How forest conservation is helping Saudi Arabia achieve its green objectives

Special How forest conservation is helping Saudi Arabia achieve its green objectives
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A view of "Tahlal” mountains in Rijal Almaa governorate, in the southwestern province of Asir. (SPA)
Special How forest conservation is helping Saudi Arabia achieve its green objectives
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Mountain forests are predominantly located in the region spanning the Hijaz Mountains in Taif to Jazan in the south. (SPA)
Special How forest conservation is helping Saudi Arabia achieve its green objectives
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Mountain forests are predominantly located in the region spanning the Hijaz Mountains in Taif to Jazan in the south. (SPA)
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Updated 18 May 2024
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How forest conservation is helping Saudi Arabia achieve its green objectives

How forest conservation is helping Saudi Arabia achieve its green objectives
  • By planting trees and protecting forests, the Kingdom promotes biodiversity and sustainable development
  • Forests provide habitats for hundreds of animal species and play a pivotal role in combating climate change 

JEDDAH: With its low annual rainfall, much of Saudi Arabia’s vast landscape is covered by desert, broken by occasional oases. In its mountainous regions, valleys, and along its coastline, however, the Kingdom is home to multiple forest ecosystems.

Forests play a pivotal role in combating climate change by acting as carbon sinks — storing carbon both above and below ground, thereby extracting it from the atmosphere, where it would otherwise contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Their significance in climate change adaptation and mitigation is also underscored by their role in creating local microclimates, providing habitats for a wealth of biodiversity, locking in freshwater resources, and preventing flash floods, landslides, and soil degradation.




Riyadh residents take part in a tree-planting project as part of the Greener Home initiative. (@Riyadh_Green/File)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification is at the forefront of implementing the Kingdom’s strategic goals outlined in Vision 2030.

“Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change,” Samir Malaika, assistant director-general of the general administration of forests at NCVC told Arab News. “Saudi Arabia’s dry climate and geography hinder its efforts to conserve forests and promote plant growth.

“With most areas receiving minimal rainfall, forests struggle to thrive. The escalating impact of climate change exacerbates environmental stressors, hampering forest growth and regeneration efforts.”

The NCVC aims to elevate living standards by reducing pollution and facilitating the restoration of degraded environments. It is also committed to building resilience against natural hazards and defenses against harmful pests that could pose risks to vegetation.

Simultaneously, it prioritizes the sustainable development of the Kingdom’s natural resources. With seven ongoing initiatives, it aims to ensure the responsible and lasting utilization of resources in line with the nation’s sustainability objectives.

Among the center’s key initiatives under the Saudi Green Initiative is a scheme to plant some 10 billion trees — representing a significant step in the Kingdom’s reforestation effort.

The initiative for forest management and sustainable development by 2030 underscores a long-term commitment to nurturing and preserving woodland environments.

The phased approach to preserving and restoring vegetation in pasture areas reflects a strategic focus on addressing the specific ecological challenges faced by different ecosystems.

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Furthermore, the initiative for developing vegetation and infrastructure for 50 national parks highlights the importance of creating protected natural spaces while promoting biodiversity and ecotourism.

Moreover, the initiative to plant 7 million wild trees in royal reserves demonstrates a targeted effort to enhance the natural habitats within these pristine areas.

Engagement by the public and private sectors in vegetation development and combating desertification underscores the collaborative approach needed in order to achieve sustainable environmental goals.




One initiative of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification with the aim of achieving sustainable forest management is to tap local community participation in agroforestry projects and by promotingecotourism. (Photo Courtesy: NCVC)

By harnessing the collective resources and expertise of various stakeholders, these initiatives aim to create a resilient and thriving ecosystem that benefits both present and future generations.

According to Malaika, Saudi Arabia boasts a forest coverage spanning approximately 2,768,050 hectares, primarily concentrated in the southern and southwestern regions, along riverbeds, and on the coastlines of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.

These forest ecosystems are categorized into three primary types: mountain, valley, and mangrove.

Mountain forests

Mountain forests are predominantly located in the region spanning the Hijaz Mountains in Taif to Jazan in the south. These areas have neutral soil acidity and receive the highest rainfall and humidity levels, particularly evident in the southwest with denser forest cover.




The juniper tree has proudly stood as a symbol of picturesque beauty in Al-Baha region, adorning its slopes and mountain peaks with vibrant green hues. (SPA)

Forests are made up of several Juniperus plant species, typically found at altitudes of 2,000 meters and above. Additionally, Olea chrysophylla forests, characterized by wild olive trees with golden leaves, thrive at altitudes of 1,500 to 2,000 meters.

At lower altitudes, between 1,000 to 1,500 meters, Acacia plant species dominate the landscape.

Notably, terraced agriculture is a common feature of mountainous regions, facilitating crop fruit tree cultivation while aiding in water retention and soil protection. However, improper management can lead to land degradation, adversely affecting the surrounding forests.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Saudi Arabia is home to more than 63 unique ecosystems, ranging from mountainous regions to coastal lowlands.

• The Kingdom boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including 78 terrestrial mammal species and 499 species of bird.

• Coral reefs in Saudi Arabian waters host an impressive 266 species, contributing to marine biodiversity.

• With more than 6,500 species, Saudi Arabia’s invertebrate population testifies to the richness of its ecosystems.

• Saudi Arabia boasts three distinct forest ecosystems: mountain forest, valley forest, and mangrove forest.

Valley forests

Saudi Arabia’s topography features 179 valleys distributed across the country. Valley forests, mainly situated in semi-arid regions, are characterized by species such as Acacia ehrenbergiana, Acacia tortilis, Maerua crassifolia, several species of Commiphora, and Salvadora persica.

Additionally, oases and valleys are abundant with various Acacia species, Ziziphus spina-christi, Salvadora persica, Haloxylon persicum, trees, shrubs, and Hyphaene thebaica. 




Saudi Arabia’s topography features 179 valleys distributed across the country. (AN file photo)

Mangrove forests

Mangroves and coastal ecosystems tolerant to saltwater are predominantly located along the Red Sea coast, with other stretches found along the Arabian Gulf coast.

Despite the lack of comprehensive forest data, studies indicate significant degradation of the mangrove ecosystem.

Avicennia marina is the most prevalent species in mangrove forests, with Rhizophora mucronata being less common.

Besides these natural forests, the Kingdom is also host to many urban and cultivated woodlands in its parks and residential neighborhoods, planted to provide shade, reduce temperatures, and beautify city streets.

Despite the Kingdom’s diverse ecosystems, it faces significant challenges in preserving and expanding its forests, including limited resources, poor local management, insufficient nursery production to meet seedling demand, a lack of awareness about dumping and unauthorized grazing, and other irresponsible human activities.

The Saudi National Center for Wildlife is working to protect, develop, and restore ecosystems and biodiversity around the Kingdom, in addition to addressing risks related to plant and animal life.




Red Sea Global implemented a nursery project with the goal to have 50 million trees of Mangroves by 2030. (Red Sea Global photo/File)

According to Abdulmanea Al-Qahtani, invertebrates department director at the NCW, the Kingdom has 63 distinct ecosystems, encompassing a diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, plains, deserts, valleys, forests, seas, wetlands, plateaus, coastal areas, and marshes, all teeming with biodiversity.

The Kingdom is home to 78 species of terrestrial mammal, 499 species of bird, 136 species of reptile, seven species of amphibian, and more than 6,500 species of invertebrate.

In its waters, the Kingdom also offers habitats to 19 species of marine mammal, eight species of freshwater fish, 1,248 species of saltwater fish, and 266 species of coral




Unknown to many, Saudi Arabia is home to 78 species of terrestrial mammal, 499 species of bird, 136 species of reptile, seven species of amphibian, and more than 6,500 species of invertebrate. (NCW collage image)

The Saudi Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021 under the Vision 2030 framework, aims to tackle threats to this rich biodiversity and foster sustainable development.

Key goals include transitioning to a sustainable economy by reducing carbon emissions, boosting renewable energy production, and bolstering conservation efforts.

Additionally, the initiative aims to enhance environmental protection, promote green technologies, and create green jobs to drive economic diversification and growth.
 

 


KSrelief continues aid initiatives in Sudan, Gaza and Pakistan

KSrelief continues aid initiatives in Sudan, Gaza and Pakistan
Updated 11 February 2025
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KSrelief continues aid initiatives in Sudan, Gaza and Pakistan

KSrelief continues aid initiatives in Sudan, Gaza and Pakistan

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its aid initiatives with the distribution of medical aid, food and winter kits in Sudan, Gaza and Pakistan.

In Port Sudan of Sudan, KSrelief launched the third phase of the Food Security Support Project which aims to distribute 30,000 food parcels to displaced persons as they return to their homes in the states of Al-Jazirah, Khartoum, Red Sea, Sennar and White Nile.

In southern and central Gaza Strip, the aid agency – in cooperation with the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage – continues to provide emergency medical supplies to hospitals and health centers to enhance their capability in providing healthcare services to displaced Palestinians.

Dozens of trucks loaded with Saudi aid arrive daily in response to the health sector’s urgent appeal, which has suffered severely from over 15 months of war, in keeping with Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting the Palestinian people in times of crisis.

In Pakistan’s Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, KSrelief distributed 1,050 winter kits which benefited 5,243 individuals in areas affected by floods and extreme cold as part of a project to provide shelter materials and winter kits to the country this year.

Meanwhile, KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeeah met with Iraqi ambassador to Saudi Arabia Safia Taleb Al-Souhail to discuss possible areas of collaboration.


Saudi Arabia is already making strides in AI technology, says Abdullah Al-Swaha

Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, speaks to the press during LEAP 2025. (Supplied)
Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, speaks to the press during LEAP 2025. (Supplied)
Updated 10 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia is already making strides in AI technology, says Abdullah Al-Swaha

Abdullah Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, speaks to the press during LEAP 2025. (Supplied)
  • Minister speaks about vision for future of AI
  • Kingdom’s notable achievements highlighted

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is making strides in AI technology, said Abdullah Al-Swaha, the minister of communications and information technology, during the ministry’s flagship conference LEAP.

Responding to a question from Arab News, Al-Swaha told the press about his vision for the future of artificial intelligence in the Kingdom in the next five years, highlighting some of the country’s most notable achievements so far.

He spoke about the decision-making AI platform provider Intelmatix which he called “the No. 1 startup in the region, (with) $20 million of funding.”

Al-Swaha also highlighted the Saudi startup NanoPalm, which aims to tackle sickle cell disease by using nanoparticles, and Fathom.io, a platform that enables organizations to accelerate decision-making.

“When it comes to autonomous AI, we have Dr. Khaliel doing the first fully robotic heart transplant,” he said, referring to King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center’s Dr. Feras Khaliel who, in 2024, used robotic technology to replace the heart of a 16-year-old.

“So, we are making strides and rest assured we are committed, with royal guidance and support and in partnership with all of the global innovators, and the Kingdom will continue to be the hub for generative AI, GenTech, and autonomous AI, powered by talent and technology.”

He also noted his admiration for the leadership skills of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, adding: “I have the humble pleasure of learning from him; have the ability to anticipate market transitions; and be able to decisively allocate resources and have a wonderful opportunity to zoom in and zoom out. These are the three traits that I am learning from our royal highness.

“When we first pitched to him all of our ambitions in artificial intelligence, he said it’s not only about hardware, but it’s about applications and services.

“It’s not about models, as some of them might be commoditized; it is about the diffusion of these technologies across industries.”

He added: “Fast forward to today, and the DeepSeek moment, the ChatGPT moment, have shown us that it is hardware and software, applications and adoption, and the Kingdom is already making strides in generative AI, GenTech AI, and autonomous AI.”

Boasting the theme “Into New Worlds,” LEAP 2025 aims to expand business networking and investment opportunities in the tech sector.

The event, which runs until Feb. 12 in Riyadh, plays a critical role in Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global technology hub, aligning with its Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy. As part of this initiative, the Kingdom has pledged $100 billion toward advancing its technology sector.

LEAP 2025 is co-organized by Tahaluf and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in partnership with Informa PLC, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, and the Events Investment Fund.

This year’s LEAP is expected to host more than 680 tech startups, 1,100 speakers, 1,800 technology brands, and over 170,000 visitors.

 

 


Alkhobar walking tour unveils urban history

Alkhobar walking tour unveils urban history
Updated 10 February 2025
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Alkhobar walking tour unveils urban history

Alkhobar walking tour unveils urban history
  • Khaled Almsaad’s Tanafs initiative invites people to explore the city’s hidden gems and vibrant past

ALKHOBAR: Khaled Almsaad, a lifelong resident of historic northern Alkhobar, is bridging the city’s past and present through guided walking tours that promise a deeper connection with its heart and past.

His cultural initiative, Tanafs, connects the community with the arts, with a permanent location launched this year after the project first began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hub offers a range of activities including workshops and local tours designed to enrich Alkhobar’s cultural scene.

One memorable stop takes place at a watch repair stand in a bustling market, where time seems to stand still. (Supplied/AN photos)

The ticketed walking tour, which Almsaad guides personally, begins at Tanafs’ headquarters, which also houses his coffee shop, Marfa, located on the first floor of the building.

During a recent tour, participants were given a brief presentation about the activity and about Alkhobar itself.

Almsaad, who is also a street photographer with over a decade of experience, spoke about the neighborhood’s evolution, reflecting on his deep understanding of the city’s character and evolving maps. Many of his own photographs were showcased on the walls.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tanafs offers a range of activities including workshops and local tours designed to enrich Alkhobar’s cultural scene.

• The walking tours are organized every Friday afternoon and sessions will continue until Ramadan.

• Tickets can be booked through Tanafs’ Instagram.

He shared safety tips and general advice before leading the group on a tour through northern Alkhobar’s streets.

The walking tour provides participants with an opportunity to experience the evolution of Alkhobar firsthand. (Supplied/AN photos)

Alkhobar itself, with its unique historical and urban development, serves as the perfect backdrop for these tours. The headquarters directly overlook the beloved old Al-Shula Mall.

Almsaad explained that Alkhobar’s development is unlike other cities in Saudi Arabia. “Alkhobar is unique among Saudi cities because it was not formed out of natural growth through trade or tribal alliances. Instead, it emerged out of industrial necessity, driven by the need to house the workers in the early days of oil production,” he says.

The city became the first planned urban development in the region, setting a precedent for other cities, such as Riyadh, that followed a more organic path of growth.

Old rusted doors with intricate designs stand as reminders of the city’s past. (Supplied/AN photos)

One of the first stops is a hidden gem tucked away in the neighborhood. This shop, which has “no photography allowed” signs in every single cluttered aisle, is filled with slightly dusty but pristine toys and trinkets from long ago — objects that remain untouched and undocumented, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the past.

We passed by several friendly northern Alkhobar cats and continued our journey through the streets, learning the city’s secrets as Almsaad shares its history.

Alkhobar’s commercial rise began in 1923, when it became a hub for movement and trade between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Despite its modern growth, the city’s cultural heritage has always remained intertwined with its commercial activities — a theme Almsaad continues to explore throughout the tour.

A watch repair stand in a bustling market is a memorable stop. (Supplied/AN photos)

One notable historical figure in the city’s development is Floyd Ohliger, an American engineer who played a key role in Saudi Arabia’s oil discovery. In 1938, he was instrumental in the discovery of commercial oil at Oil Well No. 7 (Dammam Well No. 7), a landmark event that confirmed the country’s vast oil reserves.

Later, in 1945, his arrival in Dhahran marked the beginning of planned urban developments. His work in establishing “company towns” to house Aramco workers led to the creation of self-sufficient communities with modern infrastructure, setting a blueprint for urban growth in the region.

The walking tour provides participants with an opportunity to experience the evolution of Alkhobar firsthand. Stops along the way include businesses, marketplaces, and cultural landmarks that showcase the city’s transformation over time. Old rusted doors with intricate designs stand as reminders of the city’s past. Many are still used today as people and businesses still reside behind those doors.

One memorable stop takes place at a watch repair stand in a bustling market, where time seems to stand still.

Ashraf Ali Khan has been operating his stand for 36 years. “I am from Pakistan. I came in 1989 and opened this shop. I’m still here, Alhamdulillah,” Khan told Arab News.

Reflecting on the changes in the market, Khan said: “After a few months of moving here, the first Gulf War came. Many people went to Riyadh, left for Bahrain, or went back to India or Pakistan. I stayed. My children were born in Alkhobar. This clock repair stand has been here for decades. The customers have changed, but I am still here, Alhamdulillah.”

Participants on the tour also get to sample local foods, from fluffy Filipino bread, which is light and soft, to engaging in a detailed conversation about coffee with the vivacious and knowledgeable founder of Hiqbah specialty coffee.

During the tour, we sampled fried snacks from a local vendor and enjoyed a chai latte at the elegant Oi cafe.

Rawan Albakri, a participant at the tour, told Arab News: “As someone not from Alkhobar, I find the tour very interesting. I love this, actually. I learned that there are untold stories. Stories that we always pass by but never had the chance to ask about or learn the history of this place.

“It actually has a lot of history. We walked around, we went to different businesses, we tasted some of the foods and drinks. I love walking — I think that was an experience in itself.”

Throughout the tour, Almsaad emphasized the importance of community and cultural awareness. As the group moved between stops, he explained how the city is divided into specialized commercial zones, catering to different needs.

“If you want to buy home decor, you’ll go to a different district. This organization makes it easy to find what you need, but it also means that certain areas become specialized over time,” he noted.

One of the tour’s highlights is the bus ride back, which surprised the participants who had never used public transport in the city.

The event, which lasts for several hours, immerses participants in a blend of history, culture, and modern life.

Almsaad encourages the younger generation to connect with the city’s past and future by physically walking through its streets. “For Alkhobar to grow, we need to collaborate. The new generation has to support each other, work together to create a stronger, more connected community. It’s not just about businesses; it’s about sharing ideas, uplifting one another, and making the city better together.”

As the tour neared its end, Almsaad shared a personal anecdote — how his 2-year-old son now visits the same barbershop he used to visit as a child, highlighting how the traditions of the community remain close to his heart.

“They also still give the same exact little gift after the haircut. I got it when I was a kid and now my son gets it,” he said.

Tours are organized every Friday afternoon and sessions will continue until Ramadan. Tickets can be booked through Tanafs’ Instagram.

As Almsaad put it: “To truly preserve and understand Alkhobar, you have to experience it on foot.” And with every step, the city’s rich history and vibrant present come alive.

 


Fragrance meets flora in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region

The fragrant oxeye stands out for the distinct scent emanating from its leaves. (SPA)
The fragrant oxeye stands out for the distinct scent emanating from its leaves. (SPA)
Updated 10 February 2025
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Fragrance meets flora in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region

The fragrant oxeye stands out for the distinct scent emanating from its leaves. (SPA)
  • Authorities are making significant efforts to conserve wild plants by intensifying awareness campaigns and rehabilitating natural areas to preserve plant diversity

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, renowned for its plant diversity, is home to a variety of aromatic species that enhance the area’s natural beauty, a Saudi Press Agency report has highlighted.

Among these, Asteriscus graveolens, commonly known as fragrant oxeye, stands out for the distinct scent emanating from its leaves.

The fragrant oxeye plant represents an integral part of the Northern Borders’ natural heritage. (SPA)

Nasser Al-Majlad, head of the Aman Environmental Association, told the Saudi Press Agency that two types of fragrant oxeye are found in the Kingdom: One with petals and another without.

He added that the flowering wild plant belongs to the daisy family and is characterized by its dense, intertwined branches, which can reach up to one meter in height.

FASTFACT

Environmental initiatives have also been launched to protect plants from extinction, ensuring their survival for future generations, including the cherished fragrant oxeye of the Northern Borders region.

Its bright yellow flowers bloom in spring, adding a vibrant touch to the region’s landscapes.

The fragrant oxeye plant represents an integral part of the Northern Borders’ natural heritage. Essential oils extracted from its leaves are used in perfume production.

Flowering wild plants also play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and providing habitats for wildlife.

Authorities are making significant efforts to conserve wild plants by intensifying awareness campaigns and rehabilitating natural areas to preserve plant diversity, the report said.

Environmental initiatives have also been launched to protect these plants from extinction, ensuring their survival for future generations, including the cherished fragrant oxeye.

 


Red Sea Fund broadens film support to include Asian filmmakers

The fund has opened its first round of applications for 2025, with submissions being accepted until Feb. 27. (SPA)
The fund has opened its first round of applications for 2025, with submissions being accepted until Feb. 27. (SPA)
Updated 10 February 2025
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Red Sea Fund broadens film support to include Asian filmmakers

The fund has opened its first round of applications for 2025, with submissions being accepted until Feb. 27. (SPA)
  • “The fund provides financial grants enabling emerging filmmakers to showcase their creative talents,” said Imad Iskandar, director of the Red Sea Film Fund

RIYADH: The Red Sea Fund, under the Red Sea International Film Foundation, has announced it will now extend its post-production support to emerging filmmakers from Asia, marking a first in its history.

This expansion builds upon the fund’s established support for creators from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and Africa, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The fund has opened its first round of applications for 2025, with submissions being accepted until Feb. 27.

The fund has opened its first round of applications for 2025, with submissions being accepted until Feb. 27. (SPA)

This round specifically targets completed productions seeking post-production support, encompassing feature films, documentaries, and animated works.

Through direct financial grants, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between filming and final cut, according to the SPA.

The initiative reflects the Red Sea International Film Foundation's broader mission to nurture emerging talent across cultural boundaries, giving them the opportunity to complete their film projects and showcase their unique narratives to the world.

“The fund provides financial grants enabling emerging filmmakers to showcase their creative talents,” said Imad Iskandar, director of the Red Sea Film Fund.

“This expansion into Asia reinforces our commitment to amplifying diverse voices in cinema,” he said.

Since its inception in 2021, the fund has backed over 280 film projects, with many going on to receive recognition at prestigious international film festivals. Success stories from the fund’s portfolio have demonstrated its crucial role in transforming regional storytelling into global cinema.

Interested filmmakers can submit their applications through the fund’s official website at redseafilmfest.com/ar/red-sea-fund/. The program offers both financial grants and technical support necessary for project completion.