins. (AFP)
“The country is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. It has both limited freshwater resources and high consumption rates,” she said.
She lists the primary causes of water scarcity in the Kingdom as rapid population growth, increased urbanization and extensive agricultural activities, which have all put a strain on available sources.
Fortunately, according to Umiastowski, water consumption can be reduced, reused, made more efficient and better secured.
“From consumer, to business, to industry, to government, actions and solutions are possible. Awareness is certainly increasing, and implementation has started, but needs to be accelerated quickly,” he said.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced in September this year plans for the Kingdom to establish a global water organization based in Riyadh.
This initiative demonstrates the Kingdom’s dedication to worldwide cooperation in addressing water scarcity issues and advocating for responsible management practices.
Saudi Arabia has also made significant commitments to addressing global water supply challenges. The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones has launched the Voluntary Commitment to Water Sustainability initiative, which is aligned with the country’s focus on enhancing water security for economic and social progress.
“These initiatives send clear signals that Saudi Arabia is dedicated to tackling domestic water security challenges, and leaning on global lessons learned about how to effectively manage the source and quality of groundwater supplies, to ensure resilience in a period of rapid social and economic growth,” Daymion Jenkins, director of earth and environment at Canadian consulting firm WSP’s Middle East branch, told Arab News.
The Water Act, part of Saudi Vision 2030, also sets out a range of key actions to address challenges. This includes central ownership and licensing for the use and exploitation of water resources, as well as the preparation of a national strategy and emergency management plan for supply.
“As these policies and guidance develop, there will be a coherent plan to managing the risks associated with water integrity and supply. There is significant technical work required to develop these strategies, which are critical to address potential water scarcity in the Kingdom,” said Jenkins.
Saudi Arabia has also made significant commitments to addressing global water supply challenges. (AFP)
He points out that at least 40 percent of Saudi Arabia’s water supply comes from groundwater, and in certain instances the reliability of these sources is critical.
Moreover, excessive extraction of groundwater could diminish their yield, causing problems for regions heavily dependent on this scarce resource to meet the needs of densely populated urban areas, agricultural lands and industrial zones.
“Aquifers, which store and supply these groundwater sources, include shallow water bodies which have the capacity to recharge, and ‘fossil’ water supplies, which are isolated within deep geology and are finite resources,” said Jenkins.
INNUMBERS
• 89.5 cubic meters Saudi Arabia’s water availability per capita annually.
• 53% Saudi consumers see water scarcity as a concern.
• 73% Gen Z shoppers willing to spend more on sustainable brands.
A good case in point is Saudi Arabia’s northeast, he said, where water supply mainly comes from groundwater.
A fuller understanding of these aquifer systems and the implementation of effective management practices will contribute significantly to aligning extraction rates with recharge rates from elevated areas, he said. This alignment would, in turn, sustain their long-term viability and positively impact overall water security, he added.
In this context, Jenkins says it is important to note that waste management forms the foundation of many environmental initiatives.
80 percent of Saudis agreed that water scarcity can be effectively addressed. (AFP)
Programs aimed at reduction, recycling, efficient utilization of waste for green energy generation, and the promotion of a circular economy, where materials are reused beneficially, are crucial components of this agenda.
“Saudi Arabia has stated objectives to divert 82 percent of waste from landfill, with significant recycling, composting and waste-to-energy targets,” he said. Effective and sustainable water and waste management will be a significant step forward in addressing key environmental issues, he added.
All things considered, there is little doubt that Saudi Arabia’s government is actively pursuing multiple measures and unconventional initiatives to combat water scarcity.
These efforts encompass stringent regulations and standards governing usage, the promotion of applicable technologies and practices, and substantial investments in research and development aimed at fostering innovative solutions for water management.
“Saudi Arabia has the right tools to address the water scarcity problem effectively,” Umiastowski said. “And with continued investment in research and innovation, public awareness and education, and collaboration with international expertise, it can become more water secure.”
Stephen Amell reflects on filming ‘Arrow’ at Jeddah’s 2023 Comic Con Arabia
Green Arrow cannot be left out of any convention that revolves around comic book superheroes, and the actor playing him and the character of Oliver Queen talked to Arab News about his experience of shooting the series
Updated 07 December 2023
Nada Jan
JEDDAH: The actor Stephen Amell was the superstar of the 2023 Comic Con Arabia, which recently took place at the Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Center.
Green Arrow cannot be left out of any convention that revolves around comic book superheroes, and the actor playing him and the character of Oliver Queen talked to Arab News about his experience of shooting the series.
“Arrow” first aired in 2012 on CW and ran for seven seasons. The final season was aired in 2020. The series tells the story of a young man called Oliver Queen returning home after being stranded on an island for five years, and how he becomes the night vigilante of Star City.
FASTFACT
Amell recalled what he missed most about filming the DC series. ‘I miss the crew, the set, the atmosphere, and everything about Canada. I mean, my daughter was also born there, so I miss everything.’
Amell recalled what he missed most about filming the DC series. “I miss the crew, the set, the atmosphere, and everything about Canada. I mean, my daughter was also born there, so I miss everything.”
What Amell hated most while filming the series was being exhausted from shooting all night, then going home to find his daughter waiting to play with him, but him not having much energy left to do so.
“Sometimes we pulled an all-nighter shooting and finished at 7 a.m.,” said the actor. “My daughter was born and growing during that time. And going back home after staying up shooting all night was really something I don’t miss.
“You know kids wake up around that time of the day,” Amell said. “When I arrived home, my daughter would try to get me to play with her, which I did, but all I could think about was going to bed and sleep. It was really hard for me to ignore the urge to sleep,” he said, laughing.
Oliver Queen went through many hardships before becoming the Green Arrow. The young man would go on solo missions, relying on no one but himself. Little by little, he came to understand the importance of having people around him, making him learn the valuable lesson, “You can’t do it alone.”
“We need people around us all,” Amell said. “Arrow was fooled by the idea that he could do it on his own. But he needed help, which he got, and that made him, and me, realize that we can’t do it alone.”
Amell told Arab News that he had enjoyed discovering the beauty of Jeddah with his sister, who lives and works at KAUST and was at Comic Con. He previously mentioned his sister living in Jeddah in a video he posted on Instagram about his appearance at the annual pop event.
Amell is starring next to his cousin Robbie Amell in the second part of the film “Code 8: Part II,” which is due for release on Feb. 28 next year.
Saudi Air Force jet crashes on training mission, 2 crew members killed
Brig. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki said crash occurred during routine mission at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran
Updated 07 December 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: A Saudi Arabian Royal Air Force F-15SA fighter plane crashed during a training mission in Dhahran on Thursday, killing two members of the crew on board, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
Brig. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the ministry, said that the plane crash occurred at 12:50 p.m. on Thursday during a routine mission at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Dhahran, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Al-Maliki added that an investigation committee had begun probing the causes of the accident.
He offered condolences to the families and relatives of the pilots.
