How building greener homes in Saudi Arabia could benefit the environment and well-being of homeowners

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Updated 11 May 2024
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How building greener homes in Saudi Arabia could benefit the environment and well-being of homeowners

  • Poor insulation of buildings and an overreliance on air conditioning is contributing to waste and environmental harm
  • Green building materials, energy efficiency, and water conservation techniques could make homes more sustainable

RIYADH: The concept of sustainable living has gained significant traction in recent years as individuals and communities strive to reduce their environmental impact.  

In Saudi Arabia, where rapid urbanization and economic growth have led to increased energy consumption and waste, the importance of adopting green living practices cannot be overstated.   

The first thing that people should be aware of is electricity consumption and energy conservation. By investing in solar technology, homeowners can reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lower their electricity bills in the long run.  

According to Thaer Qasem, senior energy engineer at SETS Saudi Arabia, a leading multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm, Saudi Arabia’s residential sector consumed more than 47 percent of the total electricity produced in 2022.

Home cooling accounts for the largest share of that residential consumption and may reach up to 70 percent of that share, while lighting and other household appliances account for the rest. 




By choosing green building materials, homeowners can not only lower their energy consumption and carbon footprint, but also create healthier living spaces for themselves and their families. (Shutterstock)

“When designing or buying a new home, it is important to consider the insulation levels of walls and windows,” Qasem told Arab News. “The choice of building orientation can also increase natural light and help reduce heat absorption. 

“To add value to your home, you may want to consider incorporating renewable energy systems like solar thermal units to heat domestic water and PV systems to generate electricity. 

“Other techniques include purchasing equipment with a high-energy efficiency label and setting the AC temperature to at least 23 C.” 

He added: “Smart home appliances and tools also provide excellent tools for conserving energy, allowing us to better monitor and control our usage and energy efficiency.”   

Integrating smart home technology for monitoring and controlling energy usage allows residents to optimize their energy consumption and identify areas where efficiency can be improved. 




Integrating smart home technology for monitoring and controlling energy usage allows residents to optimize their energy consumption and identify areas where efficiency can be improved.  (Shutterstock)

Proper insulation, sealing, and the use of efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems are also essential in preventing energy waste and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, especially during the sweltering summer months.

Similarly, using recycled glass in countertops or tiles not only diverts waste from landfills but also reduces the energy required to produce new materials.  

Also, selecting building materials with low volatile organic compounds can help maintain good indoor air quality, which is particularly important in a region like Saudi Arabia where individuals spend a significant amount of time indoors due to extreme temperatures. 

By choosing green building materials, homeowners can not only lower their energy consumption and carbon footprint but also create healthier living spaces for themselves and their families. 

Khalid Al-Harbi, an architect based in Riyadh, said a common misconception around sustainability is that it relies solely on the energy systems, equipment, and material choices used in the building. However, he believes a good design is an efficient design.  

“A well thought out architectural design that studies the needs of the users and considers the environmental factors will significantly reduce the cost and energy use of the building,” Al-Harbi told Arab News.

“Through studying the solar orientation of the sun in both summer and winter, we can decide on the most efficient placements of the windows and the shading systems needed such as exterior screens, outdoor shades, curtains, and so on, throughout the building.” 

He continued: “We must also understand how the users will use the building and consider their need for natural lighting, as well as their privacy. We manage to achieve a good balance between maximum amount of natural light and privacy by incorporating inner courtyards, skylights, and windows with screens.” 

Clay walls have emerged as a popular choice for eco-conscious homeowners due to their numerous benefits, including natural insulation properties, humidity regulation, and sustainability.  

According to Adam Weismann, founding director of Clayworks and Claymoon, a business that has participated in numerous projects in Saudi Arabia, including the Red Sea International Airport and the King Faisal Cultural Center, clay is a sustainable, non-toxic alternative.




A view of a traditional Arab mud brick village in Al Majmaah, Riyadh province. Clay walls have emerged as a popular choice for eco-conscious homeowners due to their numerous benefits, including natural insulation properties, humidity regulation and sustainability. (Shutterstock)

“From a sustainability perspective, clay has a very minimal carbon footprint because it is a pure substance with no chemicals,” Weismann told Arab News. 

“Additionally, from a toxicity perspective, there is nothing that clay can truly release into the atmosphere. Thus, using it is a highly healthy and beneficial solution.”  

Saudi Arabia is renowned for its clay houses, which fit seamlessly with the Kingdom’s natural aesthetic. Traditional architecture has long used sun-dried clay blocks, which remain cool during hot weather and release heat during the late hours when the temperature drops. 

“Since not everyone lives in a large home, apartments can also use clay walls and ceilings,” said Weismann. “Paint would be completely omitted and clay would typically be used instead. It has all the advantages of that, including helping to absorb toxins. 

“However, on a broader level, simply considering the materials you’re using and what you’re doing creates a small safe haven inside a larger apartment building where perhaps not as much thought was put into the materials.”

DID YOUKNOW?

• In 2022, Saudi Arabia’s residential sector consumed more than 47 percent of electrical output.

• Home cooling accounted for the largest share of that residential consumption.

• Air conditioning alone may soon account for 70 percent of consumption.

Weismann also proposed using clay under flooring with clay boards, which could be fitted with pipes carrying cool water, as an environmentally friendly alternative to air conditioning.

“Consequently, the building is being cooled by the cold water you are pushing through. That’s something I’d really like to explore in Saudi Arabia because I believe it would be beneficial for an eco-friendly home or apartment,” he added. 

In addition to using sustainable materials, implementing energy-efficient strategies is key to creating eco-friendly homes in Saudi Arabia. 

One effective approach is the installation of solar panels or solar water heaters to harness the abundant sunlight in the region and generate renewable energy for household needs. Saudi Arabia has an abundance of solar energy due to its hot climate. 

“However, a government incentive is needed to push people towards incorporating solar panels in their homes,” said Al-Harbi. “Many countries offer subsidies to their citizens where they help with 30-70 percent of the cost of solar systems. 

“The incentive programs are usually done with tax credits, lowering bills, low interest loans, etc. We’re confident that these types of programs will soon be implemented in the country.”

Part of the battle will be changing consumer behavior. Qasem believes raising awareness among families, including children, is essential to make effective energy savings. 

“Various easy methods make a big difference,” he said. “Turning off lights and AC when not needed, closing the windows and doors to conserve energy, using the washing machine at full capacity only, and using sunlight to your advantage are just a few.”  

When it comes to constructing eco-friendly homes in Saudi Arabia, the choice of building materials plays a crucial role. Opting for sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled glass, and reclaimed wood can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of a home. 

For instance, bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource that can be harvested without causing deforestation, making it an ideal alternative to traditional hardwoods.




Opting for sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled glass and reclaimed wood can significantly reduce a home’s environmental footprint. (Shutterstock)

According to Al-Harbi, what makes a material sustainable is its abundance in nature and the size of its carbon footprint — the amount of energy and carbon emissions required to produce and transport it.

“While bamboo is a much more sustainable material, the use of local materials might be a more eco-friendly option,” said Al-Harbi. 

“We are hoping that with the industrial boom the country is going through, we will see more local factories that produce recycled materials — glass, aluminum, and plastics — and eco-friendly building materials like glass wool, made of recycled plastics, and sheep wool insulation. 

“We would also benefit from finding innovative solutions to reuse materials from buildings that were recently demolished, instead of all the materials going to a landfill.”

Another aspect to consider is water efficiency. Water scarcity is a pressing issue in Saudi Arabia, making its conservation a critical aspect of green living.

Adopting water-efficient practices such as installing low-flow fixtures and water-efficient appliances can significantly reduce household water consumption.  

“Most of the water conservation solutions come from increasing the awareness of the users to how much water they’re using,” said Al-Harbi.

“Metering devices that monitor the consumption of water might be very informative to the residents about how much water they’re using. Of course, using water-efficient fixtures and appliances will also help with reducing the water consumption as well.”  

These simple upgrades not only help conserve water resources but also lower water bills for homeowners. Investing in rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and non-potable water needs can further reduce reliance on municipal water sources.

By capturing rainwater and using it for landscaping or other non-drinking purposes, homeowners can contribute to water conservation efforts and reduce the strain on local water supplies.




Drought-resistant plants such as these are now widely used for landscaping in Riyadh. (Shutterstock image)

Choosing drought-resistant plants for landscaping reduces the need for irrigation, promotes biodiversity, and enhances the overall sustainability of the home, while also preserving precious water resources for future generations. 

By incorporating green building materials, energy-efficient strategies, and water conservation techniques, individuals can contribute to sustainability efforts and create healthier, more efficient living spaces.

However, Al-Harbi believes achieving a fully “sustainable building” is extremely difficult and rare. He said: “Unfortunately, the materials and technologies we currently have in Saudi Arabia, as well as the codes and zoning restrictions, do not allow us to design green homes yet.”

As the demand for sustainable practices continues to grow, it is essential for homeowners in Saudi Arabia to prioritize eco-friendly choices in their homes to mitigate environmental impact and promote a more sustainable future. 

Embracing green living guidelines in homes in Saudi Arabia is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the well-being and finances of homeowners.
 


Saudi communications minister urges decisive action, global cooperation to address AI divide

Updated 12 July 2025
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Saudi communications minister urges decisive action, global cooperation to address AI divide

  • World faces ‘existential gap’ due to alarming disparities in access to AI technologies: Abdullah Al-Swaha 
  • Urgent action needed as the next 10 years will be critical for bridging the divides, he said at an ITU event

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia’s minister of communications and IT has called for “decisive international collaboration” to address the inequality in computing infrastructure that could leave other nations behind in this era of artificial intelligence.

In a keynote address at the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, Minister Abdullah Al-Swaha cited the “concentration of computing power in a few regions, the lack of AI infrastructure in many countries, and the limited participation of the Global South in shaping governance frameworks and regulatory policies.”

“Today, the world faces an ‘existential gap’ due to alarming disparities in access to AI technologies,” the minister said, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Alswaha said the world could learn lessons from the past phases of technological transformation: the analog era, which took over a century to connect 800 million people, and the digital era, which linked 5.5 billion individuals in just 50 years but still left 2.6 billion unconnected.

Minister Al-Swaha said Saudi Arabia under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had positioned the Kingdom as a global leader in the age of AI through a series of bold initiatives. (SPA)

In the AI era, he said, current gaps exist in computing infrastructure, data availability, and algorithms that could slow the advances needed to support human progress.

Al-Swaha reiterated Saudi Arabia’s ”unwavering commitment“ to support and lead international efforts to close the emerging technological divides. 

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to address these gaps, citing the digital empowerment of women in the Kingdom — who now have a participation rate of about 35 percent —  and the Kingdom’s top global rankings in digital competitiveness for two consecutive years. 

He also noted that researchers at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) rank among the top one percent globally in scientific citations, offering hope for the future of AI.

Minister Abdullah Al-Swaha and his delegation. (SPA)

He likewise underlined the Kingdom’s progress in data protection regulations and the development of ”language models that promote inclusive access to technology for diverse communities.“

Al-Swaha further cited the HUMAIN project launched by Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman "to provide the full spectrum of AI capabilities, from advanced processors to top talent, and to position the Kingdom as a global AI pioneer."

“The Kingdom’s efforts are a direct response to urgent global challenges,” he said.

Al-Swaha emphasized that the next 10 years will be critical for bridging the divides. He called for multination “partnerships under the umbrella of the ITU to build a fair, safe, and inclusive AI ecosystem that supports sustainable development and enhances human well-being.”


Al-Shaddad: A traditional invention reflecting human ingenuity in conquering the desert

Updated 12 July 2025
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Al-Shaddad: A traditional invention reflecting human ingenuity in conquering the desert

  • Used for riding camels and transporting supplies across deserts, it embodies the deep heritage and ingenuity of early communities in adapting to the harsh desert environment

RAFHA: The “shaddad” stands as one of the oldest artisanal innovations in the Arabian Peninsula, serving as an essential tool in Bedouin life.

Used for riding camels and transporting supplies across deserts, it embodies the deep heritage and ingenuity of early communities in adapting to the harsh desert environment.

Crafted from curved wood and fixed to the front and rear of a camel’s back, the shaddad is supported by a cushion placed between the wooden arcs, ensuring balance and comfort during long journeys. It served as a vital companion during nomadic travel, trade expeditions, and the transportation of passengers and goods over vast, rugged terrain.

Its design varies based on function, with one type designated for riding and another for carrying heavy loads — underscoring the profound bond between humans and camels, the indispensable icons of desert life.
 

Despite the evolution of modern transportation, the shaddad endures as a unique heritage icon. (SPA)

Despite the evolution of modern transportation, the shaddad remains a fixture in cultural and heritage displays, often featured as a decorative piece in guest areas and traditional markets. It serves as a symbol of authenticity and a tangible link to ancestral roots.

This artisanal innovation reflects the resourcefulness of ancient communities in utilizing local materials to create practical tools that reflect sustainability, innovation, and a cultural identity centered on the camel as a symbol of endurance, strength, and adaptability.

Today, the shaddad endures as a unique heritage icon, carrying a powerful message about the importance of preserving folklore and honoring its symbols in cultural forums, reinforcing values of self-reliance and harmony with nature.

 


How organic beekeeping is transforming a traditional Saudi industry into a model of sustainable growth

Updated 12 July 2025
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How organic beekeeping is transforming a traditional Saudi industry into a model of sustainable growth

  • Over 15,000 beekeepers in the Kingdom now use modern hives, transforming honey into a major economic and export sector
  • Government support, organic certification, and participation in exhibitions have helped scale production for international markets

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s honey sector is experiencing a quiet revolution, one that blends centuries-old beekeeping traditions with the precision of modern sustainable agriculture.

Once an overlooked element of rural life, honey production in the Kingdom is now gaining global recognition, fueled by organic certification, government support and the determination of pioneering beekeepers.

Among the leading figures shaping this transformation is Jassim Almughrabi, Saudi Arabia’s first certified organic honey producer and owner of Mughrabi Apiaries.

With decades of experience, including his tenure as a honeybee specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Almughrabi discussed with Arab News the profound shift that has taken place in recent years.

“After the government showed strong interest in organic agriculture, things became much more comfortable for us,” he said. 

“I had already registered as an organic honey producer, but when the Ministry of Agriculture started giving support and donations to beekeepers who wanted to convert from conventional to organic, our production improved significantly.”

This institutional backing has allowed local beekeepers to grow their operations and expand into new markets.

Almughrabi highlighted how the ministry not only facilitated certifications but also opened doors for beekeepers to participate in national exhibitions like BIOFACH Saudi Arabia, a major event now held annually in Riyadh.

Saudi beekeepers are now a regular participant in BIOFACH, the annual international exhibition for organic products sponsored by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. (SPA)

“Through the Organic Cooperative Society, we are even allowed to participate free of charge,” he said. “The government really helped us spread our presence in the field, and we thank them for that.”

At the heart of Saudi Arabia’s beekeeping heritage lies a deep knowledge of traditional methods, especially in the mountainous regions of Makkah, Madinah, Abha, Al-Baha and Taif.

For centuries, beekeepers in these areas used hollowed logs to house bees, drawing from nature to sustain their practices. While this form of beekeeping still holds cultural value, a shift began around 45 years ago when the ministry encouraged farmers to adopt modern beehive systems.

Mangrove trees along the Kingdom's Arabian Gulf coast pllay an important role in beekeeping. (Supplied)

“I was working in the Ministry of Agriculture back then,” said Almughrabi. “We conducted training courses to help traditional beekeepers transition to modern methods, like the Langstroth hive used in Europe and America. Now, more than 15,000 beekeepers across the Kingdom have adopted these techniques.”

This has transformed the industry, making Saudi honey a highly sought-after commodity.

Mansour Al-Mgaslah, beekeeper and supervisor of the Mangrove Honey Production Initiative said: “The honey sector in the Kingdom has witnessed a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by a growing awareness of the importance of sustainable beekeeping practices. 

Mangrove flowers help sustain bee populations. (Supplied)

“Beekeepers are now committing to environmental and health standards and adopting modern technologies to preserve the health of both bees and plants.”

This transition is not without its challenges. Desertification, pesticide use, and climate change are pressing environmental issues that threaten both bee populations and floral diversity.

However, both Almughrabi and Al-Mgaslah believe sustainable beekeeping offers practical solutions. By encouraging vegetation restoration and reducing chemical dependencies, beekeepers can help preserve ecosystems that bees and honey production rely on.

Beekeeping boxes set up for harvesting. (Supplied)

“Some of the major challenges include the shrinking of natural pastures and increasing desertification,” said Al-Mgaslah. “Sustainable beekeeping helps restore ecological balance by preserving bees as sensitive and effective environmental indicators.”

Al-Mgaslah shared the sentiment.

“Biodiversity is not just an environmental value. It is essential for ensuring the continuity of high-quality honey production,” he said. “Native plants such as sidr, samar, talh and mangrove provide bees with rich and pure nectar sources. Supporting this biodiversity contributes to building a more resilient and stable ecosystem.”

Almughrabi says government schemes have already begun to yield results. “When Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched the Saudi Green Initiative, valleys were protected from overgrazing and greenery started returning,” he said.

“This led to a noticeable increase in honey production. Ten years ago, we produced less than 1 kilogram of honey per hive. Now, we sometimes get 1.5 to 2 kilograms.”

The role of native bees and local flora in this equation cannot be overstated. Indigenous bee species, such as the Arabian honeybee, have shown better resilience and adaptability to the Kingdom’s varied climate.

Saudi Arabia’s honey industry is proving that sustainability, tradition, and innovation can work in harmony. (Supplied)

In contrast, imported bees often struggle to survive beyond one or two harvest cycles.

“In the middle of Saudi Arabia, beekeepers often use imported bees,” said Almughrabi. “But they aren’t as strong. Local bees are very good, very strong, and after the harvest we can even transport them to other regions like Jazan or Al-Lith, where the climate is warmer in winter. We don’t have to buy new bees every year.”

The cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s sustainable honey movement is its organic certification system, monitored by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. The process is rigorous and includes criteria such as pesticide-free pastures, natural nutrition without antibiotics or sugar, and complete traceability from hive to shelf.

With an organic certification system in place, Saudi Arabia's honey industry is poised to export to the world market. (Supplied)

“To be certified organic in the Kingdom means that your honey is free from any chemical or industrial interventions at every stage,” said Al-Mgaslah. “Beekeepers must meet strict environmental and documentation standards, and the certification is granted only through authorized, ministry-recognized bodies.”

With international demand for clean, traceable, and eco-conscious products on the rise, both experts believe Saudi Arabia is poised for a golden era in honey exports.

“The Kingdom holds an exceptional opportunity to become a global leader in organic honey production,” said Al-Mgaslah.

Locally produced honey. (Supplied)

“Thanks to its unique botanical diversity, rich heritage, and government support, Saudi honey can meet the growing global demand for authentic, natural products.”

Almughrabi added: “We believe the future of Saudi honey lies in expanding exports and entering niche markets that value quality and authenticity. With continued support, we can make Saudi honey a global name.”

In a land long associated with arid deserts, Saudi Arabia’s honey industry is proving that sustainability, tradition, and innovation can work in harmony. The result is more than just honey — it is a model for agricultural resilience and cultural pride.
 

 


Saudi Arabia praised at UN for global leadership on dust storm early warnings

Updated 12 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia praised at UN for global leadership on dust storm early warnings

  • The meeting highlighted the Kingdom’s $10 million commitment over five years to strengthen early warning systems

NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s international efforts to combat sand and dust storms were commended this week during a high-level meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The meeting highlighted the Kingdom’s $10 million commitment over five years to strengthen early warning systems and support countries vulnerable to dust storm impacts.

The initiative, led by Saudi Arabia in cooperation with regional centers affiliated with the World Meteorological Organization, was praised for enhancing forecasting and response capabilities.

Jumaan bin Saad Al-Qahtani, deputy CEO of the National Center of Meteorology, emphasized the Kingdom’s work through Vision 2030 programs such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives.

He also noted the establishment of the Regional Center for Dust and Sand Storms in Jeddah as a strategic hub for regional coordination, data exchange, and capacity building.

Saudi Arabia has hosted major research events, including the First International Conference on Dust and Sand Storms in Riyadh, and plans to hold a second edition in 2026.

Its environmental efforts have resulted in planting over 142 million trees and reclaiming more than 436,000 hectares of degraded land.

Al-Qahtani reaffirmed the Kingdom’s readiness to expand international partnerships to reduce dust sources, protect the environment, and improve resilience against climate change, SPA added.


New dates set for UN Palestinian statehood conference co-chaired by France, Saudi Arabia

Updated 12 July 2025
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New dates set for UN Palestinian statehood conference co-chaired by France, Saudi Arabia

  • Originally scheduled for June 17-20, the event was postponed after Israel launched its 12-day war against Iran on June 13
  • The aim of the conference, rescheduled for July 28-29, is the urgent adoption of concrete measures leading to implementation of a 2-state solution

NEW YORK: An international conference organized and co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France to discuss Palestinian statehood that was postponed last month has been rescheduled for later this month.

“The two-state solution ministerial conference will resume on July 28 and 29; details will be shared shortly,” diplomats confirmed to Arab News on Friday.

Originally scheduled for June 17-20, the event, officially titled the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, was postponed after Israel launched its 12-day military operation against Iran on June 13.

The event, convened by the UN General Assembly, will take place at the UN headquarters in New York. The aim is the urgent adoption of concrete measures that will lead to the implementation of a two-state solution and end decades of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.

At the time of the postponement last month, French President Emmanuel Macron said the conference was being put back for logistical and security reasons but insisted it would be held “as soon as possible.”

The delay did not “call into question our determination to move forward with the implementation of the two-state solution,” he added

Macron is expected to officially announce French recognition of a Palestinian state during the event. This week, he urged UK authorities to do the same.

Palestine is officially recognized by 147 of the UN’s 193 member states. It holds observer status within the organization but is denied full membership.

Speaking during a preparatory UN meeting in May, Manal Radwan, a counselor at the Saudi Foreign Ministry, said the conference comes at a moment of “historic urgency” in which Gaza was “enduring unimaginable suffering.”

She said Saudi Arabia was honored to stand with the other nations committed to diplomatic efforts to bring “real, irreversible and transformative change, to ensure, once and for all, the peaceful settlement of the question of Palestine.”