How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 

Special How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 
A large accumulation of plastic waste floating in the ocean. Researchers are now turning to AI-designed biodegradable peptides to tackle microplastic buildup in marine environments. (Getty Images)
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Updated 28 March 2025
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How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 

How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 
  • Researchers at King Saud University used artificial intelligence to design peptides that bind to plastic particles
  • Microplastics can persist in the environment for centuries, posing risks to ecosystems and human health

RIYADH: In a groundbreaking scientific effort, researchers have leveraged artificial intelligence to unlock a powerful new tool in the fight against microplastic pollution — microscopic protein fragments known as peptides.

These AI-engineered peptides can bind to plastic particles, making it possible to remove microplastics from water more efficiently.




A large accumulation of plastic waste floating in the ocean. Researchers are now turning to AI-designed biodegradable peptides to tackle microplastic buildup in marine environments. (Getty Images)

Microplastics — tiny plastic fragments smaller than five millimeters — are now alarmingly widespread in oceans, rivers, soil, and even human bodies. These particles persist in the environment for centuries, threatening ecosystems and public health.

Traditional cleanup methods have struggled to address this growing crisis. Now, a team of scientists from Saudi Arabia, the US and beyond has unveiled a revolutionary solution: biodegradable peptides that latch onto microplastic particles with impressive precision.

Discovered using advanced deep learning models, these peptides could mark a turning point in the global fight against plastic pollution.

“We combined advanced biophysical simulations, which show how short proteins behave on plastic surfaces, with deep learning or AI to spot hidden patterns in those simulations,” Abdulelah Al-Shehri, assistant professor of chemical engineering at King Saud University and the study’s co-author, told Arab News.

“This allowed us to pinpoint specific peptides that latch onto microplastics up to 34 percent more effectively than older methods.”

Unlike conventional filtration methods, these AI-guided peptides offer a scalable, biodegradable alternative that could transform microplastic remediation.




This photo taken on October 14, 2021 shows researchers taking samples collected by a funnel-shaped net nicknamed "the sock" during a joint project of the French Tara Ocean Japan. (AFP)

“Essentially, AI guided us to protein sequences that traditional approaches might miss, leading to stronger and more efficient cleanup capabilities,” Al-Shehri added.

While this discovery was initially made in a computational setting, laboratory tests have confirmed the peptides’ real-world potential.

“We recently ran experiments to evaluate how strongly the AI-designed peptides bind to plastic,” Michael Bergman, a PhD candidate at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at North Carolina State University, told Arab News

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“No one has designed plastic-binding peptides before, and we relied solely on computational predictions for peptide design, so we were curious to see how our computational predictions bear out in experiment.

“Excitingly, the AI-designed peptides did very well. The peptides had much higher affinity for plastic compared to random sequences of amino acids and performed as well as our best biophysical designs.

“This work will hopefully be published in the coming months. Having checked this box, the next step is to apply the peptides to remediate microplastic pollution.”




Infographic courtesy of King Saud University website
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Bringing these peptides from the lab to real-world applications presents a major challenge: scalability.

“A major obstacle is producing these specialized peptides on a large scale while ensuring they remain stable and effective in different aquatic environments, whether in fresh, salt or even grey water,” Al-Shehri said.

“Beyond manufacturing, there needs to be close collaboration among researchers, policymakers and industry to streamline regulations, secure funding and ensure safe, cost-effective deployment where pollution is most critical.”




Abdulelah Al-Shehri, assistant professor of chemical engineering at KSU. (Supplied)

Bergman agrees, highlighting the vast potential applications of these peptides.

“We see many possible applications, such as detecting (and perhaps quantifying) microplastic pollution in water using a biosensor, removing microplastics either through filtration or by inducing aggregation, and aiding the adhesion of plastic-degrading organisms to microplastics,” he said.

This breakthrough is particularly relevant for Saudi Arabia, which is balancing its ambitious sustainability goals with its role as a global petrochemical leader.

Key milestones in AI-driven environmental cleanup

2022 Initial AI experiments in peptide-based plastic binding begin.

2023 AI-enhanced biophysical modeling predicts plastic-binding peptides with greater precision.

2024 AI-designed peptides successfully tested using extensive molecular dynamics simulations, outperforming previous solutions.

2025 Researchers at King Saud University, North Carolina State, and Cornell publish findings on biodegradable peptides with record-breaking plastic adhesion.

FUTURE AI-driven peptide research expands to augment capture and detection technologies and broader environmental remediation efforts.

Maher Al-Rashed, associate professor in plastics science at King Saud University, sees this dual role as an opportunity rather than a conflict.

“Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transition toward sustainability, particularly through Vision 2030, offers a fertile ground for the integration of AI-driven biodegradable peptides as part of a multifaceted strategy to combat plastic pollution,” he told Arab News.

“A practical application could involve incorporating these peptides into wastewater treatment plants in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, where microplastic contamination in water sources has been documented.”

He also referenced international benchmarks such as France’s Carbios and Japan’s Ideonella sakaiensis as models for Saudi Arabia to adapt and lead in this space.

“Saudi Arabia could adopt similar AI-engineered enzymatic solutions, particularly in industrial zones like Jubail and Yanbu, where high plastic waste output necessitates sustainable disposal methods,” he said.

While peptides offer a powerful new tool for microplastic cleanup, experts stress that they are not a replacement for reducing plastic waste at its source. “Reducing plastic use is crucial to stem the flow of new pollutants,” said Al-Shehri.




Small fragments of plastic and debris floating in contaminated seawater. Experts warn that microplastics can persist in ecosystems for centuries and pose risks to human health. (Getty Images)

“However, we already have a staggering amount of microplastics in circulation, some of which may persist for centuries. AI-powered strategies like our peptide designs serve as a necessary complement to source reduction, actively targeting and removing existing contaminants while broader efforts to improve recycling continue.”

Al-Rashed agrees but adds that for these peptides to be effective long term, they must be optimized for various types of plastics and environmental conditions.

“One fundamental challenge is ensuring that these peptides exhibit substrate specificity… meaning they must effectively degrade a variety of plastic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET without harming natural organic matter,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring environmental safety.




Infographic courtesy of King Saud University website

“AI-driven peptides must degrade into environmentally safe byproducts. Research conducted by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology is exploring how peptide-mediated polymer degradation can be designed for maximum ecological safety.”

Bringing these peptides from theory to widespread use requires clear regulatory frameworks. Al-Rashed stressed the need for biosafety and industrial scalability.

“From a regulatory perspective, Saudi Arabia would need to establish stringent biosafety and environmental risk assessment protocols before approving the environmental release of AI-engineered peptides,” he said, referencing the role of the Saudi National Center for Environmental Compliance.

On an industrial level, he pointed out that cost efficiency and integration with existing waste management systems would be key factors in success.

“Saudi Arabia’s municipal waste collection and processing facilities are currently optimized for mechanical and chemical recycling, meaning that transitioning to bioenzymatic plastic degradation would require significant infrastructure modifications,” he said.




A photo taken on December 8, 2022, in Vaasa, Finland, shows plastic pieces in frozen water. (AFP)

As Saudi Arabia explores this innovation, researchers like Al-Shehri emphasize the importance of framing the message carefully — especially in a country where the plastics industry is economically significant.

“In essence, microplastic research is as critical as the plastics industry itself,” Al-Shehri said. “We must balance the lifesaving benefits of plastic with urgent research to eliminate and remove these tiny particles from our environment.

“Propelled by innovative academic efforts, short peptides now shine as a new technology in the global effort to combat microplastic pollution. Yet forging true progress — and preserving the plastics industry’s long-term viability — demands concerted efforts and research among governments, industries, academic institutions, and communities alike.”




South Korean environmental activists hold placards reading "I will protect the sea from microplastics" during a campaign to mark World Water Day at a park along the Han River in Seoul on March 22, 2022. (AFP)

As researchers worldwide explore how AI can revolutionize science and sustainability, the development of microplastic-binding peptides stands out as a clear example of how data, biology, and innovation intersect.

“There are almost endless possibilities in combining AI with biophysics,” said Bergman. “Of particular relevance to plastic and microplastic pollution is the development of enzymes that break down plastics.

“In recent years, biophysics-guided AI helped optimize an enzyme that rapidly breaks down the plastic PET. Other researchers are looking to optimize similar enzymes for other common plastics like polystyrene and polyethylene.”

From the lab benches of Riyadh to simulation labs in North Carolina, one message rings clear: AI has the potential to reshape how we approach one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges — and Saudi Arabia is ready to lead the charge.


 


NCVC launches plan to combat desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation

NCVC launches plan to combat desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation
Updated 22 April 2025
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NCVC launches plan to combat desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation

NCVC launches plan to combat desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation
  • Project is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts under its COP16 presidency and aligned with initiatives to address climate challenges
  • Plan aims to strengthen national resilience against desertification and drought by developing and implementing effective strategies

RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, or NCVC, has launched an executive plan for combating desertification, sand encroachment and drought mitigation.

The move is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts under its COP16 presidency and in alignment with global initiatives to address environmental and climate challenges.

According to an NCVC press release, the plan aims to strengthen national resilience against desertification and drought by developing and implementing effective strategies that align with national policies, regional initiatives and international commitments. 

It focuses on formulating sustainable policies and programs based on a comprehensive assessment of current conditions, global practices and an integrated approach to natural resource management, the statement said.

In addition to enhancing readiness and response mechanisms, the plan seeks to develop early warning systems, implement mitigation and adaptation strategies, and foster cooperation among relevant entities in planning and execution. 

It also includes efforts to establish sustainable financing mechanisms and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies to ensure the successful implementation of its initiatives.

The project consists of two primary scopes: The executive plan for combating desertification and the executive plan for integrated drought management.

NCVC continues its mission to restore and preserve vegetation cover by rehabilitating degraded lands and protecting biodiversity in natural ecosystems, the press release said. 

It also oversees the conservation and sustainable management of rangelands, forests and national parks, combats illegal logging, and safeguards Saudi Arabia’s natural resources. 

These efforts align with its vision to foster a thriving and diverse vegetation cover that promotes environmental sustainability and enhances the quality of life.


Tarjama launches Arabic.AI based on model that outperforms GPT-4o in Arabic

Tarjama launches Arabic.AI based on model that outperforms GPT-4o in Arabic
Updated 22 April 2025
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Tarjama launches Arabic.AI based on model that outperforms GPT-4o in Arabic

Tarjama launches Arabic.AI based on model that outperforms GPT-4o in Arabic
  • Arabic-first large language model is said to outperform industry leaders on key benchmarks
  • Software understands “nuances of Arabic across multiple dialects and contexts,” founder says

RIYADH: In a market saturated with English-first large language models, Tarjama is flipping the narrative.

The UAE-based technology company today launched its Arabic.AI platform, based on the Pronoia V2 Arabic-first large language model that it claims has outscored industry leaders ChatGPT, DeepSeek and Cohere on key Arabic benchmarks.

Designed to process Arabic with near-human understanding, Pronoia touts itself as a tool for a range of uses including legal analysis, translation and proposal writing.

“It was a big surprise for us that this small model for specific niche tasks, can be better than (ChatGPT) 4o,” Andrii Klyman, senior AI product manager at Tarjama, told Arab News at a recent event in Riyadh.

Founder Nour Al-Hassan in a statement: “For too long, Arabic has remained an afterthought in the global AI landscape,

“We’ve built something fundamentally different—an autonomous system that actually understands the nuances of Arabic across multiple dialects and contexts.”

In testing, Pronoia V2 achieved an average score of 76.8 percent across Arabic language benchmarks, outperforming GPT-4o by more than 18 percentage points.

While the model can handle multilingual text, its strength lies in high-context Arabic. Tarjama has already developed several applications on top of it, including a spell-checker, legal contract analyzer, and its most recent interface, Arabic.AI — a tool for business users.

In one live demo, the system restructured an Arabic contract and highlighted risks based on local law.

In another, a user uploaded a PowerPoint file, and the system not only translated the slides but reversed their direction — adapting layout and language simultaneously.

A third version, Pronoia V3, is now in testing. Tarjama says it will deliver even stronger performance across Arabic dialects and achieve a COMET score above 94 — a key benchmark for translation quality.

Tarjama’s push to dominate Arabic AI is both technical and cultural. For years, the Arabic language has been underserved by leading AI tools, which often fail to understand its grammar, dialects, or even its script direction. Pronoia, by contrast, was purpose-built to fill that gap.


KFUPM launches research project to improve green hydrogen feasibility

KFUPM launches research project to improve green hydrogen feasibility
Updated 22 April 2025
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KFUPM launches research project to improve green hydrogen feasibility

KFUPM launches research project to improve green hydrogen feasibility
  • Project aims to reduce the cost of producing the element to make the process more economically viable
  • Uses a portable solar panel to power a process known as water splitting, which separates the hydrogen atoms from oxygen in water

RIYADH: A research project to improve the feasibility of green hydrogen production has been launched by the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

Led by Prof. Mohammed Gondal, the project aims to reduce the cost of producing the element to make the process more economically viable.

It uses a portable solar panel to power a process known as water splitting, which separates the hydrogen atoms from oxygen in water.

This setup has several advantages: It operates at a lower energy input compared to traditional electrochemical water splitting, produces valuable byproducts, and utilizes the abundant solar energy available across Saudi Arabia.

The project also uses methanol, the oxidation of which traditionally results in hydrogen and CO2 emissions.

However, KFUPM’s method focuses on selectively converting methanol into valuable chemicals without CO2 emissions, significantly boosting the overall efficiency of the process.

Electrochemical water splitting carries some environmental challenges, as a large amount of energy is required for the reaction and there is a risk of mixing the two gases, hydrogen and oxygen.

Through the project, Gondal was able to overcome major challenges faced in hydrogen production, improving the output and quality of the byproducts such as formate and formic acid.

Looking forward, the project aims to scale up production by interlinking multiple cells, demonstrating the feasibility of industrial-scale green hydrogen generation using locally synthesized materials.

Hydrogen holds potential value as a fuel source for shipping, aviation and the automotive industry.

It can also be used to decarbonize heavy industries, including steel production.

Saudi Arabia is making a significant push into the production of green hydrogen, or hydrogen produced from completely sustainable sources.

It is building one of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants at the megacity of NEOM, powered by solar and wind energy.


Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks

Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks
Updated 22 April 2025
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Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks

Riyadh hosts Pakistan’s National Assembly speaker for bilateral talks
  • Parties discuss topics of mutual interest, further strengthening ties
  • Pakistani speaker also met Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar has received Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in the Saudi capital.

The parties discussed topics of mutual interest and further strengthening the strong ties between the two countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Pakistani speaker also met Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Sheikh Abdullah Al-Asheikh in Riyadh.

Al-Asheikh welcomed Sadiq and his delegation, highlighting the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan at various levels.

He stressed the importance of enhancing ties through effective joint meetings between the Shoura Council and Pakistan’s National Assembly to meet leadership aspirations.

Sadiq praised the fraternal relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, commending the Kingdom’s continued role in fostering solidarity within the Islamic world and serving Islam and Muslims globally.

The talks covered mutual interests and explored ways to enhance Saudi-Pakistani parliamentary relations.

Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Asheikh, the Kingdom’s grand mufti and president of the Council of Senior Scholars, also received the Pakistani National Assembly speaker.

The grand mufti, who is also the president of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, stressed the presidency’s role in clarifying Islamic rulings on issues affecting Muslims, including contemporary jurisprudential matters requiring scholarly guidance.

Al-Asheikh also highlighted the commitment to promoting moderation and combating extremism and terrorism, the SPA reported.

Sadiq praised the Kingdom’s vital support for Pakistan on various issues, commending the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.


Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation
Updated 22 April 2025
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Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

Visa overstayers face $13,000 fine, prison, deportation

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia gears up for Hajj 2025, the Ministry of Interior on Tuesday warned that expatriates who fail to leave the Kingdom after their visas expire face heavy penalties.

The ministry announced on X that expatriates may face fines of up to SR50,000 (about $13,000), imprisonment for up to six months, and/or deportation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Saudi Arabia government has appealed to citizens and residents to ensure that their guests who arrived on visit or Umrah visas abide by the regulations.

“Visas of all types — with the exception of the Hajj visa — do not entitle their holder to perform the Hajj pilgrimage,” the ministry stated on X.

Welcoming the decision Osama Ghanem Alobaidy, a law professor in Riyadh, told Arab News the ministry’s decision was “crucial” to ensure visitors comply with the law.

“This move by the Ministry of Interior will help deal with crowd management efficiently, and ensure the safety and security of pilgrims during Hajj,” he added.

Earlier this month, the ministry also warned Hajj and Umrah companies and establishments to adhere to the country’s laws and regulations.

The ministry said that companies or establishments that delay reporting individuals who have failed to leave will be fined up to SR100,000. The fine will be multiplied based on the number of individuals involved.