How Saudi Arabia is using wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and the green transition to preserve its ecosystems

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Updated 03 February 2024
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How Saudi Arabia is using wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and the green transition to preserve its ecosystems

  • Harnessing renewables and promoting biodiversity are key to climate action, environmental experts tell Arab News
  • Saudi Green Initiative aims to cut emissions, plant 10 million trees and safeguard 30 percent of the Kingdom’s territory

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia aims to be at the forefront of environmental protection through initiatives aimed at restoring and maintaining the ecological balance, which promotes harmonious and flourishing ecosystems.

Climate action, clean energy, and preserving habitats are just some of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals incorporated into Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The SDGs serve as a blueprint for achieving a balanced ecosystem for wildlife, water, and the environment in the Kingdom.

Without balance, ecosystems face major challenges from global warming, water shortages, and the loss of biodiversity.

Carlos Duarte, a distinguished professor of marine science at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and Tarek Ahmed Juffali Research Chair in Red Sea Ecology, has spent 40 years researching ocean ecosystems.

 

 

“Loss of biodiversity reduces the capacity of ecosystems to maintain their functions under stress, such as under climate change,” Duarte told Arab News. “It directly impacts food security, but also by undermining pollination, the nursery role of many ecosystems for fisheries, and pest and disease control.

“It also represents the loss of natural products and genes of potential interest in pharma, cosmetic, food, energy, and environment applications before we have even discovered them.

“These are the major consequences of biodiversity loss, climate change and the impact of widespread pollution on our societies, economies, and well-being. The emerging concept is one of ‘one health,’ which recognizes that our health and that of our ecosystems are intimately linked, so that there are no healthy people on a sick planet.”

National Center for Wildlife

Established in 1986, the National Center for Wildlife is responsible for protecting and preserving plants and animals in Saudi Arabia.

The center is leading the initiative to expand the Kingdom’s protected land and sea area to 30 percent, to help rehabilitate ecosystems and enrich biodiversity.

 

DIDYOU KNOW

1

The fine for unauthorized hunting in Saudi Arabia amounts to SR10,000 ($2,666) while fines for harming living animals range from SR1,500 to SR200,000.

2

Fines for violators of logging regulations start at SR1,000 and can reach SR20 million. Penalties can be doubled for repeat violations.

3

The National Center for Wildlife prohibits the hunting of all types of animals or birds within the borders of cities, villages, centers, farms, and rest houses, within various proximities to populated areas, as well as military and industrial centers, various institutions, and within protected areas and major projects. It also prohibits hunting along the Saudi coast at an inland limit of 20 km.

4

The NCW presented an infographic pointing out article 4 of the Executive Regulations for Wildlife Hunting, which prohibits hunting predators such as the Arabian leopard, hyenas, wolves, jackals, lynxes, sand cats, common genets, and honey badgers.

5

Hunting endemic birds in the Kingdom is also prohibited, in addition to ungulates, including the Arabian oryx, the sandy-colored goitered antelope, the mountain gazelle (whether found in mountains or on the Farasan Islands), and the Nubian ibex.

It is also involved in 10 breeding programs to aid the reintroduction and propagation of endangered species including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, mountain ibex, bustards, and ostriches, as well as predators, such as the Arabian wolf, striped hyena, lynx, and cheetah.

The NCW recently collaborated with the Saudi Konoz Initiative, under Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Media’s Center for Government Communication, on “Horizon,” a Netflix documentary showcasing the Kingdom’s diverse wildlife.

Saudi Green Initiative

Inaugurated in 2021, the Saudi Green Initiative features 81 projects designed to cut carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes per year, plant 10 million trees across the country, and safeguard habitats.




Caption

The SGI uses the circular carbon economy, a framework focused on managing emissions. Saudi Arabia has implemented more than 30 CCE initiatives across the energy system to date.

One of the SGI’s focus areas is “whole-of-society action,” which encourages the public and private sectors to work together and enables citizens to participate.

Red Sea Global

 

The Red Sea is home to the world’s fourth-biggest barrier reef, where marine life and coral thrive.

Established in 2018, Red Sea Global aims to transform the Kingdom’s west coast into a world-class tourism and hospitality destination.




Rendering of a Red Sea Global project off Umluj and Al-Wajh in Tabuk province. (Supplied)

Located between Umluj and Al-Wajh, the project covers an area of 28,000 square kilometers.

Omar Al-Attas, head of environmental protection and regeneration at Red Sea Global, told Arab News the firm aims to protect ecosystems by using 100 percent renewable energy and promoting “regenerative tourism.”

“One of the strategic goals that we are trying to realize is achieving 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040 by enhancing biologically diverse habitats including mangroves, seagrass, corals, and land vegetation,” he said.

The RSG is currently working on seven SGI projects, which include establishing the largest marine-protected area in the region. It also aims to limit development and visitor footfall to protect the environment




Launched in 2017, NEOM's Oxagon project in Tabuk features a floating industrial complex, global trade hub, tourist resorts and a linear city powered by renewable energy sources. (Supplied)

“We made the decision to develop only 22 of the more than 90 islands,” Attas said. “We limited our development to accommodate no more than 1 million visitors a year at the Red Sea and 500,000 at AMAALA,” two of RSG’s luxury projects.

However, Attas believes society as a whole has a role to play in environmental protection.

“Individuals can help promote a balanced ecosystem by reducing waste, conserving water and energy, planting native species, using sustainable transportation, supporting local and sustainable food, minimizing chemical use, protecting natural habitats, educating others about environmental issues, and supporting conservation organizations,” he said.




Society as a whole has a role to play in environmental protection, says Omar Al-Attas, head of environmental protection and regeneration at Red Sea Global. (Supplied)

NEOM Green Hydrogen Company

The world’s biggest green hydrogen plant at NEOM’s Oxagon is expected to be fully operational by 2026, producing up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen per day.

Green hydrogen is made through a process of electrolysis using only renewable energy sources, which makes it carbon free to produce. When hydrogen undergoes combustion, it produces nothing but water vapor, so it is also carbon free to use.

The Kingdom aims to be the world’s largest hydrogen energy producer and exporter, producing up to 4 million tons of clean hydrogen per year.




Illustration showing the Oxagon's green hydrogen project. (X: @NGHC_)

Duarte says these projects are raising community awareness about the importance of sustainable living.

“We can only promote a balanced ecosystem if we are aware of the broader consequences of our choices and behavior,” he said. “Our choices of energy source and delivery systems for transport or illumination, our respect for water — essential for a Bedouin culture where the respect for scarce water resources was of absolute importance — and the responsible generation and disposal of waste are all key elements of our footprint on the environment.

“Vision 2030 has not only brought about a commitment with sustainable development that is far more sincere and pervasive than I have seen in any other nation; it has also reconnected Saudi society with a heritage of sustainability and commitment as custodians of biodiversity and ecosystem that is reflected in projects around the Kingdom, from the Red Sea Project to AlUla and Diriyah Gate.”

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Crome London’ Cafe in Riyadh

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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Crome London’ Cafe in Riyadh

  • Crome London offers a variety of French toast options, including the berry best, maple syrup, chocoholic, and lotus and banana

Nestled in Riyadh Park Mall, Crome London is a charming cafe offering great food and a stunning rooftop view of the Kingdom’s capital.

Having visited a couple of times, I’ve had the opportunity to explore their menu and experience the inviting atmosphere.

I’ve enjoyed several dishes during my visits, starting with the freddo cappuccino, which was fantastic. The Nutella croissant was equally delightful — rich and indulgent. The prices were reasonable for the quality.

On another occasion, I tried the red velvet French toast, which was delicious with just the right amount of sweetness.

The green tea and flat white I ordered were decent, though I found them a bit overpriced compared to other options.

One standout feature of this cafe is the food presentation; each dish is served with an artistic touch, making it Instagram-worthy.

I also sampled their tiramisu, honey cakes, and latte. The tiramisu was classic and creamy, while the honey cakes were light and flavorful. The latte was perfectly smooth and frothy.

Crome London also offers a variety of French toast options, including the berry best, maple syrup, chocoholic, and lotus and banana.

They also serve brunch items like Benedict French toast and smashed avocado French toast, along with fried chicken and sweet brioche.

However, my experience was not without its drawbacks. On one visit, I waited for half an hour without anyone checking on me, which was disappointing. Given the cafe’s welcoming atmosphere, I expected better service.

 


Drama therapy workshop in Jeddah explores healing power of expression

Psychologist Lujain Faqerah and actor Abdul Al-Shareef, center, with attendees at the drama therapy workshop in Jeddah.
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Drama therapy workshop in Jeddah explores healing power of expression

  • Faqerah told Arab News: “Drama is integrated naturally in our daily responses and situations

JEDDAH: A drama therapy workshop was recently organized under the theme: “In drama we find the power to express, and in expression we find the power to heal,” at Cinema Al-Balad in Jeddah.

Led by Lujain Faqerah, senior psychologist and creative arts supervisor, in collaboration with actor and screenwriter Abdul Al-Shareef, the workshop explored the use of drama therapy in daily life and creative work.

Participants, including therapists, creatives, and others, learned how drama can support emotional awareness, healing, and connection.

The workshop showed how drama-based therapeutic techniques can help people access unconscious behaviors, foster self-expression, and improve creative practices such as screenwriting and acting.

Faqerah told Arab News: “Drama is integrated naturally in our daily responses and situations. In a therapeutic setting, it helps us observe these interactions and reflect on a deeper level of our unconscious body gestures and movements that might reveal a lot about our personalities.”

She made it clear that drama therapy is not about performing but about expressing what lies beneath — emotions, memories, or internal conflicts.

Faqerah said: “The word drama has a negative connotation to the extent that people reject it before trying. Drama therapy does not depend on acting skills or previous experience, but more on your self-expression and the challenges you experience.”

Her discovery of drama therapy was transformative. “It surprised me with the appearance of a hidden part of me that is more bold and confident. When this part emerged and I saw the benefits myself, I started incorporating it in my profession.”

Al-Shareef brought a creative perspective as an actor and screenwriter new to drama therapy but interested in its techniques.

“As an actor and a writer, I found this experiment with drama supervision and therapy fascinating. It’s a tool that I am willing to explore and learn more about to enhance my life and practice,” he said.

“Some people may think drama therapy is exclusively for artists, but it’s not. The techniques can be integrated into everyday routines, varying from person to person depending on their challenges.”

 


Saudi Arabia hosts relatives of Palestinian prisoners and martyrs for Hajj pilgrimage

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Saudi Arabia hosts relatives of Palestinian prisoners and martyrs for Hajj pilgrimage

  • Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance received 500 pilgrims from Gaza on Monday
  • Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program has hosted thousands of Hajj, Umrah pilgrims since establishment in 1996

MAKKAH: Hundreds of relatives of Palestinian political prisoners and martyrs who have died in the conflict with Israel have arrived to perform Hajj as part of Saudi Arabia’s Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance received 500 pilgrims from Gaza on Monday, bringing the number of those performing Hajj and arriving from Palestine to 1,000.

Palestinian pilgrims arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and were later hosted in the program’s special accommodation in the holy city of Makkah. They praised Saudi Arabia and its leadership for serving Muslims and the two holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program has hosted thousands of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims since its establishment in 1996.

The program this year is set to host 2,443 Hajj pilgrims from 100 countries. They started arriving in the Kingdom in May.


Saudi Arabia’s KAUST study finds gall crabs use fluorescence to blend into coral homes

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Saudi Arabia’s KAUST study finds gall crabs use fluorescence to blend into coral homes

  • Marine scientists discover fluorescence as a camouflage strategy in coral-symbiotic crabs

JEDDAH: Marine researchers from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have discovered that gall crabs use highly evolved fluorescence to help conceal themselves within coral hideouts.

Susanne Bahr, a KAUST marine science doctoral student, observed that gall crabs fluoresce during night dives, according to a recent report.

Bahr said: “I had been working with these crabs for some time, so this observation was intriguing. I started reading about fluorescence.

Bahr and colleagues collected 286 gall crabs from 14 genera, sampling from all known host coral genera in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. (Supplied)

“It’s well-studied in reef fish, which have many functions, but less is known about fluorescence in crustaceans. Crabs and shrimps are very diverse, so I wondered if similar patterns occur in crustaceans as in fish.”

Bahr and colleagues collected 286 gall crabs from 14 genera, sampling from all known host coral genera in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

They developed an imaging technique to identify which parts of the crabs fluoresced and how much. They also performed a morphological analysis and built an evolutionary tree based on genomic sequencing.

Gall crabs do more than just live among corals: they have a strong symbiotic relationship. Some invertebrates hide in coral branches and crevices, but for gall crabs, the connection is deeper, the report said.

The researchers suggest that fluorescence evolved in various gall crab species to help camouflage them in their coral dwellings. Different species inhabit different coral structures — such as open tunnels or enclosed galls — and their fluorescence patterns influence their visibility.

Bahr gave an example of a species living in cylindrical coral pits. “The back of the crab sticks out slightly. Its fluorescence pattern disrupts its outline, disguising its shape.”

Francesca Benzoni, Bahr’s supervisor at KAUST, emphasized the importance of understanding coral reef ecosystems. “Gall crabs are among many invertebrates living with corals on tropical reefs,” she said.

Benzoni added: “Much remains to be discovered about cryptic and poorly studied reef invertebrates, their biology, ecological role, and their contribution to coral reef resilience in the Red Sea and worldwide.”

Bahr said: “I want my research to highlight the importance of coral-associated invertebrates and their role in coral reef ecosystems.”

“They are often overlooked, and we need to understand their abundance, reasons for presence, and their role in reef persistence and resilience.”

 


First phase of historic Sheikh’s Fortress renovation completed in Rijal Almaa

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First phase of historic Sheikh’s Fortress renovation completed in Rijal Almaa

  • Sheikh’s Fortress is one of three heritage sites receiving emergency repairs through a collaboration between Soudah Development and the Tourist Villages Cooperative Society of Rijal Almaa, under a deal signed last year

RIYADH: The first phase of renovating the historic Sheikh’s Fortress site in Rijal Almaa was recently completed by Soudah Development, a Public Investment Fund company.

It is one of the heritage sites in Jareen, one of six development zones within the Soudah Peaks project, according to a report.

Sheikh’s Fortress is one of three heritage sites receiving emergency repairs through a collaboration between Soudah Development and the Tourist Villages Cooperative Society of Rijal Almaa, under a deal signed last year.

The emergency restorations process of the Fortress is a partnership between the investment fund company and the Tourist Villages Cooperative Society of Rijal Almaa. (Supplied)

The collaboration includes emergency repairs of Sheikh’s Fortress, Bee House and Hamidiyah Fortress, the report said.

It is part of broader efforts by Soudah Development to preserve and protect architectural and cultural heritage within the Soudah Peaks project area, which includes about 300 historical and cultural sites.

The goal is to provide exceptional experiences for tourists and residents, create job opportunities, and boost the regional and national economy.

With the first phase of repairs complete, Sheikh’s Fortress will symbolize the region’s rich architectural, cultural and historical identity, and help promote local heritage.

Soudah Peaks will be a luxury mountain destination inspired by local architectural identity. The project includes six distinctive zones: Tahlal, Sahab, Sabrah, Jareen, Rijal and Red Rock.

It will offer luxury tourism, hospitality and residential experiences, and is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs while generating long-term economic impact for the region and the Kingdom.