Frankly Speaking: Saudi Arabia can be a leading oil exporter while also fighting climate change, says deputy minister for environment

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Updated 24 January 2022
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Frankly Speaking: Saudi Arabia can be a leading oil exporter while also fighting climate change, says deputy minister for environment

  • Appearing on the video interview series, Dr. Osama Faqeeha points out that the problem lies not in hydrocarbons but emissions
  • He says Saudi Green Initiative target will be achieved with due consideration for environmental sustainability

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia can retain its role as the leading exporter of oil in the world while pursuing an ambitious strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change, one of the Kingdom’s leading environmental policymakers has told Arab News.

Dr. Osama Faqeeha, deputy minister for environment, water and agriculture, said that the issue for the Kingdom and the world was to deal with polluting emissions from hydrocarbon production, while exploring other uses for oil products and renewable alternatives.

“I think we don’t see the problem in the hydrocarbons; we see the problem in the emissions,” he said, pointing out that “petrochemicals, plastic, medical supplies, clothing and other things are made from hydrocarbons; the emissions are the issue — namely, CO2 emissions.”

Faqeeha, who is closely involved in implementing the measures of the Saudi Green Initiative unveiled last year, was appearing on Frankly Speaking, the series of video interviews with leading policymakers and business people.

He also spoke of the ambitious plan to plant 10 billion trees in the Kingdom, the campaign to protect its environmental eco-system and biodiversity, and efforts to improve the air quality in the capital Riyadh and other big cities.

Faqeeha said that the environmental campaign launched in the SGI was part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the challenges of climate change and global warming.

“In this situation, Saudi Arabia has launched the Circular Carbon Economy approach, which is really to treat CO2 like any other waste, by basically taking it and recycling it in various ways.

“We have to realize that there is no single approach that can single-handedly address the global climate change challenge.

“We need renewable energy, we need the Circular Carbon Economy, we need recycling, we need to stop this deforestation, preserve habitats, reduce marine plastics. We have to focus on all of this,” he said.

The plan to plant 10 billion trees in Saudi Arabia over the coming decades, a striking feature of the SGI, is acknowledged as a challenge given the Kingdom’s desert climate and relatively low level of rainfall.

“Definitely this is a very challenging, ambitious target. As His Royal Highness the Crown Prince (Mohammed bin Salman) announced, the time frame will be over the next few decades. Our focus really is on environmental sustainability. We intend to achieve this target with due consideration for environmental sustainability.

“To achieve this, first of all we will focus on using native plant species in the Kingdom. Believe it or not, there are more than 2,000 documented species of flora in the Kingdom that have adapted to the dry and arid climate in Saudi Arabia.

“So, really these plants thrived in this environment and (fully) adapted to it,” he said.

The tree planting program — already under way — would focus on four main areas: Restoring natural flora in mountains and valleys; an “urban greening” program for the big cities; plantation in agricultural areas to support food production and rural communities; and tree planting along major highways to counter sand encroachment and enhance the experience of travelers.

Renewable water sources would also be used in the tree-planting program, to avoid endangering precious groundwater. Treated wastewater and rain harvesting were among the techniques available to environmental policymakers, as well as greater use of maritime resources.




Dr. Osama Faqeeha appears on Frankly Speaking. (Arab News)

“Saudi Arabia has thousands of kilometers of coastline on the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. There are two species of native mangrove trees that grow in sea water, so we intend to focus on those species as well,” he said.

One issue that has provoked debate in the Kingdom is the traditional practice of cutting natural wood to make campfires, held responsible for some of the desertification the SGI is pledged to eliminate.

“Local people enjoy picnics and the outdoors, they like to light wood fires for family gatherings, and these are local traditions that we really cherish. However, it came at a high expense of the local vegetation.”

The new environmental law has imposed severe penalties on such practices, but Faqeeha said that there were incentives for alternatives to wood fires so that these traditions would not be affected.

The World Health Organisation has criticized Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East for low standards of air quality, but Faqeeha took issue with some of the WHO findings.

“I’d like to highlight a distinction between air pollution and degraded air quality. Sometimes you have a degraded air quality not because it’s polluted by human activities. The WHO uses particulate matters as the main parameters to measure air quality,” he said.

“That’s a very good parameter for (places such as) Europe and the US, where you have extensive vegetation cover, and the main source of particulate matters are power plants, factories and other human activities. We call such particulate matters anthropogenic particulate matter or PM.

“Here in Saudi Arabia and in the region as a whole, particulate matters are dominated by natural causes, mainly coming from dust storms. Definitely air quality becomes degraded during dust storms — no one claims that it is healthy to go outdoors and inhale dusty weather.

So, that’s really what they (WHO) are referring to. It is degraded air quality because of the natural particulate matters emanating from dust storms.”

The ministry was working on comprehensive measure to reduce dust storms and improve air quality, Faqeeha said.

At the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow last year, some experts warned that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries would suffer more than other parts of the world from the health effects of global warming, including extreme heat, diseases and air pollution.

Faqeeha acknowledged this was an issue that policymakers were confronting. “Definitely, climate change and global warming is a major global challenge that we are taking very seriously.

“In terms of the outlook for temperature, there are very few studies. In the entire region we don’t have a climate center for climate studies and that’s why the Crown Prince announced the creation of the Regional Center for Climate Studies here, which will be championed by the National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia. Its job is to do national and regional studies on the mid- and long-term outlook for climate change,” he said.

One big focus of Saudi environmental strategy, he added, is the push to reverse the trend to land degradation and desertification, a major contributor to the generation of polluting greenhouse gas emissions that costs around trillions of dollars globally.

“Land degradation is the second largest contributor of greenhouse gases. In fact, land degradation is the cause of about more than 50 percent of biodiversity loss, which is a large contribution. Also, it has a huge impact on agricultural lands and food security,” Faqeeha said.

Measures to reverse land degradation were a major achievement of the G20 summit under Saudi Arabia’s presidency in 2020.

Faqeeha also outlined the Kingdom’s new strategy toward waste management, which he views as an area ripe for private sector involvement and foreign investment.

“Private sector participation is an important enabler to achieve the objectives of the national environmental strategy,” he said.

“We have many international companies that are coming, who feel the regulatory environment now is highly conducive to their participation.”


Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun

Updated 20 April 2025
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Saudis are ditching screens for face-to-face fun

  • Tabletop games bring families together for unplugged fun and real connections

RIYADH: In a screen-saturated world where social interactions often shrink to notifications, analog fun is reshaping Saudi leisure. Board games, once dismissed as childish relics, are experiencing a revival across the Kingdom. Whether at home, in cafes, or at traditional majlis gatherings, Saudis are increasingly turning to tabletop games for fun, connection and cultural relevance.

What began as a simple form of entertainment during family nights or holidays has grown into a social phenomenon, with games like Jackaroo, Sequence and locally designed options such as Saudi Deal, Elaab Bel Khames (Play With Five), La Tagool (Don’t say), and Ensan, Hayawan, Khashaabalan (Person, Animal, Nonsense) now staples in Saudi homes.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

“It became a trend because people miss real-life connection,” said Roaa Al-Johani. “Playing face to face just hits different, especially these days.”

This sentiment is echoed across Saudi homes, where board games have moved from being a once-in-a-while pastime to an essential part of gatherings.

I’d love to see games that tell stories from our culture or dive into Saudi history in a fun, modern way.

Wojoud Aziz

“Board games are a big part of our culture now,” Al-Johani added. “You see them in cafes — some cafes are fully built around them. Every Saudi home probably has either a Jackaroo or a Carrom board, especially after the (pandemic) era.”

During the pandemic, with more people spending time at home and looking for ways to unplug from screens, tabletop games offered a low-tech yet highly engaging alternative.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

Al-Johani shared how her own family embraced this shift: “I come from a family that loves board games to the point that my grandpa has a Jackaroo board in his majlis and invites his friends and neighbors to play. It’s kind of how we bond — when we play, age doesn’t really matter.”

The appeal lies in the shared experience. Unlike video games, which are often isolating or limited to a few players, board games bring people together physically and emotionally.

A tabletop games cafe in Saudi Arabia, offering a wide selection of international and local games. (Supplied\Roaa Al-Johani \Hayy Jameel)

“Even though I’m a hardcore gamer, I still prefer board games sometimes,” she said. “It’s really about the people you’re with — not just the game. The vibes, the laughs, the face-to-face time … it just feels more real.”

Norah Shobili, who recently tried Jackaroo, was similarly surprised by how engaging it was. “I used to think it was a kid’s game because they were the only ones playing it, but once I learned it, it was genuinely fun!”

People miss real-life connection. Playing face to face just hits different, especially these days.

Roaa Al-Johani

More than the gameplay itself, Shobili highlighted the intergenerational aspect of local games. “‏Back when Monopoly was the trend, kids wouldn’t play with elderly, because they’re kids they don’t know how to play, but with Jackaroo you see the elders team up with the young ones because they’re very good!”

CaptioA retro-style football board game draws family members together in an evening of lighthearted rivalry. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)n

Wojoud Aziz said that Saudi-made games resonate deeply with local culture: “They speak our language — literally. The humor, the names, the style — it all feels like home. You can tell they’re made by people who understand our culture and how we hang out.”

According to Aziz, board games are now a fixture in Saudi social life. “They weren’t always this big, but now? They’re part of the plan. I always see people playing them during family gatherings or chill hangouts.

A traditional Saudi game night with a personal twist — pastel-colored Hello Kitty cards meet local wooden game boards in a nostalgic, floor-style setup. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

“It gets super competitive but in a fun way, and everyone’s into it — even those who don’t usually play games.”

While most local games focus on fun, she believes there is more to them than meets the eye. “Some games really push you to focus, plan ahead and even read other players’ vibes. It’s low-key educational, too, but without making it feel like school, you know?”

Casual dominos outdoors. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The social value of these games is clear. “Board games have the advantage of being present with your family — if not verbally then at least physically,” Shobili said. “The whole family in one room, and as long as whoever you call will answer, that’s more than enough to spend quality time for me. It’s more about being there rather than doing something or talking.”

She also believes that Saudi game developers can take creative liberties, as long as they do not lose what matters most. “As long as they preserve the spirit of gatherings — being able to play as a big group regardless of age — they can develop however they want.”

That inclusivity is crucial. “Not all international games are translatable,” she said.

Looking ahead, both players and creators hope to see more storytelling and cultural depth in locally made games. “I’d love to see games that tell stories from our culture or dive into Saudi history in a fun, modern way,” Aziz said. “Something that mixes nostalgia with creativity — and hopefully goes global.”

As Saudis seek richer, more engaging ways to connect with friends and family, board games have become more than just entertainment — they are a bridge between generations, a spark for laughter, and a reason to put phones down and just be present.

 


The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans

Updated 20 April 2025
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The golden legacy of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province artisans

  • As Saudi Arabia’s economy grew and diversified, many goldsmiths pivoted from hands-on crafting

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province has, historically, been a hub for the making of gold jewelry. Families in Al-Ahsa and Qatif have been passing down this intricate art for centuries, forging the region’s cultural identity and fueling its commerce.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid the Kingdom’s economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Mohammed Al-Hamad, former head of the Gold and Jewelry Committee at the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, shared insights into the historical development of this profession in an interview with the SPA.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid  economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft. (SPA)

Al-Hamad comes from a long line of jewelry manufacturers and gold traders. He described the traditional methods of shaping gold using rudimentary tools to create distinctive jewelry. He explained that the traditional goldsmithing process began with melting gold in a crucible over hot coals using a leather bellows, followed by shaping it with a hammer and anvil, the essential tools of the trade.

According to Al-Hamad, early goldsmiths were not only skilled artisans but also adept merchants, engaging directly with customers in their shops, selling their creations, and reworking precious metals brought in by patrons.

Some even traveled extensively to trade in used gold, silver, and the gold embroidery of traditional cloaks (bisht), using scales and traditional weight measurements before the widespread adoption of the gram system.

FASTFACT

Early Saudi goldsmiths were not only skilled artisans but also adept merchants, engaging directly with customers in their shops and reworking precious metals brought in by patrons.

Transactions were often based on trust, with gold frequently sold on credit or entrusted to the goldsmith for repair or modification.

This change has sparked customer demand for unique designs, encouraging jewelers to use advanced machinery to innovate. (SPA)

Al-Hamad recalled that, as a child, he accompanied his father to purchase a 10-tola gold ingot —about 116 grams — for SR 600, a hefty sum back then.

He also mentioned a remarkable relic of the craft’s storied past — a legal document more than 200 years old recording the sale of a gold sandal, a testament to the artistry’s deep roots in the Eastern Province.

Artisans, he said, often crafted their own specialized tools and displayed their finished pieces in a traditional box known as a matbakah.

While some artisans have shifted to gold trading or other careers amid  economic transformation, many continue to practice their craft. (SPA)

As Saudi Arabia’s economy grew and diversified, many goldsmiths pivoted from hands-on crafting. Some opened shops, workshops, or even factories, while others pursued opportunities in national companies or government positions.

Al-Hamad sees his generation as a bridge, connecting the days of pure handcrafting to a new era of gold trading and specialized workshops.

Jaafar Al-Nasser, a young electrical engineering graduate from the US, chose to carry forward his family’s goldsmithing legacy, the SPA reported.

He has built a factory packed with cutting-edge technology. Al-Nasser said that the gold and jewelry industry has transformed dramatically, shaped by economic, cultural, and social shifts, particularly greater exposure to international cultures.

This change has sparked customer demand for unique designs, encouraging jewelers to use advanced machinery to innovate.

Al-Nasser said soaring gold prices have hit the industry hard. Larger pieces are costlier to craft, pushing designers to create lightweight jewelry. This focus on minimal weight is a core goal for today’s manufacturers, he noted — a delicate balance of artistry and practicality driving this traditional craft forward.

 


Saudi, Egypt transport ministers discuss enhancing cooperation

Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudi, Egypt transport ministers discuss enhancing cooperation

  • The two sides discussed opportunities for developing partnerships in various transportation activities

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser met Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El-Wazir recently in NEOM.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed opportunities for developing partnerships in various transportation activities, along with exchanging expertise in infrastructure, port connectivity and facilitating trade exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Egyptian minister’s visit included a series of meetings and sessions, along with a meeting with officials in NEOM, where future projects were reviewed, and cooperation opportunities in maritime transport and modern technologies were explored.

 


Saudi Arabia promotes cinema, talent at Beijing festival

Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia promotes cinema, talent at Beijing festival

  • The commission’s goal is to promote Saudi films and local talent and demonstrate the growth of the Kingdom’s film industry, while fostering collaboration with Chinese and Asian film sectors

RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission is taking part in the Beijing International Film Festival, being held in the Chinese capital from April 19-22.

Its presence reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding the global presence of Saudi cinema, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Launched in 2011, the Beijing International Film Festival is a leading event in Asia and globally, promoting cultural exchange and cinematic dialogue.

There is a Saudi pavilion for the commission and its partners, offering a platform to engage with visitors and filmmakers and emphasizing creative and investment opportunities in the Kingdom.

The program also features a special screening of “Norah,” which highlights local talent and the richness of Saudi Arabia’s artistic content.

The commission’s goal is to promote Saudi films and local talent and demonstrate the growth of the Kingdom’s film industry, while fostering collaboration with Chinese and Asian film sectors.

It also aims to position Saudi Arabia as a key destination for filmmakers and expand international partnerships, with the hope of cementing its place on the global cinema map.

 


Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

Updated 19 April 2025
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Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

  • The session included participation from several high school students
  • Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology

RIYADH: King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh hosted a scientific discussion featuring Japanese professor Sumio Iijima, the discoverer of carbon nanotubes and recipient of the 2025 King Faisal Prize in Science.
The session included participation from several high school students, along with various scientists and specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was part of the center’s initiatives aimed at enhancing communication between scientists and younger generations, and inspiring students to engage in scientific research and innovation.
During the session, Iijima shared his academic journey and the early challenges he faced, discussing the motivations that led him to discover carbon nanotubes using an electron microscope.
Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology. His efforts established a new field in solid-state physics and materials science.
The discussion also addressed the importance of nanomaterials for future applications and their use in diverse fields such as electronics, energy storage and biomedicine. His discovery laid the foundation for countless technological innovations in the 21st century.
Iijima answered numerous questions related to scientific research and offered advice and encouragement to those interested in science and technology.
King Salman Science Oasis is a leading national initiative dedicated to promoting scientific culture and stimulating creativity and innovation across all segments of society.