‘We can either waste time on political grandstanding or overcome climate challenges together,’ Saudi Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir tells Arab News

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Updated 04 December 2024
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‘We can either waste time on political grandstanding or overcome climate challenges together,’ Saudi Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir tells Arab News

  • Minister of State for Foreign Affairs explains significance of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 summit to combat desertification
  • Says there is no contradiction between Kingdom’s roles as oil producer-exporter and as investor in renewable energy sector

RIYADH: As the host of UN negotiations on combating the loss of fertile land to deserts, Saudi Arabia’s climate envoy knows the Kingdom has more expertise on the subject than most.

“We have vast deserts in Saudi Arabia, so we know what it’s like,” Adel Al-Jubeir told Arab News during a special interview.

“We need to prevent the erosion of territory and the expansion of deserts. And we need to work on reclaiming land in order to have more for food production and in order to have more so that the negative impacts on climate get reduced.”




Saudi Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir talks to Arab News’ Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali. (AN photo)

Al-Jubeir, who is also minister of state for foreign affairs, was speaking as the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification — known as COP16 — started in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The 12 days of talks will cover some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, such as desertification, land degradation and drought.

Saudi Arabia is the first Arab country to host the event, the largest desertification COP since the first in 1997, and comes as momentum grows behind global frameworks to tackle the environmental challenges facing the planet.

In the wide-ranging conversation, Al-Jubeir discussed the aim of the COP16 talks, why land degradation is a global issue, and Saudi Arabia’s leadership role on the environment.

For Al-Jubeir, hosting COP16 carries particular significance given the Kingdom’s vulnerability to desertification, but also the work that has already been done to prevent it.

The approach in Saudi Arabia has been “very simple” and rooted in science and common sense, he said.

“When you disrupt an environment, it gets damaged. So, what you do is you preserve it. You designate territories to be protected areas,” he told Arab News.

“In 2015, for example, I believe less than 3 percent of Saudi territory was protected. Today, we’re almost at 18 or 19 percent, and we will be at 30 percent by 2030. This is a huge achievement.”

Rewilding, which forms part of the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives launched in 2021, has also generated huge benefits in terms of being able to reintroduce wildlife into these areas.




The UNCCD describes COP16 as a “critical milestone” in advancing global efforts to combat land degradation. (Supplied)

“You do it by introducing little shrubs,” said Al-Jubeir. “Insects come back, and then more plants, and then rodents come back, and then more plants, and you go up until you can introduce an animal like the Arabian leopard, and you restore it, or the oryx or the gazelle. And this is what we’re doing in Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Jubeir said this approach has led to noticeably fewer dust storms than seven or eight years ago, with less territory being disturbed and more areas being planted.

He said the Kingdom also tackled the issue by assessing the environmental impact of new developments, promoting sustainable farming techniques and ensuring cities were full of green spaces.

“On environmental issues, Saudi Arabia is a leader in global efforts to protect our environment, whether it’s climate, whether it’s oceans, whether it’s land,” Al-Jubeir said.

“Saudi Arabia has worked to bring the world together around a vision that basically says, very simply, we’re all in this together, we all benefit together, or we all suffer together.”

He said Saudi Arabia was bringing many more countries round to that point of view. “Our leadership is committed to this. The vision for 2030 came from our crown prince, and our crown prince was instrumental in launching the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. He launched the Global Water Initiative, the hosting of COP16,” he said.

“Every initiative we are doing in Saudi Arabia has the direct blessing and support of our leadership, and it goes from the top leadership all the way to the citizen. The whole country is seized by this issue. And so I have no doubt that 10 years from now people will look at Saudi Arabia and they will say Saudi Arabia has played an instrumental role in leading the world toward a better place.”




Adel Al-Jubeir spoke to Arab News Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali as the COP16 summit kicked off in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AN photo)

The hosting of COP16 is about more than simply demonstrating how Saudi Arabia is rehabilitating land; it’s about elevating the importance of desertification on the global stage.

“We believe it impacts every human being on the planet,” Al-Jubeir said. “Land is a very important reservoir for carbon. And so, the less there is of it, the less carbon we can capture naturally.

“The earth is important for us in terms of food production. The less we have, the less food we produce, the more hunger and starvation we have. The more migration we have, the more conflict we have, the more extremism and terrorism we have, the more migration impacts political situations in countries in other parts of the world.

“So, it’s very, very important that it impacts all of our lives.”

The fact that COP16 is the biggest since 1997 represents the emergence of desertification as a global issue. Up to 40 percent of the world’s land is degraded, affecting half of all humans, according to UNCCD.

The consequences are getting worse for the climate, biodiversity and people’s livelihoods. Droughts are more frequent and severe, increasing by 29 percent since 2000 due to climate change and unsustainable land use.

If current trends continue, 1.5 billion hectares of land will need to be restored by 2030 to achieve a land-degradation neutrality.

The UNCCD describes COP16 as a “critical milestone” in advancing global efforts to combat land degradation, desertification and drought.

Under the title “Our Land. Our Future,” 196 countries and the EU have gathered in Riyadh to negotiate solutions, along with experts and civil society.

On Monday, the first day of the negotiations, Saudi Arabia announced the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, an initiative to help 80 of the poorest countries cope with droughts. The partnership has secured $2.15 billion in funding pledges.

Also in Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman opened the One Water Summit on Tuesday. Attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the event aims to act as an “incubator for solutions” ahead of the next UN Water Conference.




Saudi Arabia is hosting the COP16 summit to combat desertification. (Supplied)

“Water is the source of life,” Al-Jubeir said. “You can’t survive without it.”

The summit looks at how water can be used most efficiently and not wasted, he explained.

“These are issues where knowledge is important, science is important and sharing of methods and sharing of science are important,” he said.

It is this sharing of expertise that underpins Saudi Arabia’s approach to taking a lead globally on the major issues facing the planet.

Looking ahead, Al-Jubeir said: “We can either waste our time pointing fingers and trying to take political positions and grandstand, and try to appeal to lowest common denominators, or we can join together and practically, pragmatically, scientifically deal with the challenges that we’re facing, and we will overcome them together.

“Here’s the choice: Do we engage in theatrics and fight and get nowhere, or do we engage in serious work and get a handle around the problem? That’s where we’re heading, I believe, and I believe we’re heading there because Saudi Arabia is playing an increasingly big role in the global efforts to deal with those challenges.”

The hosting of COP16 and the One Water Summit is the latest example of Saudi Arabia being at the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change and challenges to the environment.




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks during the One Water Summit in Riyadh on December 3, 2024. (AFP)

Al-Jubeir dismissed criticism that the country, as the world’s top crude oil exporter, is not suited for such a role.

“Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter of oil in the world, and we’re very proud of it,” he said. “We are providing the world with the energy that it needs in order to warm itself, in order to feed itself, in order to develop economically, in order to improve standards of living. And so that is one part.

“The other part of Saudi Arabia, as the largest oil producer/exporter in the world, is we are also one of the major proponents for protecting the environment, and for investing in new technologies and investing in renewable energy.

“Whether it’s solar, whether it’s hydro, whether it’s wind, whether it’s green and clean hydrogen, we are huge investors in this field because we believe that that’s where the future is. And so, there is no contradiction between the two.”

Taking the lead on green issues is also an approach popular with young people in Saudi Arabia, Al-Jubeir said, insisting the younger generations would be instrumental in halting desertification and creating a better living environment in the Kingdom overall.

“They want this issue to be dealt with effectively and efficiently, and they want to lead it,” he told Arab News. “And that’s what’s driving the enthusiasm among our young people toward dealing with desertification, dealing with supporting land restoration, reintroduction of wildlife, and then going beyond that into biodiversity, marine life, and into climate.”

Despite the many stark warnings about the effects of climate change, Al-Jubeir said the will of young people to tackle the issues, along with the direction from the country’s leaders, meant he was positive about how Saudi Arabia would appear in 10 years’ time.

“You will see that Saudi Arabia will be ahead of the world in terms of parks, in terms of fitness, in terms of land restoration, in terms of reintegration of animals into the wildlife, in terms of how pristine its beaches are, in terms of its corals, in terms of its mangroves, in terms of its agriculture, all across the board,” he said. 

“We are determined, with courage, and with leadership, and with enthusiasm, to get there.”

 


World Defense Show organizers announce expanded 3rd edition

Updated 18 February 2025
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World Defense Show organizers announce expanded 3rd edition

  • Next edition will be held under the theme The Future of Defense Integration, showcasing the latest technology in air, land, sea, and space
  • Organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries, the event is a key part of the Kingdom’s ambition to localize 50 percent of its defense spending by 2030

RIYADH: Organizers of Saudi Arabia’s World Defense Show have announced an expanded exhibition area with several new sections for its third edition, which will be held in February 2026.

An additional hall will increase floor space to a total of 273,000 square meters, more than 58 percent larger than the first edition in 2022, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

More than 65 percent of the exhibition space is already sold out, according to the report.

The next edition will be held under the theme “The Future of Defense Integration,” showcasing the latest technology in air, land, sea, and space.

Organized by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries, the event is a key part of the Kingdom’s ambition to localize 50 percent of its defense spending by 2030.

The next edition will be the most successful yet, said the event’s CEO Andrew Percy, as reported by SPA.

There will be more local and international participation, and the exhibition will focus more closely on technology including unmanned and marine defense systems.

New programs in the upcoming edition will include a defense and security industry lab, and an exhibition of future technologies.

A Saudi supply chain zone will allow local small and medium-sized enterprises to network with key players in global supply chains.

Positive feedback from the last two editions exceeded expectations, Percy said, allowing organizers to set new ambitious goals for this upcoming event.

The World Defense Show was first held in 2022 on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh.

It attracted 600 exhibitors from 42 countries, 82 military and defense delegations, and 65 thousand visitors from 85 countries, according to GAMI.

The second edition in 2024 saw over 106,000 people attend, with 441 delegations from 116 countries.

A total of 61 purchase contracts worth SR26 billion ($6.9 billion) were signed, according to GAMI.


Saudi Arabia pledges innovation in road safety at Morocco conference

Updated 18 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia pledges innovation in road safety at Morocco conference

  • Saudi interior minister, Moroccan PM discuss security cooperation
  • Kingdom reaffirms its focus on reducing traffic fatalities through tech, collaboration 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif met with Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch in Marrakesh on Tuesday.

Their meeting, held on the sidelines of the Fourth Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, reviewed ongoing security cooperation and discussed various issues of mutual interest.

Saudi Ambassador to Morocco Sami Al-Saleh, Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit, and several senior officials attended the meeting, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In his speech at the conference, Prince Abdulaziz commended Morocco’s efforts in hosting the event, highlighting its crucial role in fostering cooperation on road safety, protecting lives, and addressing challenges in the field.

He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to road safety, recognizing it as a key public health, security, and economic priority.

Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the alarming global impact of road accidents, with over 1.3 million fatalities annually and millions more suffering severe injuries that hinder personal and national progress.

Stressing the need for effective strategies, he called for the development of mechanisms to reduce injuries and work toward a future with fewer road casualties.

Prince Abdulaziz underscored the profound social, economic, and health impact of traffic-related injuries, emphasizing the Kingdom’s determination to tackle these challenges through innovation and commitment.

He reaffirmed that, under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is dedicated to creating sustainable and safer road environments in alignment with global road safety objectives and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.

Prince Abdulaziz highlighted the Kingdom’s traffic safety initiatives, including a ministerial-level committee that has contributed to a more than 50 percent reduction in traffic-related fatalities over the past seven years.

He also emphasized the transformative role of technology in road safety, stating that Saudi Arabia will leverage AI-driven traffic management systems and IoT solutions to reduce fatalities and injuries. These innovations will enhance urban mobility, creating safer and more efficient road networks across the Kingdom.


Historic Baran village draws winter tourists

Updated 18 February 2025
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Historic Baran village draws winter tourists

RIYADH: Nestled among the mountainous slopes of Qilwah governorate in Baha, the village of Baran stands as a captivating cultural landmark and boasts over 500 years of history.

It is a draw for tourists and history enthusiasts, particularly in winter when the weather is refreshing and the surrounding landscapes are at their most picturesque, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Saeed Al-Zahrani, a 73-year-old resident, said the village was constructed from stone, sidr wood and white quartz. Doors and windows are adorned with intricate architectural engravings, highlighting Baran’s unique heritage.

Atiya Al-Zahrani, another resident, said the village consisted of several multi-story buildings, ranging from three to four floors. At its heart are expansive agricultural terraces, which have long served as residents’ primary livelihoods, providing fertile soil for growing crops.

In a recent effort to preserve the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, the Heritage Commission has added 25 new sites, including Baran village, to the National Register of Architectural Heritage.

This initiative is part of the commission's broader efforts to archive and digitize heritage sites across the country, ensuring conservation of its rich legacy.


Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Thursday

Updated 18 February 2025
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Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Thursday

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a weather warning for most regions of Saudi Arabia, forecasting continued thunderstorms until Thursday.

Light to moderate rain is expected in the Makkah region, with potential flash floods, hail and strong downdrafts affecting areas such as Taif, Maysan, Al-Muwayh, Turbah, Al-Lith, Al-Qunfudah, Jeddah and Rabigh.

According to the directorate, the Riyadh region may experience moderate to heavy rain, flash floods, hail and strong downdrafts, impacting the capital and other cities, including Diriyah, Dhurma, Al-Muzahimiyah, Shaqra, Al-Zulfi, Al-Majmaah, Ramah and Al-Kharj.

Moderate to heavy rain is also expected in the Eastern Province, Qassim, Hail and the Northern Borders, while Jouf, Madinah and Baha may see light to moderate rainfall.

The Civil Defense has advised the public to take necessary precautions and avoid flood-prone areas such as valleys.

It also urged people to stay updated on weather conditions through its official channels and social media platforms.


KSrelief sends food to Libya, Uganda

Updated 18 February 2025
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KSrelief sends food to Libya, Uganda

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has distributed 600 food parcels to 2,907 people in the Libyan town of Suluq, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

This distribution is a part of the urgent food-assistance project for families affected by Cyclone Daniel in Libya, conducted in cooperation with the Libyan Red Crescent.

KSrelief also sent 25 tonnes of dates recently to Uganda.

Saudi Arabia’s government, through KSrelief, continues to provide aid to vulnerable communities across the world.