NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life Program is showcasing during a high-profile political event in New York the Kingdom’s contributions to global efforts to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The program, a key initiative of the Saudi Vision 2030 national development and diversification plan, is also using its participation at the UN’s High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to highlight the work it is doing to improve quality of life in the Kingdom, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
On the opening day of the forum, which began at the UN headquarters in New York City on July 8 and continues until July 18, the program hosted a session titled “From Vision to Impact: Integrations for Achieving Sustainable Social and Environmental Change,” the Saudi Press Agency reported, the aim of which was to raise awareness of Vision 2030, the work of the program, and the role of each in sustainable development efforts.
It included a review of key urban challenges, how best to address them using advanced data and innovative practices, and the effects of cooperation, participation and the exchange of experiences on efforts to achieve local, regional and international goals.
On the forum’s second day, the program held an event called “Quality of Life and its Link to Sustainable Development,” which included panel discussions and lectures, featuring experts and officials from the Kingdom and around the world.
During this event the program’s chief executive, Khalid Al-Baker, talked about the ways in which it is helping to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and the aims of Saudi Vision 2030. He said it works to improve the quality of life for everyone in the Kingdom through a variety of initiatives that focus on key areas such as arts and culture, sports, tourism, urban development, entertainment, hobbies, security and safety.
“We seek to find innovative solutions and create a knowledge system that redefines the concept of quality of life,” he said.
“Our cooperation with global partners such as the United Nations Human Settlements Program (also known as UN-Habitat) strengthens our efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
Al-Baker called on all those attending the forum to cooperate and actively participate in discussions and efforts to achieve sustainable development, adding that through the exchange of ideas and experiences, effective solutions can be found and implemented to help build a sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Other topics included the importance of data in urban planning and policymaking, the challenges facing modern cities, and strategies for enhancing quality of life through innovative urban interventions. Officials also discussed the successes of the Quality of Life Program in achieving various goals, including increasing green spaces, improving municipal services and supporting security operations to achieve safer communities. Participants included representatives of government agencies and ministries, and specialist organizations.
Saudi Quality of Life Program showcases sustainable development successes at UN forum
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Saudi Quality of Life Program showcases sustainable development successes at UN forum
- The program is hosting sessions during the high-level event in New York to highlight its efforts to improve life in the Kingdom, in keeping with goals of Vision 2030
- CEO Khalid Al-Baker discusses cooperation with global partners and says: ‘We seek to find innovative solutions and create a knowledge system that redefines the concept of quality of life’
Trees and flowers bring beauty to Tabuk as part of municipality planting project
- Among the efforts made so far are the planting of some 2.1 million seasonal flowers and 14,500 shade-providing trees
- The large-scale initiative is part of Tabuk’s broader strategy to “humanize” the city
RIYADH: Tabuk is undergoing something of a facelift, thanks to the city municipality’s efforts to enhance the urban landscape through a number of revitalizing initiatives.
Among the efforts made so far are the planting of some 2.1 million seasonal flowers and 14,500 shade-providing trees, which now grace Tabuk’s parks and main thoroughfares.
Abdulmajid Al-Sarrah, deputy secretary for projects, stressed that the municipality’s commitment extended beyond planting. The work has also involved the irrigation and maintenance of 3 million sq. meters of green areas and the pruning of 9,870 palm trees.
The large-scale initiative is part of Tabuk’s broader strategy to “humanize” the city — a concept that prioritizes creating livable, green spaces within urban environments. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the quality of life for both citizens and residents, as well as visitors.
Meanwhile, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has continued to carry out its coastal project, planting 13 million mangrove seedlings. This is taking place in various regions — Jazan, Makkah, Madinah, Tabuk, Asir and Eastern Province. The scheme aligns with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.
The center, in cooperation with its partners, aims to plant 100 million mangrove trees along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts in the coming years. Currently, it is working to increase green cover and reduce desertification in the coastal areas by planting a million mangrove trees across various locations.
Endangered species find new home at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve
- Efforts to protect endangered animals such as the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard and red-necked ostrich have led to significant population increases
- The reserve has more than 179 plant species, including 113 seasonal and 66 perennial varieties
RIYADH: The development department at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve has restored natural wildlife in northeastern Saudi Arabia by resettling, breeding and increasing animal, bird and reptile populations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Over the past four years, efforts to protect endangered animals such as the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, houbara bustard and red-necked ostrich have led to significant population increases after animals were released to thrive, restore their ecological roles and reproduce.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to improve quality of life and protect future generations, the reserve’s vegetation cover has also flourished.
Since 2018, vegetation cover has increased from 1.5 percent to 6.7 percent. This growth is the result of three successful desert afforestation projects completed in 2023, with more than 593,700 trees planted, the SPA reported.
Covering 91,500 sq. km, the reserve hosts diverse species, trees, plants and grasses crucial to ecosystem balance. It has more than 179 plant species, including 113 seasonal and 66 perennial varieties.
The vegetation cover has become a haven for a wide range of birds, which are vital to preserving the balance of the ecosystem by controlling insects, small rodents and carrion.
Bird-nesting activity has been observed, alongside a return of sand cats, wild cats, foxes, honey badgers and desert hedgehogs.
The reserve is also experiencing a resurgence of reptiles such as lizards and snakes, alongside a thriving insect population.
KSrelief chief meets with Syrian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: General Supervisor of Saudi aid agency KSrelief Abdullah Al-Rabeeah met with Syrian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohamed Sousan on Sunday to discuss humanitarian affairs.
Sousan commended the humanitarian and relief efforts provided by Saudi Arabia, represented by KSrelief, to refugees and affected people worldwide.
Saudi content creator, 13, connects with thousands through podcast
- Rateel Alshehri is bringing her generation’s perspective to Saudi digital media landscape
RIYADH: Saudi content creator and podcaster Rateel Alshehri hopes to empower youth to bring about the changes they want to see through her series, Rateel Alpha Talk.
Alshehri, who is only 13 years old, has connected with thousands of people through her storytelling on Youtube, Tiktok and Instagram, with videos providing relatable content and glimpses of her daily life.
“Having my own talk show was something I’d always dreamed of, but having a voice and a platform is a responsibility and a duty that I take seriously,” she said. “It’s incredibly exciting to be able to bring a fresh perspective to conversations and engage with such a diverse audience. I feel a responsibility to use this platform to empower young people and spark meaningful discussions.”
Rateel Alpha Talk is more than a podcast, it’s a movement, Alshehri said.
“It’s about adopting a mindset of stepping outside your comfort zone, aiming high, and living each day with the intention of leaving a positive mark. It is a space for exploration, challenging assumptions, and igniting the curiosity within all of us.
“There are no silly questions, only missed opportunities to learn and the future belongs to those who dare to ask ‘why?’ I believe curiosity and initiative are the keys to make a real difference in the world.”
Her goal is to create content that not only entertains but also challenges and inspires her audience to think critically and act boldly.
Having my own talk show was something I’d always dreamed of, but having a voice and a platform is a responsibility and a duty that I take seriously.
Rateel Alshehri, Saudi content creator
“Through sharing our stories, fears, thoughts and, most importantly, our questions, we can truly change lives.”
The name Rateel Alpha Talk reflects her identity and the show’s focus on Generation Alpha and their experiences.
“Rateel Alpha Talk embodies my journey of continuous exploration, creativity, and initiative. It represents my commitment to sparking curiosity and inspiring others to take bold steps in their own lives.”
At a young age, Alshehri had a natural love for creating. In school, she would come up with story ideas for the entire class and whip up interesting games when they were bored.
“Talking, sharing, and listening to stories are my passions. I prefer making eye contact and having real conversations, earning me the nickname ‘Social Butterfly’ from my family,” she said.
Alshehri says she gets her inspiration from everyday life, but one of the most important people is her mother.
“She’s always been my biggest cheerleader. She has this incredible ability to see potential in even the craziest ideas, and she constantly reminds me: ‘How do you want to be remembered? So work on that.’”
Alshehri says she sees a future in making an impact and helping young people develop the skills they need to thrive,
“There are a lot of challenges out there, but if we equip our generation with the right tools, we can build a future where everyone can chase their dreams and live fulfilling lives.”
Her advice to anyone looking to create their own talk show is to slow down and be authentic.
“The best people in media aren’t copycats, they’re independent thinkers who use their own ideas to challenge how things are usually done. They ask questions, see things from different angles, and aren’t afraid to be different. These are the people who leave a lasting mark.
“Many people rush to social media to gain followers and build a business. But slow down. Just because something seems great doesn’t mean it is. Fame and greatness come with responsibility.”
Saudi markets receive over 29 tonnes of seasonal produce from Qatif oasis farms
- The agricultural sector has received significant attention from the Saudi government, which has implemented laws to protect palm trees and improve date production efficiency
RIYADH: The farms of Qatif Oasis are playing a crucial role in supplying fruit and vegetable markets throughout Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. From Al-Khafji in the north to Al-Ahsa in the south, they provide a wide variety of seasonal produce including vegetables, fruits and fresh dates.
Spanning some 800 sq. km from Safwa to Dammam, Qatif governorate is home to over 3,700 farms of which 2,454 are actively producing a variety of crops, reported Saudi Press Agency.
The region boasts more than 540,000 fruit-bearing palm trees, representing 30 different types of dates. Annually, the farms contribute 29.5 tonnes of dates to local markets.
Fahd Al-Hamzi, director of the Eastern Province branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, highlighted the ministry’s efforts to support and develop the province’s agricultural sector.
Initiatives include improving resource management, promoting strategic crops, producing crops that contribute to increased economic competitiveness, and encouraging organic farming. The ministry also provides training programs and financial support, helping farmers find new outlets for their products.
Al-Hamzi said the branch supported programs through the Saudi Reef platform and marketed agricultural products through events and festivals in the region’s cities and governorates.
He added the ministry was working to educate farmers on production and harvesting processes. It also raises awareness about the importance of utilizing the Saudi Dates platform, launched by the National Centre for Palms and Dates, to increase sales by creating new outlets.
The agricultural sector has also received significant attention from the Saudi government, which has implemented laws to protect palm trees and improve date production efficiency. As a result, the Kingdom has become one of the world’s leading producers of dates and related products.
Future plans for regional agriculture include introducing modern technologies, improving irrigation systems, enhancing infrastructure, developing scientific and technical research, and establishing processing factories.
The ministry is also working on creating electronic platforms to streamline agricultural services and is encouraging farmers to obtain organic or Saudi Good Agricultural Practices certification.
Local farmer Mohammed Al-Thawab emphasized the long-standing agricultural tradition in Qatif, praising the region’s fertile soil and abundant water sources.
“These factors have contributed to the production of a diverse array of fruits, vegetables and fresh dates, which supply the region’s produce markets with a steady stream of local, high-quality goods,” he said.
He commended the ministry’s agricultural programs and initiatives, which have helped educate farmers about modern agricultural practices and the timing of land preparation, sterilization and seed sowing.
Al-Thawab also highlighted the significant impact of regional agricultural events such as the Leafy Greens and Dates Festival, which have proved instrumental in promoting farm products and bolstering support for the governorate’s agricultural community.
The impact of these efforts is evident in the local markets. Fruit and vegetable seller Abdullah Khuraydah said markets in Qatif and Dammam received a diverse range of seasonal products throughout the year.
These include local figs, Qatif lemons, pomegranates, berries and almonds, in addition to various types of dates. The most prominent of these are Al-Maji and Al-Gharra dates.
“The date season is a critical period for local merchants,” Khuraydah said, noting the surge in consumer demand for this nutritionally rich fruit. He emphasized Qatif’s unique agricultural advantages, citing its fertile soil and plentiful water from natural springs and aquifers.
“These natural assets are key to our region’s reputation for producing abundant, top-quality harvests,” he said.
