How Saudi Arabia is tapping AI to monitor the environment and extreme weather

Special How Saudi Arabia is tapping AI to monitor the environment and extreme weather
With the help of AI tools for satellite imaging and Earth observation, scientists would be abled to monitor monitoring ecosystems more effectively. (Shutterstock image)
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Updated 25 January 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is tapping AI to monitor the environment and extreme weather

How Saudi Arabia is tapping AI to monitor the environment and extreme weather
  • AI enhances weather predictions, improving forecasts for heatwaves and flash floods critical for Saudi Arabia’s climate adaptation efforts
  • KAUST’s Center of Excellence for Generative AI focuses on Earth observation technologies to address climate challenges like water scarcity

RIYADH: Since the launch of Vision 2030, technological innovation and sustainability have been central to Saudi Arabia’s transformative plan, with artificial intelligence emerging as a key tool to tackle a range of issues, including environmental challenges.

With nearly 90 percent of its territory covered by desert, the Kingdom is utilizing AI to combat land degradation, improve water resource management, and promote sustainable practices.

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has joined the global AI race by advancing generative AI research.

Its Center of Excellence for Generative AI adopts a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on technologies like multimodal foundation models and AI-assisted Earth observation systems to address challenges, including water scarcity and land degradation.

Prof. Matthew McCabe, director of KAUST’s Climate and Livability Initiative, told Arab News that AI has provided a pathway to revolutionize our understanding and interpretation of Earth systems, ushering in an era where data can be rapidly channeled to provide new knowledge and actionable insights.

“While GenAI has already impacted greatly on a number of domains, its application in the Earth and environmental sciences remains emerging,” McCabe said.




Prof. Matthew McCabe, director of KAUST’s Climate and Livability Initiative. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)

The center’s research focuses on developing AI tools for satellite imaging and Earth observation, enabling better monitoring of ecosystems. This includes using drones and satellite-based remote sensing technologies to track environmental changes in real-time.

Drones and satellite systems provide high-resolution data that is crucial for understanding ecological shifts in regions that were previously difficult to study. This allows for more effective land management, ecosystem restoration, and better predictions regarding weather patterns.

“We will be using remote sensing and other data sources to undertake ecosystem monitoring, helping to advance some of the goals and objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative,” McCabe said.

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AI-driven solutions are already aiding the Saudi Green Initiative’s goals of planting 10 billion trees and rehabilitating 40 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, analyzing regional climate data, soil conditions, and water availability to identify optimal planting locations.

The Saudi Data and AI Authority, known as SDAIA, has partnered with several government entities to leverage AI solutions in support of the Saudi Green Initiative. These efforts aim to create innovative, data-driven strategies for combating climate change.

AI is also transforming climate forecasting in Saudi Arabia. Hylke Beck, assistant professor of climate analytics at KAUST, highlighted AI’s potential to predict extreme weather events like heatwaves and flash floods, which are expected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change.




Hylke Beck, assistant professor of climate analytics at KAUST. (Photo courtesy of KAUST)

Beck said AI models can uncover hidden relationships within weather data that traditional forecasting methods cannot, enabling more accurate and actionable forecasts.

He noted that these improved forecasts are critical for the Kingdom as it works to adapt to climate challenges, such as the severe heatwave that affected Makkah last June or the devastating floods in April across the UAE and Oman.

“With projections indicating that climate change will intensify and increase the frequency of heatwaves and flash floods, alongside an expected 32 percent population growth by 2050, the need to harness AI technology has never been more urgent,” Beck told Arab News.




Commuters make their way through a flooded road after heavy rains in Makkah on January 6, 2025. Scientists in Saudi Arabia are tapping AI to improve forecasts as the Kingdom works to adapt to climate challenges. (AFP)

Although there are currently few weather forecasting systems specifically designed for the region, and even fewer that incorporate AI models, Beck says these technologies have transformative potential.

However, Beck says building effective AI models requires access to extensive datasets.

“Government support in making this data accessible is essential for creating a more climate-resilient future,” he said.

DID YOUKNOW?

• KAUST’s Center of Excellence for Generative AI focuses on Earth observation technologies to address climate challenges like water scarcity.

• Drones and satellites provide real-time data, aiding land management, ecosystem restoration, and environmental monitoring for the Saudi Green Initiative.

• AI models can uncover hidden relationships within weather data that traditional forecasting methods cannot, enabling more accurate and actionable forecasts.

Traditional weather models depend on equations created by scientists, but these equations can be limited by gaps in knowledge about certain weather patterns.

“These equations are imperfect because even the best meteorologists don’t fully understand all weather processes,” Berk said.

On the other hand, AI models analyze large amounts of data to find patterns, making predictions faster and more accurate. These are especially useful in areas where traditional systems struggle, like predicting thunderstorms, which are often harder to forecast accurately.




KAUST's new Center of Excellence on Generative AI aims to be the premier research, development, and innovation hub for pioneering generative AI technology in the Kingdom. (KAUST photo)

While traditional systems rely on expensive supercomputers, AI models can run effectively on regular computers, making them more affordable and accessible.

“These AI models can — and I believe will, in the not-too-distant future — fully replace current traditional models. However, they can also be integrated into them,” Beck said.

The Center of Excellence for Generative AI’s initiatives align with Vision 2030’s sustainability and innovation goals, collaborating with leading national entities like NEOM and Aramco, as well as international organizations like Meta and Nvidia to drive progress.

The center also addresses the shortage of generative AI talent in Saudi Arabia through training and upskilling programs for KAUST researchers, partners, and the wider community.


Saudi Arabia condemns Örebro attack

Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns Örebro attack

Saudi Arabia condemns Örebro attack

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Thursday a deadly shooting at a school in Örebro, Sweden, that left several people dead.
At least 11 people died and many people were wounded in an attack at the Risbergska adult education center in Orebro, central Sweden, on Tuesday.


A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement expressed the Kingdom’s complete rejection and denunciation of all forms of violence.
It also expressed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity and sincere condolences to the families of the victims.


Former Saudi ambassador to US condemns Trump’s ‘mad ethnic cleansing plan’ for Gaza

Former Saudi ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal speaks to CNN international anchor Christiane Amanpour. (Screenshot)
Former Saudi ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal speaks to CNN international anchor Christiane Amanpour. (Screenshot)
Updated 06 February 2025
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Former Saudi ambassador to US condemns Trump’s ‘mad ethnic cleansing plan’ for Gaza

Former Saudi ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal speaks to CNN international anchor Christiane Amanpour. (Screenshot)
  • Prince Turki Al-Faisal says proposed resettlement of Palestinians would lead to more bloodshed
  • Warns US leader will receive ’an earful’ from Saudi leadership if he visits Kingdom

LONDON: Donald Trump’s plan for the US to take control of Gaza and force Palestinians to leave the enclave would be “ethnic cleansing” that would spark conflict and bloodshed, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s former ambassador in Washington, said on Wednesday.

In an interview with CNN, Prince Turki, who is also a former head of the Kingdom’s intelligence services, angrily rejected the US president’s comments, which included a threat to send US troops to help turn Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Prince Turki said he expected Arab and Muslim countries, along with other nations and Europe, to take up the issue at the UN to show that the world opposed “this mad ethnic cleansing plan.”

“It is a fantasy to think that ethnic cleansing in the 21st century can be condoned by a world community that stays on its behind, and does not respond to that,” Prince Turki told presenter Christiane Amanpour. “The problem in Palestine is not the Palestinians. It is the Israeli occupation. And this has been clear and understood by everybody.”

Prince Turki said Trump’s comments upended previous US policy that favored a two-state solution based on land for peace.

He said Trump’s plan was based on the position of Israeli extremist politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, “the ultimate ethnic cleanser,” who recently resigned as national security minister over the Gaza ceasefire.

Trump’s words were a “total acceptance of the Israeli position by the American government,” Prince Turki said, adding that this approach had been gaining support in US political circles over the past two years.

Prince Turki said that if Trump visited Saudi Arabia, he is likely to receive “an earful” from the Saudi leadership about “not just the wisdom of what he is proposing, but the downright unfairness and injustice.”

Trump has had close relations with Saudi Arabia and made the Kingdom his first foreign visit during his first term. Prince Turki said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had pledged last month to invest $600 billion in the US.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry strongly condemned threats to displace Palestinians from their land and reiterated the Kingdom’s position that there would be no normalization of relations with Israel until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“This has been the position of Saudi Arabia from the beginning,” Prince Turki said.

He said that Trump’s Gaza plan on top of the “destruction and the devastation” of the territory during Israel’s campaign would only lead to more support for militant groups such as Hamas.

“Everybody has been telling the Israelis that if you repress these people, that if you punish them, if you inflict death and destruction and mayhem and genocide on them, all you are going to do is create more opposition,” Prince Turki said.

“That’s why they want to use ethnic cleansing to get the people out of the territory.

“So, their policy is clear cut and, unfortunately, we hear this reflected now in what Mr. Trump has said.”


Quality of life, economy, culture in Madinah improving under Vision 2030, authority says

Quality of life, economy, culture in Madinah improving under Vision 2030, authority says
Updated 05 February 2025
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Quality of life, economy, culture in Madinah improving under Vision 2030, authority says

Quality of life, economy, culture in Madinah improving under Vision 2030, authority says
  • Local GDP, tourism and investment on the rise in region
  • New opportunities for entrepreneurs expected

RIYADH: Quality of life, the economy and culture in Madinah are improving under Vision 2030, according to the Madinah Region Development Authority.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, officials from the authority said they are aiming to highlight regional achievements and the transformation taking place there.

Ihab Salem, chief strategy officer at Madinah Region Development Authority, said: “With the support of the emir of the region, we will achieve (Vision 2030 goals) through all relevant sectors of work in the region.

“This also helps in achieving developmental mobility, economic growth, and increasing investment opportunities and local content in the Madinah region, thus opening many opportunities for male and female entrepreneurs in various sectors.”

Economically, local gross domestic product reached SR118 billion ($31 billion) in 2023, with SR53 billion in foreign investment, while the second quarter of 2024 saw a decrease in unemployment.

Tourism is the rise, with 18 million visitors to the region in 2024. Visitors stayed an average of 10 days in 2023. The region was ranked 88 globally on Euromonitor International’s 2024 index of the world’s top 100 city destinations, ranked seven globally on the Tourism Performance Index, and 3,200 locations are registered in the National Urban Heritage Register.

It was recently announced that foreigners can now invest in Saudi-listed companies owning real estate in Makkah and Madinah, following a landmark decision by the Saudi Capital Market Authority.

Al-Madinah Smart City has also gained a number of achievements, including an advancement in 11 ranks in the International Institute for Management Development Smart City Index, ranking 74th globally after ranking 85th in 2023, alongside a number of other milestones.

Other notable initiatives implemented in collaboration with the Vision Realization Program include the King Salman Project to expand Quba Mosque, which aims to expand the area tenfold and develop 57 historical sites to reach a capacity of 66,000 worshipers; and the Dar Al-Hijra project in Madinah, which aims to retrace the steps of the Prophet Muhammad’s journey.

Madinah is considered one of the most accessible regions in the Kingdom through land, sea and air. Its three airports transported 10 million passengers in 2024, across more than 72,000 flights operated by 77 airlines to 36 local and international destinations.

Public buses in Madinah now have 123 stations, and the Haramain High Speed Railway Depot has transported 9 million passengers, according to the authority.

Salem added that a number of projects can be attributed to private investors and entities like Maqsad Quba, Jabal Ayr and As Safiyyah Museum & Park.

The authority is highlighting Madinah’s economic diversification through the agriculture and mining industries, its global connectivity through tourism and cultural heritage offerings, and the vision achieved by its residents in the health, education private and nonprofit sectors.

Officials said that 58 initiatives have been launched under the Pilgrim Experience Program, 104 under the Quality of Life Program and 30 under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.


Saudi Shoura Council vice-speaker receives Hungarian official in Riyadh

Saudi Shoura Council vice-speaker receives Hungarian official in Riyadh
Updated 05 February 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council vice-speaker receives Hungarian official in Riyadh

Saudi Shoura Council vice-speaker receives Hungarian official in Riyadh

Vice-Speaker of the Shoura Council Mishaal Al-Sulami received Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary Istvan Jakab and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting the two sides discussed various topics of common interest, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Sulami reviewed the Shoura Council’s work and the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in consolidating cooperation and supporting bilateral relations.

Jakab also expressed his aim of deepening bilateral relations between the two sides.
 


Jordan’s king welcomes Saudi support for Palestinian rights

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 06 February 2025
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Jordan’s king welcomes Saudi support for Palestinian rights

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • King Abdullah expresses appreciation during a call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a day after controversial Gaza comments by Donald Trump
  • King also meets Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and affirms rejection of “any attempts” to take control of Palestinian territories or displace the people there

RIYADH: Jordan’s King Abdullah on Wednesday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s continuing firm and supportive stance on the rights of the Palestinian people.

He expressed his appreciation during a telephone conversation with the Kingdom’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a day after US President Donald Trump suggested the removal of all Palestinians from Gaza so the US can take over the territory and rebuild it for others to use.

“The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it, too; we’ll own it,” he said during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

During their call, King Abdullah and the crown prince discussed the latest developments in the region and efforts to achieve security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Earlier in the day, during a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, the king rejected “any attempts” to take control of Palestinian territories or displace the people there.

Saudi authorities issued a statement in the early hours of Wednesday, following Trump’s statement, that affirmed that the Kingdom’s position on the establishment of a Palestinian state remains firm and unwavering, and they rejected any “attempts to displace the Palestinian people from their land.”

It added: “Saudi Arabia will continue its relentless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that.

“Achieving lasting and just peace is impossible without the Palestinian people obtaining their legitimate rights in accordance with international resolutions, as has been previously clarified to both the former and current US administrations.”