Riyadh named Arab Environment Capital for the next two years

The 35th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment took place in Jeddah from Oct. 13 to 17. (SPA)
The 35th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment took place in Jeddah from Oct. 13 to 17. (SPA)
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Updated 17 October 2024
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Riyadh named Arab Environment Capital for the next two years

The 35th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment took place in Jeddah from Oct. 13 to 17. (SPA)
  • The city is making progress on its Green Riyadh initiative, part of Vision 2030, which aims to plant 7.5 million trees across the desert metropolis

JEDDAH: Riyadh has been named Arab Environment Capital for the next two years, during a meeting of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The city is making progress on its Green Riyadh initiative, part of Vision 2030, which aims to plant 7.5 million trees across the desert metropolis.

Some of the stated goals of the program include increasing the city’s level of green cover to 9 percent, up from 1.5 percent.

Green Riyadh also hopes to increase the area of green spaces per capita 16-fold, from 1.7 sq. meters to 28 sq. meters.

By 2030, the initiative also hopes to improve air quality in the capital, reducing carbon dioxide levels by 3-6 percent while increasing oxygen levels and reducing temperatures by 1.5C to 2C.

Another significant environmental initiative in the city is the under-construction King Salman Park, which is set to be the largest urban park in the world.

Riyadh takes on the mantle of Arab Environmental Capital from its previous holder, Abu Dhabi.

The announcement was made during the 35th session of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment, which took place in Jeddah from Oct. 13 to 17.

The event, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in collaboration with the Arab League, brought together environment ministers from Arab countries and representatives from regional and international organizations to discuss pressing environmental issues facing the Arab world.

During his opening speech, Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing environmental goals as part of its Vision 2030.




The under-construction King Salman Park is set to be the largest urban park in the world. (Supplied)

He highlighted the significance of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in launching key initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, which aim to tackle major challenges such as desertification, biodiversity loss and water scarcity.

“We are committed to combating environmental challenges and hope the outcomes of this session will help garner international support for restoring degraded lands and increasing resilience to drought,” Al-Fadhli said.

The minister further stressed the importance of collaboration among Arab nations and international organizations in achieving environmental sustainability.

This was particularly important, he said, in light of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, which will be held in Riyadh in December.

He called for active participation from all sectors, including governments, private companies and civil society, to ensure the success of the conference.

Ibrahim Thiaw, executive secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, highlighted the water crisis in the Arab region, pointing out that it holds just 2 percent of the world’s renewable water resources, making it one of the regions most affected by drought and desertification.

Thiaw urged the Arab world to invest in land restoration and build resilience against future droughts to meet the increasing food demand, which is expected to double in the coming decades.

The session concluded with a series of key resolutions including the recognition of the Saudi Green Initiative as the Outstanding Environmental Project in the public sector.

The council also urged Arab nations to join the Middle East Green Initiative and to participate actively in COP16.

Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including climate change, biodiversity and cooperation in implementing international environmental agreements.


Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom
Updated 3 sec ago
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Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

Authorities bust drug smugglers across Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi authorities recently made several drug-related arrests and confiscations across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Border Guard patrols in Jazan intercepted 270 kg of qat in Al-Aridah and 126 kg in Al-Dayer. They also arrested a citizen in Al-Dayer with qat in his vehicle.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested four Nigerians in Jeddah with 39 kg of cocaine.

The directorate also arrested a Pakistani in the Eastern Province for selling methamphetamine, also known as shabu.

In Qassim, a citizen was arrested for selling shabu, hashish, amphetamine, and regulated tablets.

In Asir’s Al-Raboah sector, Border Guard patrols apprehended five Yemenis and Ethiopians smuggling 110 kg of qat.

In Riyadh, two citizens were arrested with hashish, amphetamines, and regulated tablets, while two others were caught with hashish and 15,735 regulated tablets.

Preliminary legal procedures have been completed, and all seized items have been handed to the relevant authorities.

Security authorities reiterated their call for the public to report any information about drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions of the Kingdom.

Individuals can also contact the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at [email protected].

All information will be treated as strictly confidential.


Kingdom arrests 18,489 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 18,489 illegals in one week
Updated 31 sec ago
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Kingdom arrests 18,489 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 18,489 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 18,489 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

According to an official report, a total of 10,824 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,638 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,027 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,125 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 56 percent were Ethiopian, 42 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 57 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 31 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Riyadh festival looks to boost investment in falconry sector

Riyadh festival looks to boost investment in falconry sector
Updated 35 min 52 sec ago
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Riyadh festival looks to boost investment in falconry sector

Riyadh festival looks to boost investment in falconry sector
  • Event highlights falconry’s cultural, economic, environmental value

Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival is currently taking place at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. The festival runs until Dec. 19.

This year’s event “marks a significant milestone with the participation of various companies and commercial institutions, broadening the event’s scope beyond individual falconers,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The club’s spokesperson, Waleed Al-Taweel, highlighted the club’s strategic focus on attracting investment for the falconry sector and explained that by preserving the heritage of falconry and promoting its environmental, cultural, and economic value, the club aims to contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening the nation’s cultural identity.

The festival provides a platform for Saudi and international falconers to showcase their skills and compete across various categories with the aim of qualifying for the prestigious King’s Sword rounds and winning substantial prizes totaling more than SR36 million ($9.6 million).

The festival will also host a falcon beauty pageant, celebrating “the magnificence of these birds,” the SPA reported.

Meanwhile, a talented falconer with physical disabilities, Musaed Al-Rashidi, is making a remarkable impact at the festival.

“Al-Rashidi’s interest in falconry began 18 years ago when he learned the intricacies of the craft from his friends. Over time, his love for the sport deepened, and he became an accomplished falconer,” the SPA wrote.

This year’s festival marks his debut, proudly representing Hafar Al-Batin governorate.

Al-Rashidi reportedly praised the exceptional organization of the festival and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and excellent facilities provided by the club, as well as its “unwavering support for preserving the heritage of falconry.”

The festival is a three-time Guinness World Record holder for hosting the world’s largest gathering of falcons. It brings together top falconers from around the globe to celebrate the cultural heritage of falconry, encourage competition, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

The club’s CEO, Talal Al-Shamaisi, stated that the festival’s primary aim is “to advance falconry as a cultural hobby while preserving and promoting this Arab tradition.”

He said that the club hopes to position falconry as a “major heritage tourism attraction, fostering national pride and engaging younger generations in a competitive yet spirited environment.”


KSrelief’s humanitarian activities continue in Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Jordan

KSrelief’s humanitarian activities continue in Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Jordan
Updated 07 December 2024
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KSrelief’s humanitarian activities continue in Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Jordan

KSrelief’s humanitarian activities continue in Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Jordan

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) work in Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Jordan continues, with over 10,000 individuals benefiting from the aid agency’s various humanitarian activities.

In Al-Qadarif state of Sudan, KSrelief on Thursday distributed 990 food parcels to vulnerable families as part of the third phase of the food security support project for the country this year. The distributed food packages benefited 5,940 individuals, state news agency SPA reported.

In Zaranj of Afghanistan’s Nimruz province, 350 shelter kits were provided to 350 families – or about 2,100 family members – who returned from Pakistan, and also to those affected by flooding.

In Jordan’s Zaatari Camp, KSrelief-run clinics provided medical assistance to 2,674 Syrian refugees in Jordan during the fourth week of November. Among the services provided included diagnostics and laboratory tests as well as X-rays. General practitioners treated patients dispensed necessary medications, while specialists provided services for dental care, treatment for sinus and ear infections, eye conditions as well as heart issues.

In Miniyeh of northern Lebanon, the Souboul Al-Salam Association ambulance team funded by KSrelief carried out 54 ambulance missions from Nov. 1 to 7, funded by the King Salman

The missions included transporting patients to and from hospitals and aiding individuals injured in road accidents.


What a Saudi marine scientist has uncovered about the role of algae in coral reef health

What a Saudi marine scientist has uncovered about the role of algae in coral reef health
Updated 06 December 2024
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What a Saudi marine scientist has uncovered about the role of algae in coral reef health

What a Saudi marine scientist has uncovered about the role of algae in coral reef health
  • Climate change has been linked to ocean warming and deoxygenation, reducing oxygen solubility and harming algae
  • KAUST researcher Taiba Alamoudi examined the role of algae in coral reef ecosystems and its contribution to nutrient cycling

RIYADH: The Red Sea’s rich marine life depends on maintaining a balanced environment to protect biodiversity and delicate habitats, with the survival of each species closely tied to the health of its surroundings.

This interdependence prompted a Saudi researcher to explore the critical role of algae in shifting ecosystems and investigate the impact of nighttime hypoxia on macroalgae and crustose algae, especially during the hot summer months.

Taiba Alamoudi, a Saudi PhD candidate in marine science at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and her colleagues examined how algae play a vital role in coral reef ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and stability.

However, climate change has been linked to ocean warming and deoxygenation, causing greater stratification and reduced oxygen solubility, which ultimately harm algal health.

Alamoudi told Arab News that the inspiration for her research, titled “Impacts of Climate Change and the Biotechnological Potential of Seaweed,” was “the phase shifts occurring in coral reef ecosystems, where algae begin to dominate areas once rich with corals.”

She said: “While it might seem that algae have an advantage over corals in warmer oceans, I believe the situation is more complicated. Algae, like corals, are also impacted by environmental stressors such as nighttime hypoxia, a drop in oxygen levels after sunset when photosynthesis ceases but respiration continues.”

Alamoudi’s research seeks to “explore what a balanced ecosystem should look like amid climate change” and deepen understanding of the vulnerabilities and strengths of both corals and algae.

This insight, she said, provides a deeper understanding of reef ecosystem dynamics and supports the development of more effective strategies to preserve their balance and health for the future.



The two main criteria for the studied species were their association with reefs and the limited research on them in the Red Sea region.

“Specifically, we placed special emphasis on crustose coralline algae due to their critical role in reef-building and maintenance,” Alamoudi said.

“These algae deposit calcium carbonate in their cell walls, effectively acting as natural cement that strengthens reef structures and provides essential substrates for coral larvae to settle and grow.”

The researchers used “gas buffering” methods to simulate natural reef oxygen dynamics and replicate nighttime hypoxia.

“By bubbling the seawater stock with the specific concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen gases, we can adjust the dissolved oxygen and pH levels in our setups to the required experimental levels.”

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The study also measured metabolic respiration rates, oxygen production, photosynthetic efficiency, and metabolomic processes to assess the impact on algal health and functionality.

In addition, Alamoudi said, “we examine changes in their associated microbial communities and observe visual cues like discoloration or tissue degradation.”

The experiments’ results showed that “macroalgae and crustose algae significantly mitigate the impacts of ocean warming through substantial daytime oxygen production, often leading to oxygen supersaturation that enhances reef resilience.”

However, she said, this benefit is offset at night when photosynthesis stops.

Climate change worsens nighttime hypoxia by raising sea temperatures, which in turn lower oxygen solubility and increase metabolic rates. Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, reducing its overall availability.

“Elevated temperatures increase the metabolic demands of the entire reef community, intensifying oxygen consumption and leading to nighttime hypoxia,” Alamoudi said.



“This hypoxic stress disrupts the algae’s physiological processes and associated reef microbial communities, making them more vulnerable to additional stressors.”

She added: “While they help maintain current reef conditions, prolonged nighttime hypoxia compromises their ability to support reef expansion and long-term ecosystem vitality.

“Understanding the balance between their daytime benefits and nighttime vulnerabilities is crucial for defining a truly balanced ecosystem.”

During the day, photosynthesis by algae produces oxygen that helps offset increased consumption. “However, at night, no new oxygen is produced while organisms continue to consume it at elevated rates,” said Alamoudi.

“This combination of decreased oxygen solubility, increased metabolic demand, and reduced oxygen production exacerbates nighttime hypoxia, making it a significant stressor intensified by climate change.”

During peak summer temperatures, the research team observed that hypoxia worsens.

“Warmer water reduces oxygen solubility and increases the metabolic rates of the reef community, leading to greater oxygen consumption,” Alamoudi said. “At night, without photosynthesis to produce oxygen, this intensifies hypoxia.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Without sunlight, algae stop producing oxygen through photosynthesis but still consume oxygen through respiration, leading to low oxygen levels (hypoxia).

2. Areas with heavy macroalgae or crustose algae cover are prone to oxygen depletion, especially in low-flow environments.

3. Nighttime hypoxia can harm nearby marine organisms such as fish and invertebrates that rely on oxygen-rich waters.


“Consequently, marine organisms experience increased stress during the hottest months, making them more vulnerable to hypoxic conditions compared to cooler seasons.”

Moreover, Alamoudi’s research shows how changes in the health of macroalgae and crustose algae can have cascading effects on marine organisms, particularly herbivorous species and invertebrates, potentially impacting their population.

“Coralline algae are crucial for coral larval settlement. Their decline could hinder coral recruitment and reef regeneration,” she said. “This, in turn, affects species dependent on healthy coral reefs for habitat, potentially reducing biodiversity and altering the ecosystem’s balance.”

By studying the impact of nighttime hypoxia on algae, Alamoudi aims to uncover their true role in these shifting ecosystems.

She said her research helps scientists “explore what a balanced ecosystem should look like amid climate change,” noting that “understanding the vulnerabilities and advantages of both corals and algae allows us to better comprehend the dynamics of reef ecosystems and develop more effective strategies to preserve their balance and health for the future.”



One of the biggest challenges Alamoudi and her colleagues faced in this research was the need for continuous monitoring, as even slight fluctuations can greatly impact dissolved oxygen and pH levels.

She added that “collecting samples from deeper ocean zones demanded substantial technological resources.” However, her team’s collaboration with the Saudi National Center for Wildlife enabled them to “access these depths and gather the necessary data and specimens.”

Alamoudi said she found it interesting how mesophotic coralline algae, which live in deeper, lower-light reef zones, respond differently from shallow-water species.

“Even short-term hypoxic stress at the microscale can have substantial impacts, potentially leading to significant ecological consequences that are not yet widely studied,” she said.

“This highlights the importance of examining subtle environmental stressors across different habitats, as they may reveal vulnerabilities in marine ecosystems that could affect overall reef health and resilience.”

Alamoudi is one of six winners of the 2024 L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science Program. Currently a PhD student under the mentorship of Ibn Sina Distinguished Professor Carlos Duarte, she earned her undergraduate degree in marine biology from Oregon State University in 2018.

She gained experience in environmental consulting and aquaculture in the Kingdom before joining KAUST in 2020.