How Saudi Arabia is safeguarding biodiversity by restoring its ancient juniper forests

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Thriving in various environments, these steadfast evergreens embody the essence of the area’s ecosystem. (SPA)
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Updated 17 May 2025
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How Saudi Arabia is safeguarding biodiversity by restoring its ancient juniper forests

  • Juniper woodlands shelter endangered wildlife, rare plants and ancient biodiversity unique to the Arabian Peninsula
  • From livestock fences to tree nurseries, conservation efforts are giving the Kingdom’s highland forests a second chance

RIYADH: High in the misty mountains of southwestern Saudi Arabia, the juniper tree — known locally as the “lady of trees” — has long stood as a quiet sentinel over the Kingdom’s highland ecosystems.

Revered for its resilience, ecological role, and cultural legacy, this ancient species is now the focus of a national conservation drive to reverse decades of environmental decline.

Juniper woodlands flourish between 2,500 and 3,000 meters above sea level in regions such as Taif, Al-Baha, and Asir.

These evergreen conifers, draped in needles and peppered with cones, are more than just picturesque. They are ecological relicts — living remnants of ancient Afromontane forests that once stretched across parts of Arabia.

“Juniper trees have created a unique microclimate in areas where arid and semi-arid ecosystems such as deserts, mountains, and high plains are prevailing,” Liubov Kobik, a junior environmental consultant at Terra Nexus, told Arab News.




For centuries, the juniper tree has proudly stood as a symbol of picturesque beauty in Al-Baha region, adorning its slopes and mountain peaks with vibrant green hues. (SPA)

These woodlands offer a rare sanctuary for biodiversity in a country better known for its deserts. 

“These areas are nowadays called juniper woodlands and are considered as biodiversity hotspots supporting thousands of vascular plants, unique and mammalian species,” Kobik added.

The forests are home to rare and endangered species such as the Arabian leopard, hamadryas baboon, and the endemic Asir magpie.

Ecologically, junipers stabilize mountain slopes, protect against soil erosion, and offer nesting and foraging habitats for a wide range of species. Their berries are a food source for wildlife, while their dense canopy helps retain moisture and moderate temperatures.




Juniper berries are a food source for wildlife, while its dense canopy helps retain moisture and moderate temperatures. (Pexel photo)

“Unlike most of Saudi Arabia, the Asir mountains receive relatively high levels of rainfall, particularly during the summer monsoon season,” Kobik said.

“This moisture supports a variety of vegetation types, from dry acacia woodlands at lower altitudes to more humid and dense juniper forests in the highlands.”

But these vital ecosystems are under threat. Long-term climate change, rising temperatures, and erratic rainfall have caused a decline in juniper populations.”




Junipers stabilize mountain slopes, protect against soil erosion, and offer nesting and foraging habitats for a wide range of species. (Photo by Liubov Kobik)

Rising temperatures and periodic droughts … are caused by climate change, resulting in reduced and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, characterized by extended dry seasons and infrequent yet more intense storms,” Kobik said.

“This disruption in natural water availability hinders the establishment of young juniper seedlings, making successful regeneration increasingly uncommon,” she said. “Less rainfall and rising temperatures are increasing evaporation rates, drying out soil faster. 

“This makes growing conditions tougher for seedlings and saplings, which struggle more with heat and drought compared to mature trees. Consequently, the natural replacement of older trees by new growth is greatly hindered.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• Jabal Soudah in Asir is 3,015 meters above sea level and is covered with juniper trees.

• The common juniper has the largest geographic range of any woody plant in the world.

• Unlike other trees, the juniper grows in acid and alkaline soils. Juniper bushes can live up to 120 years, with the oldest recorded specimen aged 255.

Overgrazing and land development have compounded the crisis. Livestock, particularly goats and sheep, often trample young saplings before they have a chance to mature.

In response, Saudi Arabia is taking action. Soudah Development, a project backed by the Public Investment Fund, has launched a major reforestation campaign that has planted nearly 165,000 native trees — including junipers — throughout the highlands.




Measures are being implemented at Asir National Park to limit deforestation, overgrazing, and land development. (Photo by Liubov Kobik)

“Additionally, Asir National Park, established in the 1980s, functions as a significant protected area where juniper forests are a conservation priority,” Kobik said.

“Within the park, measures are implemented to limit deforestation, overgrazing, and land development — factors that have historically led to the reduction of juniper populations.”

Kobik explained how authorities are partnering with the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification to promote regeneration.




Juniper berries are a food source for wildlife, while its dense canopy helps retain moisture and moderate temperatures. (Photo by Liubov Kobik)

“Park authorities … are undertaking habitat restoration initiatives that include fencing regeneration zones, controlling livestock access, and monitoring tree health,” she said.

“Protective fencing has been installed around the most sensitive zones to facilitate natural regeneration by preventing goats and sheep (or other livestock) from accessing the areas.

“These measures address a primary issue hindering juniper recovery: although seeds germinate, saplings often fail to mature due to browsing and trampling by animals.”




A park ranger of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification on patrol at the Sarawat mountains. (SPA)

Beyond their environmental value, junipers hold deep cultural significance in Saudi Arabia. For generations, their wood has been used to craft ceremonial objects and household tools.

Their berries are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as colds and stomach issues. Juniper oil, prized for its natural fragrance, also finds its way into perfumes and soaps.

Once overlooked in the rush of modern development, these ancient trees are now being championed as symbols of sustainable progress.

By safeguarding juniper woodlands, Saudi Arabia is not only protecting its natural heritage — but also restoring life to its greenest, most storied mountains.
 

 


Saudi Arabia deploys drones to deliver medicine to pilgrims during Hajj

Updated 02 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia deploys drones to deliver medicine to pilgrims during Hajj

  • Authorities say the initiative will cut delivery times for medical supplies from an average of 1 hour to just 6 minutes
  • The drones, operated by Medical supplies and logistics company NUPCO, will be stationed at 6 major medical centers in Mina, Muzdalifah and Mount Arafat

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities will use drones to deliver medicines and other medical supplies to patients during the upcoming Hajj season, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health said on Monday, cutting delivery times from an average of one hour to just six minutes.

The initiative, covering a network of more 136 locations at several sites, will be able to provide more than 2,000 types of medicines and other medical supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel, who is also the chairman of NUPCO, the medical supplies and logistical services company that will operate the deliveries, inspected the business’s fleet of drones and helicopters on Monday at a facility located near Mount Arafat, a key holy site for pilgrims during Hajj.

The drone technology will help safeguard the health and safety of pilgrims, and ensure the speedy delivery of medicines and other medical supplies during Hajj, according to officials. NUPCO said it will deploy its drones at six major medical centers in Mina, Muzdalifah and Mount Arafat. These locations will welcome nearly 1.25 million Muslim pilgrims during Hajj, which begins on June 4 and continues until June 9.

NUPCO has also supplied smart bracelets that will monitor the health of security personnel while they are on duty during Hajj.


4,900 train journeys and 2m passengers expected on holy sites metro over 7 days of Hajj

Updated 02 June 2025
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4,900 train journeys and 2m passengers expected on holy sites metro over 7 days of Hajj

  • 3,314 flights from 238 destinations in 71 countries have arrived in the Kingdom so far ahead of the annual pilgrimage, transport officials
  • Vehicles equipped with AI scan 7,400km of Kingdom’s roads to help improve safety and ensure necessary maintenance is carried out

RIYADH: Trains on the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line are expected to complete a total of 4,900 journeys, carrying up to 2 million passengers, in the space of just seven days during Hajj.

The metro, known in English as the Sacred Sites Train Line, is a high-capacity rail system in Makkah that operates for only seven days a year, during Hajj, as a shuttle service to take pilgrims to and from holy sites.

Offering insights on Monday into the transportation systems that will serve pilgrims, Saleh Al-Zuwaid, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, said comprehensive preparations have been taking place ahead of the annual pilgrimage across all travel sectors, including air, land, sea and logistics.

The spokespersons reaffirmed their commitment to providing the best possible services and encouraged pilgrims to adhere to official guidelines designed to enhance their experiences and ensure their safety. (Supplied)

“So far, 3,314 flights from 238 destinations in 71 countries, via 62 air carriers, have arrived in the Kingdom,” he said.

There has been a 75 percent increase in the number of trips on Haramain High Speed Railway, compared with last year, he added, and a “Hajj without Luggage” initiative allows pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia to travel to Makkah by train while their luggage is transported separately for convenience.

In addition, more than 25,000 buses have been provided to ensure the safe and comfortable movement of pilgrims, backed by an extensive inspections process, he said.

The latest technology, including artificial intelligence, is also being deployed to enhance transportation, Al-Zuwaid said. A fleet of vehicles equipped with AI is scanning the Kingdom’s roads, from arrival ports to the holy sites, to help improve safety and ensure necessary maintenance is carried out. This year, these advanced technologies have helped to maintain 7,400 kilometers of roads leading to the holy sites.

Detailing advances in digital infrastructure, Saad Al-Shanbari, a spokesperson for Hajj communications and technology, said that 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah and at the holy sites now exceeds 99 percent, with significant increases in internet speeds.

More than 10,500 Wi-Fi access points have been installed to enrich the digital experience for pilgrims, he added, and AI-powered crowd-management and specialized communication systems have been implemented in collaboration with Aramco Digital, to help ensure a reliable digital experience throughout Hajj season.

The spokespersons reaffirmed their commitment to providing the best possible services and encouraged pilgrims to adhere to official guidelines designed to enhance their experiences and ensure their safety.

Hajj begins on Wednesday, June 4, and will continue until Monday, June 9.

 


Saudi foreign minister discusses regional developments with US counterpart

Updated 02 June 2025
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Saudi foreign minister discusses regional developments with US counterpart

  • Phone call on Monday with Marco Rubio

RIYADH: Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s foreign minister, discussed the latest regional developments in a phone call on Monday with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The minister focused on Saudi-American ties, the strategic partnership, and international issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


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.
Updated 02 June 2025
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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

Updated 02 June 2025
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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.