How the Arabian oryx became a symbol of environmental regeneration in Saudi Arabia

Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the Arabian oryx is now thriving in protected areas across the region. (Supplied)
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Updated 01 June 2024
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How the Arabian oryx became a symbol of environmental regeneration in Saudi Arabia

  • The species was rescued thanks to the rewilding efforts and breeding programs of Saudi conservationists
  • Its numbers had dwindled dramatically over past decades owing to overhunting, drought, and habitat loss

JEDDAH: The Arabian oryx, a desert antelope native to the peninsula, holds immense cultural significance, evidenced by its many ancient rock-art depictions found throughout the region. And yet, this distinctive species was driven to the brink of extinction.

The Arabian oryx has been rescued from oblivion thanks to the proactive rewilding efforts of Saudi Arabia’s conservationists — reversing the devastating toll that years of overhunting and habitat loss has taken on its fragile population.

While once in critical decline, they can now be found in the wild across Arabia, including in Saudi Arabia’s historic northwestern AlUla region and the northeastern reaches of the Kingdom.

Today, the species is not only a symbol of the heritage of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East but emblematic of environmental renewal.

Their numbers had dwindled dramatically over recent decades owing to overhunting, drought, poisoning, and habitat encroachment as agriculture and human settlements expanded, depriving them of grazing pasture.

In 1972, the last wild Arabian oryx was killed by hunters in Oman. Hunters have long prized the animals for their horns and meat.

To save the Arabian oryx from extinction, international organizations launched a scheme to capture wild specimens and establish breeding centers. With their numbers since restored, groups have been reintroduced into their original habitats.

Saudi Arabia has played a crucial role by establishing specialized breeding centers and veterinary facilities for the Arabian oryx. Many have been relocated to protected areas that best mirror their natural habitats, to help them flourish in the wild.

The creation of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve in 2018 offered an ideal setting in which the species could multiply. A breeding program established by the reserve in 2021 resulted in a 60-fold increase in the Arabian oryx population by early 2024.




Hunters targeted the Arabian oryx for its horns and its meat, leading to a significant decrease in its numbers. (Supplied)

Abdulmajeed Al-Dhaban, deputy executive vice president of operations at the reserve, said the Arabian oryx’s resilience in its harsh desert habitat is because of its heat-reflective white coat and ability to go without water for long periods.

In fact, the species can survive for up to 11 months without drinking water by obtaining fluids from dew and desert plants.

“The reserve’s conservation efforts extend across various fronts, including collaboration with governmental bodies and local communities to develop regulations protecting the Arabian oryx from poaching and illegal trade,” Al-Dhaban told Arab News.

“Educational campaigns raise awareness about conservation, with schools and local institutions actively involved in educating younger generations.

“Scientific research and monitoring are supported to better understand the Arabian oryx’s needs and develop effective protection strategies. Additionally, sustainable development and ecotourism are emphasized to promote wildlife growth and provide income for local communities, encouraging responsible resource management.

“Partnerships with international organizations further enhance conservation projects, with local communities actively participating in their implementation and training programs.”

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom’s northwest, the Royal Commission for AlUla works closely with its global network of partners, including the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, to secure a future for the Arabian oryx.

“We work with experts in the field to ensure scientifically sound conservation practices, which form the backbone of RCU’s multifaceted approach to protect the Arabian oryx alongside other native species of animals including different species of gazelles and ibex,” Stephen Browne, executive director of wildlife and natural heritage at the RCU, told Arab News.

Last year, the RCU carried out its largest animal release since its reintroduction program was launched in 2019. Held over five phases, 1,580 animals, including Arabian gazelle, sand gazelle, Arabian oryx, and Nubian ibex, were released into AlUla’s nature reserves.

“Since then, we have seen successful births of Arabian oryx in AlUla’s nature reserves as populations grow and take hold in their new environment, proving that our restoration efforts are slowly coming to fruition,” said Browne.

“As more Arabian oryx are released into the wild, and more births recorded, it is hoped that AlUla’s nature reserves can support growing numbers of this important native species.”




Once close to extinction, these graceful creatures now symbolize environmental renewal and the cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. (Supplied)

The revival of the Arabian oryx is a part of a concerted, long-term effort by conservation groups, national rewilding programs, and zoos to establish and slowly increase breeding populations before their eventual reintroduction into the wild.

“The RCU releases Arabian oryx into AlUla’s network of nature reserves as part of its comprehensive rewilding strategy that is helping to restore balance to the natural world and revive once-degraded ecosystems,” said Browne.

“Teams from RCU’s wildlife and natural heritage department work to strict guidelines established by our international partners, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, to ensure all our efforts in the wild are both scientifically sound and follow clear conservation practices.”

Arabian oryx are being reintroduced into AlUla’s nature reserves to help restore the ecological balance. “A total of 250 animals have been released so far,” said Browne. “It is hoped that numbers will increase as populations establish themselves and more wild births are recorded.

“We identify key areas with the correct type and amount of vegetation to support newly-released animals, and to make sure we aren’t over-releasing new populations into one location.

“Arabian oryx have quite specific habitat requirements. They don’t like the steep canyons and mountains found in some of AlUla’s nature reserves and prefer more open, sandy areas.

As a result of releasing the Arabian oryx, we have seen native plants and vegetation rebounding and soil being restored.”

He added: “Our conservation work in AlUla focuses on inclusive initiatives that engage with local people, with community members offered opportunities to train as rangers to keep our vast reserves safe, secure, and monitored.”

The RCU, with its sustainable land-management programs, rehabilitate degraded sites, manage rangelands, and combat desertification, supporting the return of native species like the Arabian oryx.




The Arabian oryx’s heat-reflective white coat and the fact that it requires minimal water make it ideally suited for the harsh desert environment. (Supplied)

Its partnership with the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority has strengthened collaboration on wildlife protection and sustainable regeneration.

Restoring natural habitats includes the extensive planting of native species of flora — with seeds from the RCU’s seed bank and plant nursery aiding the long-term recovery of vegetation across the landscape.

The RCU has therefore played a key role in regreening the valleys, wadis, and mountains of AlUla, replenishing the soil, and making the environment more hospitable and fertile for animals.

In AlUla’s nature reserves, populations of Arabian oryx and other animals are monitored using satellite-linked collars and tracking technology. More than 150 rangers, all drawn from the local community, carry out regular patrols to ensure the safety of animal populations.

The people of AlUla have always enjoyed a deep connection with their natural surroundings, said Browne. “Our ongoing work to regenerate AlUla and restore much-needed balance to natural areas aims to reinvigorate this long-standing and important bond with nature.”

The RCU prioritizes ecological awareness and engagement, from the work of conservation rangers and efforts to regreen AlUla’s nature reserves with native plant species, to educating farmers and locals about the benefits that wild animal populations can bring to the ecosystem.

Ultimately, said Browne, the RCU aims to revive and maintain the natural environment for future generations.

“We share a deep respect for the traditional practices and ideas that have shaped the environmental views and principles of our community.”

 

Rewilding Arabia
Return of the leopard is at the heart of plans to conserve and regenerate Saudi Arabia’s landscapes and wildlife

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Saudi-Italian Business Forum showcases robust trade relations

Updated 59 min 23 sec ago
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Saudi-Italian Business Forum showcases robust trade relations

  • Event highlights opportunities in Kingdom, success stories of Italian companies

MILAN: The Saudi-Italian Business Forum, which was held on Monday in Lombardy, showcased the robust economic relationship between Italy and Saudi Arabia.

Spearheaded by prominent figures such as Veronica Squinzi, vice president for internationalization at Assolombarda, and Waleed Al-Orainan, secretary-general of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, the forum aimed to enhance collaboration and explore new business opportunities between the two nations.

Squinzi welcomed the forum and spoke of the significance of the gathering in strengthening economic ties, underscoring the importance of governmental support in fostering international business.

She said: “This forum represents a vital step in enhancing our economic collaboration and building lasting partnerships.”

Al-Orainan stressed the historic relationship between the two nations, dating back to the 1930s.

He said: “The warm reception we receive in Italy reflects the mutual respect and eagerness to enhance our bilateral cooperation.”

Kamel Al-Munajjed, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, expressed optimism regarding future collaboration.

He said: “We are at a pivotal moment where collaboration can unlock significant value chains, invigorating our economies.”

He acknowledged previous visits of Italian officials to Saudi Arabia which had helped to lay a solid foundation for partnerships.

Discussions at the forum revealed a landscape rich with business potential. Maria Tripodi, undersecretary of state for foreign affairs, noted that Saudi Arabia had emerged as a priority partner for Italy, with exports exceeding €6 billion in 2024 — an increase of 27.9 percent from the previous year.

Tripodi said: “Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is not only growing, it is thriving, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”

This growth positions Saudi Arabia as the second-largest market for Italian exports in the region, reflecting a burgeoning relationship across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and high-tech innovation.

The forum also highlighted opportunities in Saudi Arabia and success stories of Italian companies in sectors such as infrastructure and construction, renewable energy, and sport.

Barbara Cimmino, vice president for export and foreign investment at Confindustria, said: “When we align our strengths, we create a synergy that benefits both nations.”

Discussions at the event turned to the Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependence on oil.

Tripodi said: “This strategic plan presents numerous opportunities for Italian enterprises, particularly in technology, education, and public services.”


Innovators discuss future of STEM at Riyadh summit

Session featured prominent speakers including Prince Sultan bin Salman, special advisor to King Salman. (@mawhiba)
Updated 28 April 2025
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Innovators discuss future of STEM at Riyadh summit

  • Prince Sultan emphasizes empowering Saudi youth in science, technology
  • UNESCO’s Lidia Arthur Brito praises Mawhiba’s role in shaping future scientists

RIYADH: Innovators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics from Saudi Arabia and around the world gathered in Riyadh on Monday for the Eye on the Future Summit, which aimed to share insights and discuss the future of STEM.

“Today’s gathering is a celebration of talent, creativity, and vision,” Lidia Arthur Brito UNESCO assistant director general for natural sciences, said.

“The scientists, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow are here with us today, and it is our duty to ensure they are equipped with all the tools, opportunities, and inspiration they need to address the complex challenges of our world,” she said.

The event was hosted in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, known as Mawhiba, the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, the Abdullah Al-Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM, the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and the Ministry of Culture.

Brito praised Mawhiba’s efforts in supporting the next generation of innovators in STEM, concluding: “Let us continue working together to nurture a generation of scientists who will not only imagine the future but lead it.”

The session “From the stars to STEM” featured prominent speakers, including Prince Sultan bin Salman, special advisor to King Salman, who delivered the keynote on empowering Saudi youth.

Prince Sultan delivered a heartfelt speech emphasizing valuable life and career lessons, including the importance of listening to one’s parents, staying connected to nature, preserving Saudi identity, and valuing continuous education.

He reflected on his years with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage since 2000, highlighting the generosity and unmatched hospitality of Saudi Arabia.

“Everyone comes to Saudi Arabia today to find their way, to learn things to enjoy life. They will not come to a better people who are more hospitable and generous, and I have heard that from all the people who have come to Saudi Arabia,” Prince Sultan said.

Following his remarks, the panel sessions began, featuring a distinguished lineup of local and international pioneers, innovators, and supporters in STEM, including Dr. Majd Abdulghani, a genomics lead at Lean Business Services and deputy national secretary for the Rhodes Scholarship in Saudi Arabia.

Abdulghani was also the first Saudi to receive a Rhodes Scholarship, and is dedicated to promoting the integration of genomic data into personalized, preventive healthcare in Saudi Arabia.

During the summit, she spoke about youth empowerment in STEM, emphasizing her mission to raise awareness of the opportunities available to Saudi youth in the field. “What I am focused on is trying to avoid missed opportunities,” she said.

The summit featured an memorandum of understanding signing between Mawhiba and Abdullah Al-Fozan Foundation for Education, which aims to continue support in providing access to STEM studies for the youth in Saudi Arabia.

During a visit to Mawhiba’s headquarters ahead of the event, Brito praised the foundation’s efforts to discover and nurture talented individuals in scientific fields.

“I think what unites UNESCO and Mawhiba is the true belief that STEM is very important for young people because it equips them with scientific knowledge, but also with critical thinking,” Brito said.


KSU professor honored with cybersecurity lifetime achievement award

Updated 28 April 2025
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KSU professor honored with cybersecurity lifetime achievement award

  • The award celebrates a visionary whose contributions have fortified digital trust, security, and sovereignty across borders and generations

RIYADH: A King Saud University professor has been honored with a lifetime achievement award for his work in cybersecurity.

Muhammad Khurram Khan from the Center of Excellence in Information Assurance at KSU was recognized at the Saudi Critical Infrastructure Security Summit, or CyberForge, held April 22–23.

The award represents the highest level of recognition for a cybersecurity professional in acknowledgment of their groundbreaking research, visionary leadership, and exceptional contributions to advancing the field, both nationally and internationally, KSU said Monday on its official website.

The award celebrates a visionary whose contributions have fortified digital trust, security, and sovereignty across borders and generations, it added.

Speaking to Arab News, Khan said: “Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in Cybersecurity is an immense honor and a reflection of years of dedicated effort to advance the field both locally and globally. This recognition not only validates the hard work and collaboration of countless colleagues and students, but also highlights the critical role cybersecurity plays in our interconnected world.

“This award is a testament to the unwavering support and vision of the Center of Excellence in Information Assurance, KSU, where I have had the privilege to conduct and lead transformative cybersecurity research,” he said.

Khan added that the university has been a catalyst for innovation, providing a platform for researchers to explore cutting-edge technologies and solutions.

“I am proud to be part of an institution that champions academic excellence and significantly contributes to the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 goals, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in cybersecurity,” added the professor.

“This recognition fuels my dedication to driving transformative change in cybersecurity through advanced research, innovation, policy development, and collaboration with industry and public sector organizations. By fostering innovation, we can ensure a secure digital future that meets the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow,” he concluded.

Ranked among the world’s leading cybersecurity scientists, with over 35,000 citations and an h-index of 99, Khan, according to KSU, has authored more than 500 high-impact publications and holds 10 granted US patents in key areas such as smart systems security, artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, Internet of Things security, vehicular and automotive cybersecurity, and digital authentication.

Khan has played a pivotal role in shaping global cybersecurity policy, particularly through his involvement in the G20 Digital Economy Task Forces during Saudi Arabia’s (2020) and Italy’s (2021) presidencies.

He has also co-developed several industrial standards in security and communication technologies. He has also provided consultancy to local and international cybersecurity startups and business organizations to scale up their research and innovation.

Khan has also been a key figure in cybersecurity education reform across Saudi universities, reviewing academic programs to align with Vision 2030, which reflect his unwavering commitment to advancing global cybersecurity and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position as a tier-1 nation in cybersecurity, as recognized by the International Telecommunication Union.


Crown prince donates SR1bn for Saudi housing projects

Updated 28 April 2025
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Crown prince donates SR1bn for Saudi housing projects

  • The crown prince has mandated that the housing projects designated for donation be completed within a year

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged an SR1 billion ($266 million) donation on Monday to support housing projects for eligible Saudi beneficiaries and families in need.

The donation at his own private expense to the National Development Housing Foundation aims to help beneficiaries achieve home ownership.

It reflects the prince’s “continuous attention and support for providing a decent life for citizens, by supporting the initiatives and projects aimed at providing housing for them in various regions of the Kingdom,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The crown prince has mandated that the housing projects designated for donation be completed within a period not exceeding 12 months, and that they are implemented by national companies.

He also ordered authorities to submit monthly reports on the progress of home ownership, in order to ensure the handover of all housing units within one year as well as transparency and accountability.


Mangrove scheme to plant 3m trees in Jubail

Updated 28 April 2025
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Mangrove scheme to plant 3m trees in Jubail

RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife and the Saudi Arabian Mining Co., known as Maaden, have launched an initiative to plant 3 million mangrove trees in the Jubail Marine Protected Area.

It supports the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 to enhance coastal vegetation and preserve biodiversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The project aims to rehabilitate degraded habitats and strengthen the role of mangrove trees in carbon sequestration, as they are among the most efficient plants in storing carbon dioxide.

This helps combat climate change, protect coastal areas from erosion and provide safe environments for marine species reproduction, the SPA reported.

Mohammed Qurban, CEO of the National Center for Wildlife, highlighted the organization’s commitment to protecting ecosystems and expanding vegetation cover.

These efforts align with the Saudi Green Initiative’s target of planting 10 billion trees, including more than 100 million mangroves along Saudi coasts, reinforcing the Kingdom’s global environmental leadership, he said.