How Saudi Arabia’s green initiatives seek to advance sustainability goals of water-starved Middle East

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced in September this year plans for the Kingdom to establish a global water organization based in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Updated 07 December 2023
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How Saudi Arabia’s green initiatives seek to advance sustainability goals of water-starved Middle East

  • Up to 83 percent of MENA population found to be experiencing water scarcity owing to impact of climate change
  • Most Saudi consumers consider government leaders more concerned than business counterparts about water shortage and climate change

DUBAI: The global research nonprofit World Resources Institute says approximately 83 percent of the population in the Middle East and North Africa region faces water stress owing to the impact of climate change.

Despite being judged the globe’s richest country in terms of natural resources, Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most water-scarce countries. While the global benchmark for absolute water scarcity is 500 cubic meters per capita annually, Saudi Arabia’s availability is only 89.5 cubic meters.

As long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns cause water bodies to dry up, Saudi Arabia and its neighbors face a common challenge, that of providing their citizens and residents a reasonably good standard of living in the world’s most arid region.

In efforts to drive change, Saudi Arabia is taking a leading role in global forums, leveraging its influence at the G20 intergovernmental forum and the Clean Energy Ministerial to highlight not only environmental concerns but also regional expertise.

Nowhere is that more evident than at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference, or COP28, in Dubai where Jean-Francois Gagne, head of the secretariat at the Clean Energy Ministerial, stressed the importance of regional coordination in advancing ambitions to address climate change.




About 53 percent of Saudi consumers listed clean and safe water as a significant environmental concern. (AFP)

“Saudi Arabia has the advantage of being at the G20 table, allowing it to play a leadership role in bringing regional knowledge and environmental concerns to the international table. This is crucial because we need all regions of the world to move forward together,” Gagne previously told Arab News.

“When you have regional champions, it really helps making sure that there’s no one that gets left behind in terms of advancing our clean energy goals.”

In parallel, there has been a noticeable change in the Saudi public’s perception of the challenges posed by climate change in recent times.

The Ecolab Watermark Study, a global survey that measures consumers’ perception of water across 15 countries, indicates a high level of awareness by Saudi consumers, and both concern and optimism about overcoming climate challenges.

According to the study, which was launched in 2023, about 53 percent of Saudi consumers listed clean and safe water as a significant environmental concern, while 80 percent agreed that water scarcity can be effectively addressed.




Saudi Arabia currently relies heavily on groundwater and desalination plants to meet its water needs. (AFP)

“Saudi consumers are correct, and with a combination of strategies across government, business and industry, and adoption of smart water technologies, the management, conservation and security of water can be meaningfully addressed,” said Stefan Umiastowski, Ecolab’s senior vice president and market head of India, Middle East, Africa.

Saudi Arabia currently relies heavily on groundwater and desalination plants to meet its water needs, and with its fast-growing population and rapid industrial growth, demand is increasing.

Umiastowski pointed out that with the continued decline in groundwater levels and increased pressure on existing resources, an eventual water crisis cannot be ruled out.

“The good news is that sustainable water management practices and solutions are available and can be implemented quickly and effectively,” he told Arab News.

The Ecolab study found that despite a significant majority of consumers believing that water scarcity can be addressed, around 74 percent of them feel that businesses and manufacturers need clearer guidance and plans.

In fact, approximately three-quarters of Saudi consumers perceive government leaders as more concerned than business and nonprofit leaders about the necessity for water conservation and climate change.

“This insight on water stewardship from a consumer perspective indicates the need for both urgent and more visible action by business and industry to increase sustainability measures,” Umiastowski said.

Batoul Almutab, environmental, social and governance expert, and founder of Incora Consultancy, says there are indications of a change in how Saudi consumers view climate change as the Kingdom actively works to increase awareness and advocate for sustainable behaviors.

Almutab says this commitment is evident in the education system, where children are learning about sustainable practices as part of the nationwide school curriculum. She also believes that the younger generation of Saudis is far more likely to purchase items from brands that prioritize sustainability.

“In fact, 62 percent of Gen Z shoppers opt for sustainable brands, with 73 percent willing to spend more for sustainable products,” she told Arab News.

“While we have yet to have a collective cultural awakening, the generations to come will spearhead this shift.”

Despite the many initiatives aimed at addressing the question of water scarcity in Saudi Arabia, Almutab believes there is room for improvement.




Effective and sustainable water and waste management will be a significant step forward in addressing key environmental issues, said Daymion Jenkins. (AFP)

“The country is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. It has both limited freshwater resources and high consumption rates,” she said.

She lists the primary causes of water scarcity in the Kingdom as rapid population growth, increased urbanization and extensive agricultural activities, which have all put a strain on available sources.

Fortunately, according to Umiastowski, water consumption can be reduced, reused, made more efficient and better secured.

“From consumer, to business, to industry, to government, actions and solutions are possible. Awareness is certainly increasing, and implementation has started, but needs to be accelerated quickly,” he said.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced in September this year plans for the Kingdom to establish a global water organization based in Riyadh.

This initiative demonstrates the Kingdom’s dedication to worldwide cooperation in addressing water scarcity issues and advocating for responsible management practices.

Saudi Arabia has also made significant commitments to addressing global water supply challenges. The Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones has launched the Voluntary Commitment to Water Sustainability initiative, which is aligned with the country’s focus on enhancing water security for economic and social progress.

“These initiatives send clear signals that Saudi Arabia is dedicated to tackling domestic water security challenges, and leaning on global lessons learned about how to effectively manage the source and quality of groundwater supplies, to ensure resilience in a period of rapid social and economic growth,” Daymion Jenkins, director of earth and environment at Canadian consulting firm WSP’s Middle East branch, told Arab News.

The Water Act, part of Saudi Vision 2030, also sets out a range of key actions to address challenges. This includes central ownership and licensing for the use and exploitation of water resources, as well as the preparation of a national strategy and emergency management plan for supply.

“As these policies and guidance develop, there will be a coherent plan to managing the risks associated with water integrity and supply. There is significant technical work required to develop these strategies, which are critical to address potential water scarcity in the Kingdom,” said Jenkins.




Saudi Arabia has also made significant commitments to addressing global water supply challenges. (AFP)

He points out that at least 40 percent of Saudi Arabia’s water supply comes from groundwater, and in certain instances the reliability of these sources is critical.

Moreover, excessive extraction of groundwater could diminish their yield, causing problems for regions heavily dependent on this scarce resource to meet the needs of densely populated urban areas, agricultural lands and industrial zones.

“Aquifers, which store and supply these groundwater sources, include shallow water bodies which have the capacity to recharge, and ‘fossil’ water supplies, which are isolated within deep geology and are finite resources,” said Jenkins.

INNUMBERS

• 89.5 cubic meters Saudi Arabia’s water availability per capita annually.

• 53% Saudi consumers see water scarcity as a concern.

• 73% Gen Z shoppers willing to spend more on sustainable brands.

A good case in point is Saudi Arabia’s northeast, he said, where water supply mainly comes from groundwater.

A fuller understanding of these aquifer systems and the implementation of effective management practices will contribute significantly to aligning extraction rates with recharge rates from elevated areas, he said. This alignment would, in turn, sustain their long-term viability and positively impact overall water security, he added.

In this context, Jenkins says it is important to note that waste management forms the foundation of many environmental initiatives.




80 percent of Saudis agreed that water scarcity can be effectively addressed. (AFP)

Programs aimed at reduction, recycling, efficient utilization of waste for green energy generation, and the promotion of a circular economy, where materials are reused beneficially, are crucial components of this agenda.

“Saudi Arabia has stated objectives to divert 82 percent of waste from landfill, with significant recycling, composting and waste-to-energy targets,” he said. Effective and sustainable water and waste management will be a significant step forward in addressing key environmental issues, he added.

All things considered, there is little doubt that Saudi Arabia’s government is actively pursuing multiple measures and unconventional initiatives to combat water scarcity.

These efforts encompass stringent regulations and standards governing usage, the promotion of applicable technologies and practices, and substantial investments in research and development aimed at fostering innovative solutions for water management.

“Saudi Arabia has the right tools to address the water scarcity problem effectively,” Umiastowski said. “And with continued investment in research and innovation, public awareness and education, and collaboration with international expertise, it can become more water secure.”


Taif Municipality launches tree-planting initiative

Updated 20 June 2025
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Taif Municipality launches tree-planting initiative

  • The mayor of Taif, Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Zaidi, affirmed that the municipality will help everyone meet the development needs of their neighborhoods

RIYADH: Taif Municipality launched the “Neighborhood Friends” initiative to establish a volunteer team to plant trees around housing units in the Taif governorate and identify the needs of occupants, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to SPA, the initiative aims to enhance communication with beneficiaries of developmental housing, identify the units’ issues, engage volunteers in tree planting, activate professional volunteering, encourage individual participation, and acknowledge the importance of social responsibility in serving the community.

Engineers and specialists are also involved in this project.

The mayor of Taif, Abdullah bin Khamis Al-Zaidi, affirmed that the municipality will help everyone meet the development needs of their neighborhoods.

He also pointed out that this initiative is a pivotal intersection between community engagement and urban development, as it represents a collaborative process in which residents and other stakeholders work together to create a shared vision for their neighborhood’s future.


Healthy demand — pumpkin production on the rise in Qassim

Updated 20 June 2025
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Healthy demand — pumpkin production on the rise in Qassim

  • Promising crop supports local food safety and achieves notable economic revenues

BURAIDAH: It may be classed as a fruit, but pumpkin has become a key ingredient in cuisines around the world, thanks to its versatility and nutritional value.

And in Qassim, thanks to a favorable climate and agricultural conditions coupled with rising local demand, pumpkin production is enjoying significant growth.

Farmer Saleh bin Hamad Al-Saab spoke to the media about his experience of growing the fruit. (SPA)

Recorded health benefits of eating pumpkin include enhanced vision and better immunity. It also supports heart health, helps weight loss and promotes healthy skin and hair, as well as providing important nutrients and being low in calories.

Farmer Saleh bin Hamad Al-Saab spoke to the media about his experience of growing the fruit.

Possible, beneficial and promising

“Pumpkin cultivation in Qassim is not only possible, but also beneficial and promising,” he said.

“There are different kinds, including field pumpkin, butternut squash, kabocha squash, and even spaghetti squash, which is gaining increasing popularity.”

Each variety has its own uses and benefits. Field pumpkin is used in soups and baked goods, while butternut squash is a rich source of beta-carotene and spaghetti squash is a healthier alternative to pasta. As for white pumpkin, it is especially popular for festive decorations and seasonal occasions.

Recorded health benefits of eating pumpkin include enhanced vision and better immunity. (FILE/AFP)

Al-Saab said that as pumpkin did not need huge amounts of water or pesticides to grow successfully, and it could be stored for long periods without deteriorating, it was considered a promising economic crop. Drip irrigation systems and the cultivation of diverse varieties have also significantly enhanced crop quality and boosted productivity.

The farmer highlighted the public’s growing awareness of pumpkin as a healthy food choice and said there were a number of opportunities to develop other industries around the crop, such as juices, dehydrated foods and cosmetics.

This promising crop supports local food safety and achieves notable economic revenues, reflecting the agricultural sector’s role in meeting the Kingdom’s sustainable development targets.


Solstice ushers in start of summer 2025 on Saturday

Updated 20 June 2025
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Solstice ushers in start of summer 2025 on Saturday

  • It is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere

RIYADH: The summer solstice, which marks the season’s astronomical beginning, will take place on Saturday, June 21, according to the Jeddah Astronomical Society.

The Kingdom will witness the solstice at 5.42 a.m. Makkah time, when the sun will be directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer, latitude .
The skies of the Kingdom and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere will witness the summer solstice Saturday at 5:42 am Makkah time.

At this moment, the sun will be directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer, latitude 23.5 degrees north. This year, the summer will last for 93 days.

Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, said: “On this day, the sun rises from the far northeast and sets in the far northwest. At noon, the shadows of objects are the shortest of the year, and the sun’s apparent path takes its highest arc northward, placing it at its highest altitude in the sky during the year, especially in areas north of the equator.”

The summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its apparent northernmost point in the sky. This coincides with the Earth reaching a position in its orbit where its axis is tilted at the maximum angle (23.5 degrees) toward the sun, causing the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the situation is reversed.

Abu Zahra added: “The summer solstice does not occur on the same day every year, but rather between June 20 and 22, due to the difference between the calendar year (365 days) and the tropical year (365.2422 days), along with the gravitational effects of the moon and planets and the slight fluctuations in the Earth’s rotation, which are compensated for by adding a leap day every four years.”

He said it was important to differentiate between the astronomical summer and climatic summer.

Meteorologists consider summer to extend from June 1 to August 31, while in astronomy, summer begins when the sun reaches its maximum altitude — the day of the summer solstice.

Abu Zahra said although this was the longest day of the year in terms of the number of hours of sunlight, it was not necessarily the hottest.

This is because the oceans, land and atmosphere take time to absorb and store solar energy, and then release it again. This delay in the perception of heat is known as “seasonal lag,” so temperatures typically peak in July or August.

Ancient Greek scholars, led by Eratosthenes, used their observations on the summer solstice to calculate the Earth’s circumference with amazing accuracy using simple geometric principles. 

After the summer solstice, the sun will appear to move southward again in the sky, and daylight hours will gradually decrease until the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22.


How AI and microtools are empowering the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs

Updated 20 June 2025
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How AI and microtools are empowering the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs

  • AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours weekly, boosting efficiency and freeing time for growth
  • Social media remains a key starting point, but surveys show long-term success depends on managing a dedicated digital presence

JEDDAH: Digitalization has reshaped how entrepreneurs get started — particularly in the early stages. Increasingly, small businesses are launching via platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, bypassing the traditional route of setting up a dedicated website.

These social-first entrepreneurs are meeting customers where they already spend time, turning social media from a communication tool into a sales platform.

“Generative AI is reshaping the future of business, and when combined with digital marketing, the results are transformative,” Selina Bieber, vice president for international markets at the US-based web hosting company GoDaddy, told Arab News.

With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever. (Supplied)

According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, 22 percent of small business owners in the Middle East and North Africa now run their businesses primarily on social media.

This trend highlights the rising importance of social commerce, especially for solo founders and part-time business operators.

However, running a business solely on social platforms comes with risks. Visibility may be high, but ownership and control are limited. Algorithm changes or policy shifts can dramatically affect a business’s ability to reach customers or generate income.

Shoppers also tend to look for additional signals of trust before making a purchase. A professional website, for example, often strengthens a business’s credibility.

According to The State of Digital Commerce in MENA 2024 report by Checkout, 73 percent of online shoppers in the region are more confident buying from businesses that have a website, rather than relying exclusively on social media accounts.

In response to this shift, new digital tools have emerged to support social-first entrepreneurs.

Features such as branded microsites, product catalogues, and smart links — often packaged into accessible platforms — help founders establish a more centralized and professional presence online without needing advanced technical knowledge.

Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role in this transition, helping entrepreneurs move more quickly from concept to launch. It can assist in writing product descriptions, developing pricing strategies, and automating customer engagement.

Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment. (Supplied)

Internal data suggests AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours a week — a meaningful benefit for entrepreneurs managing limited time and resources.

Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment.

Saudi Arabia has emerged as a particularly dynamic arena for these digital shifts.

In 2023, GoDaddy signed a partnership agreement with the Kingdom’s General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises — Monsha’at — to equip Saudi entrepreneurs with the digital tools and training needed to build their online presence.

Signing of the Go Daddy-Monsha'at partnership by Mohammed Alamro, general manager of entrepreneurship planning at Monsha’at, and Selina_Bieber, Go Daddy's VP for international markets. (Go Daddy photo)

The agreement, signed during the Biban 23 entrepreneurship forum in Riyadh, aimed to empower aspiring business owners through workshops, seminars, and a planned business accelerator.

It also included support for Monsha’at Academy and content initiatives to share local success stories.

“We’re inspired to see Saudi entrepreneurs and small business owners feel confident in embracing technology and in their approach to entrepreneurship,” said Bieber.

While social media remains a powerful tool for customer engagement, long-term growth often requires a more permanent digital footprint.

A dedicated website, complemented by tools like GoDaddy’s Show in Bio, can provide an added layer of credibility and security — something that social media accounts alone may not guarantee.

With the rise of impersonation and questionable accounts online, many customers check whether a business has a standalone website before making a purchase.

The latest generation of entrepreneurs is pragmatic and digitally fluent. While they may start on social media, many are increasingly looking for tools that offer more autonomy, control, and brand distinction.

Combining a social-first approach with a professional online presence can offer the credibility and resilience needed for sustainable growth.

“GoDaddy continues to level the playing field by offering powerful, affordable tools that allow small businesses to elevate their marketing and achieve real success,” said Bieber.

With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever.

Social media may be where the journey starts — but building lasting value depends on owning and shaping your own digital presence.
 

 


Saudi science university makes world’s top 100

Updated 19 June 2025
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Saudi science university makes world’s top 100

  • KFUPM jumped to 67th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings from 101st last year

DHAHRAN: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals has achieved a milestone by entering the list of the world’s top 100 establishments, ranking 67th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings after being 101st last year.

The transformation has taken place across academic, research, and administrative domains. Nearly 100 new programs have been launched, including innovative undergraduate and graduate offerings.

The university has also introduced the region’s first entrepreneurship program, granting students and researchers full ownership of their startups in a move that reflects a modern, innovation-driven academic culture focused on economic empowerment.

In addition, the university has adopted the FAST transformation model and the AI+X initiative, which integrates artificial intelligence as an integral knowledge component across all disciplines, making it a core academic requirement for all students.

The university has also achieved the highest female enrollment rate in engineering programs globally, and attracted students from more than 75 countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency.