Latest news with #AbdulrahmanAl-Fadley
Gulf Insider
31-07-2025
- Science
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia To Build 1,000 Rainwater Harvesting Dams With 4 Million m³ Annual Capacity
Saudi Arabia has made major strides in environmental conservation, water sustainability, and food security as part of its Vision 2030 goals, according to Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Al-Fadley highlighted the implementation progress of the National Environment Strategy, including the establishment of five specialized environmental centers and the region's largest environmental fund to support green initiatives. The Kingdom has introduced new regulatory frameworks for environmental protection, meteorology, and waste management, two of which are being implemented for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Under the Saudi Green Initiative, over 500,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated and 151 million trees planted. The target is to restore 2.5 million hectares and plant over 215 million trees by 2030. Ultimately, the Kingdom aims to plant 10 billion trees across 40 million hectares. The number of national parks has surged from 18 to 500, while protected terrestrial areas now cover 18% of the Kingdom's territory, a fourfold increase. Marine protected areas have grown by 260% since 2016. Over 8,000 endangered species have been reintroduced into their natural habitats. In enforcement, more than 40,000 environmental permits have been issued, a 660% increase since the creation of the National Center for Environmental Compliance. More than 173,000 inspections were carried out, and 456 licenses were granted to environmental service providers. Air quality monitoring has also expanded, with 240 stations operating across the Kingdom. The ministry launched a national marine monitoring program and bolstered its capacity to respond to oil spills. Meteorological services now cover 100% of Saudi Arabia, aided by advanced sensing and prediction systems. The cloud-seeding program, led by skilled Saudi pilots using cutting-edge aircraft, has conducted over 711 sorties, increasing rainfall by 6.4 million cubic meters to support water resources and vegetation. The Kingdom also launched two pioneering centers, the Regional Center for Climate Change Studies, the first of its kind in the Middle East, and the Regional Center for Sand and Dust Storms, one of only four worldwide. Saudi Arabia has developed 21 strategic city-level waste management plans and identified more than 330 investment opportunities worth SR450 billion. The goal is to divert 90% of waste from landfills by 2040. A suite of incentives, grants, and a new environmental fund has been launched to support private sector innovation and academic partnerships. Al-Fadley announced that the UN Water Conference has named Saudi Arabia a global model for sustainable water practices, with significant progress under Sustainable Development Goal 6. Completed water projects now exceed SR230 billion in value, including SR10 billion in public infrastructure and over SR45 billion through private sector collaboration. The developments cover water production, transport pipelines, storage facilities, and wastewater treatment. Since 2016, water production has doubled to 16.6 million cubic meters per day — 75% of which is desalinated seawater — making the Kingdom the world's top producer of desalinated water. Strategic water storage capacity has increased by 600%, with the average supply coverage rising from one to three days in most cities. Efforts to reduce energy use have halved electricity consumption in the sector compared to 2016. The Kingdom now delivers water to more than 22,000 population centers, reaching elevations up to 3,000 meters through an 18,000-kilometer pipeline network. Reused water volume has risen from 251 million to 550 million cubic meters, now representing 32% of total usage. Saudi Arabia is building 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with an annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. With over 65% local content in the water sector and 97% of engineering roles held by Saudi nationals, the Kingdom is increasingly self-reliant. The National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation has saved 120,000 cubic meters daily and aims to reach 300,000 soon. Agricultural GDP reached SR118 billion, up 8% from last year and 39% from 2020. Food production rose to 12 million tons due to supportive policies and Saudi Agricultural Development Fund initiatives. The Kingdom has achieved full self-sufficiency in dates, milk, and eggs, and between 70%–100% in various vegetables and over 70% in poultry. Exports of fish and shrimp have expanded, along with global competitiveness in select agricultural sectors. Saudi Arabia remains the world's top date exporter. The General Food Security Authority ensures the availability of 11 key staples, with an early warning system for essential goods to be launched soon. Al-Fadley also praised the role of the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), which supplies 30% of the Kingdom's wheat imports through overseas projects.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Saudi Arabia to build 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with 4 million m³ annual capacity
, under the ambitious framework of Vision 2030, is making remarkable progress in environmental conservation, water sustainability, and food security. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, recently highlighted the Kingdom's efforts during the Government Press Conference, shedding light on the implementation of various strategies and achievements. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These efforts not only support the Kingdom's long-term goals but also reinforce its leadership in sustainable practices in the region. A Green Revolution: Environmental Sustainability at the Forefront One of the key pillars of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is environmental preservation, and the Kingdom has made impressive strides in this area. Under the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and conserve biodiversity, several ambitious projects are already underway. Land Rehabilitation and Tree Planting : Over 500,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated, and an impressive 151 million trees have been planted. The goal is to restore 2.5 million hectares and plant 215 million trees by 2030. The Kingdom ultimately aims to plant 10 billion trees across 40 million hectares, positioning itself as a global leader in reforestation efforts. : Over 500,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated, and an impressive 151 million trees have been planted. The goal is to restore 2.5 million hectares and plant 215 million trees by 2030. The Kingdom ultimately aims to plant 10 billion trees across 40 million hectares, positioning itself as a global leader in reforestation efforts. Protected Areas and National Parks : In a major push for biodiversity, the number of national parks in Saudi Arabia has grown dramatically from 18 to 500. In tandem, the Kingdom has increased the size of protected terrestrial areas, which now cover 18% of its territory, a fourfold increase. Marine protected areas have grown by a staggering 260% since 2016. : In a major push for biodiversity, the number of national parks in Saudi Arabia has grown dramatically from 18 to 500. In tandem, the Kingdom has increased the size of protected terrestrial areas, which now cover 18% of its territory, a fourfold increase. Marine protected areas have grown by a staggering 260% since 2016. Wildlife Conservation : Saudi Arabia is home to more than 8,000 endangered species, which have been successfully reintroduced into their natural habitats as part of the Kingdom's broader conservation efforts. This work highlights the country's commitment to preserving its rich and diverse ecosystems for future generations. : Saudi Arabia is home to more than 8,000 endangered species, which have been successfully reintroduced into their natural habitats as part of the Kingdom's broader conservation efforts. This work highlights the country's commitment to preserving its rich and diverse ecosystems for future generations. Environmental Regulations and Enforcement : The Kingdom has introduced new regulatory frameworks for environmental protection, meteorology, and waste management. In a significant development, more than 40,000 environmental permits have been issued, marking a 660% increase since the establishment of the National Center for Environmental Compliance . Additionally, over 173,000 environmental inspections were carried out in the past few years. : The Kingdom has introduced new regulatory frameworks for environmental protection, meteorology, and waste management. In a significant development, more than 40,000 environmental permits have been issued, marking a 660% increase since the establishment of the . Additionally, over 173,000 environmental inspections were carried out in the past few years. Innovative Programs: Saudi Arabia has launched cutting-edge initiatives like the cloud-seeding program, which has completed over 711 sorties to increase rainfall and bolster water resources. In addition, the Kingdom has established the Regional Center for Climate Change Studies , the first of its kind in the Middle East , and the Regional Center for Sand and Dust Storms, one of only four globally. Water Sustainability: A Global Leader in Desalination and Conservation Water scarcity has been a critical challenge for Saudi Arabia, but the Kingdom has made significant strides in addressing this issue through innovative projects and technologies. Desalination and Water Production : Saudi Arabia is now the world's largest producer of desalinated water. Since 2016, water production has doubled to 16.6 million cubic meters per day, with 75% of this being desalinated seawater. This ensures the availability of fresh water across the Kingdom, including remote areas and arid regions. : Saudi Arabia is now the world's largest producer of desalinated water. Since 2016, water production has doubled to 16.6 million cubic meters per day, with 75% of this being desalinated seawater. This ensures the availability of fresh water across the Kingdom, including remote areas and arid regions. Water Storage and Distribution : Strategic water storage capacity has seen a 600% increase, enabling the Kingdom to manage and distribute water more effectively. In addition, Saudi Arabia has built an extensive 18,000-kilometer pipeline network that delivers water to over 22,000 population centers, reaching elevations as high as 3,000 meters. : Strategic water storage capacity has seen a 600% increase, enabling the Kingdom to manage and distribute water more effectively. In addition, Saudi Arabia has built an extensive 18,000-kilometer pipeline network that delivers water to over 22,000 population centers, reaching elevations as high as 3,000 meters. Water Reuse : The Kingdom plans to build 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with a combined annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. These structures will capture seasonal rainfall, enhance groundwater recharge, reduce runoff, and support water availability in arid regions, a key step in achieving long-term water sustainability. : The Kingdom plans to build 1,000 with a combined annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. These structures will capture seasonal rainfall, enhance groundwater recharge, reduce runoff, and support water availability in arid regions, a key step in achieving long-term water sustainability. Rainwater Harvesting Dams: The Kingdom plans to build 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with a combined annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. These structures will capture seasonal rainfall, enhance groundwater recharge, reduce runoff, and support water availability in arid regions, a key step in achieving long-term water sustainability. The Kingdom plans to build 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with a combined annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. These structures will capture seasonal rainfall, enhance groundwater recharge, reduce runoff, and support water availability in arid regions, a key step in achieving long-term water sustainability. Sustainability Achievements: The Kingdom's efforts in the water sector have been recognized globally. During the UN Water Conference , Saudi Arabia was hailed as a global model for sustainable water practices. Completed water projects now exceed SR230 billion in value, with SR10 billion allocated to public infrastructure and over SR45 billion from private sector collaboration. Food Security: Boosting Agricultural Production and Self-Sufficiency In the realm of food security, Saudi Arabia has successfully enhanced its agricultural output, contributing to national self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports. Growth in Agricultural GDP : Agricultural GDP has increased by 8% in the past year, reaching SR118 billion. In just three years, food production has surged by 39%, reaching a total of 12 million tons. The Kingdom's agricultural policies, alongside initiatives by the Saudi Agricultural Development Fund , have played a key role in this growth. : Agricultural GDP has increased by 8% in the past year, reaching SR118 billion. In just three years, food production has surged by 39%, reaching a total of 12 million tons. The Kingdom's agricultural policies, alongside initiatives by the , have played a key role in this growth. Self-Sufficiency in Key Foods : Saudi Arabia has achieved full self-sufficiency in several key food products, including dates, milk, and eggs. The Kingdom has also reached impressive levels of self-sufficiency in vegetables (ranging from 70%–100%) and poultry (over 70%). This decrease in reliance on imports not only supports local agriculture but also strengthens the Kingdom's food security. : Saudi Arabia has achieved full self-sufficiency in several key food products, including dates, milk, and eggs. The Kingdom has also reached impressive levels of self-sufficiency in vegetables (ranging from 70%–100%) and poultry (over 70%). This decrease in reliance on imports not only supports local agriculture but also strengthens the Kingdom's food security. Global Competitiveness : Saudi Arabia remains the world's leading exporter of dates, and exports of fish and shrimp have also expanded. The Kingdom has made notable strides in global competitiveness in various agricultural sectors, ensuring that its food industry continues to grow and diversify. : Saudi Arabia remains the world's leading exporter of dates, and exports of fish and shrimp have also expanded. The Kingdom has made notable strides in global competitiveness in various agricultural sectors, ensuring that its food industry continues to grow and diversify. Role of the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC): Al-Fadley also praised the efforts of SALIC, a key player in securing the Kingdom's wheat imports. Through overseas projects, SALIC supplies 30% of the Kingdom's wheat imports, reinforcing food security and the diversification of Saudi Arabia's agricultural supply chains.
Saudi Gazette
30-07-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia to build 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with 4 million m³ annual capacity
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has made major strides in environmental conservation, water sustainability, and food security as part of its Vision 2030 goals, according to Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Al-Fadley highlighted the implementation progress of the National Environment Strategy, including the establishment of five specialized environmental centers and the region's largest environmental fund to support green initiatives. The Kingdom has introduced new regulatory frameworks for environmental protection, meteorology, and waste management, two of which are being implemented for the first time in Saudi Arabia. Under the Saudi Green Initiative, over 500,000 hectares of degraded land have been rehabilitated and 151 million trees planted. The target is to restore 2.5 million hectares and plant over 215 million trees by 2030. Ultimately, the Kingdom aims to plant 10 billion trees across 40 million hectares. The number of national parks has surged from 18 to 500, while protected terrestrial areas now cover 18% of the Kingdom's territory, a fourfold increase. Marine protected areas have grown by 260% since 2016. Over 8,000 endangered species have been reintroduced into their natural habitats. In enforcement, more than 40,000 environmental permits have been issued, a 660% increase since the creation of the National Center for Environmental Compliance. More than 173,000 inspections were carried out, and 456 licenses were granted to environmental service providers. Air quality monitoring has also expanded, with 240 stations operating across the Kingdom. The ministry launched a national marine monitoring program and bolstered its capacity to respond to oil spills. Meteorological services now cover 100% of Saudi Arabia, aided by advanced sensing and prediction systems. The cloud-seeding program, led by skilled Saudi pilots using cutting-edge aircraft, has conducted over 711 sorties, increasing rainfall by 6.4 million cubic meters to support water resources and vegetation. The Kingdom also launched two pioneering centers, the Regional Center for Climate Change Studies, the first of its kind in the Middle East, and the Regional Center for Sand and Dust Storms, one of only four worldwide. Saudi Arabia has developed 21 strategic city-level waste management plans and identified more than 330 investment opportunities worth SR450 billion. The goal is to divert 90% of waste from landfills by 2040. A suite of incentives, grants, and a new environmental fund has been launched to support private sector innovation and academic partnerships. Al-Fadley announced that the UN Water Conference has named Saudi Arabia a global model for sustainable water practices, with significant progress under Sustainable Development Goal 6. Completed water projects now exceed SR230 billion in value, including SR10 billion in public infrastructure and over SR45 billion through private sector collaboration. The developments cover water production, transport pipelines, storage facilities, and wastewater treatment. Since 2016, water production has doubled to 16.6 million cubic meters per day — 75% of which is desalinated seawater — making the Kingdom the world's top producer of desalinated water. Strategic water storage capacity has increased by 600%, with the average supply coverage rising from one to three days in most cities. Efforts to reduce energy use have halved electricity consumption in the sector compared to 2016. The Kingdom now delivers water to more than 22,000 population centers, reaching elevations up to 3,000 meters through an 18,000-kilometer pipeline network. Reused water volume has risen from 251 million to 550 million cubic meters, now representing 32% of total usage. Saudi Arabia is building 1,000 rainwater harvesting dams with an annual capacity of 4 million cubic meters. With over 65% local content in the water sector and 97% of engineering roles held by Saudi nationals, the Kingdom is increasingly self-reliant. The National Center for Water Efficiency and Conservation has saved 120,000 cubic meters daily and aims to reach 300,000 soon. Agricultural GDP reached SR118 billion, up 8% from last year and 39% from 2020. Food production rose to 12 million tons due to supportive policies and Saudi Agricultural Development Fund initiatives. The Kingdom has achieved full self-sufficiency in dates, milk, and eggs, and between 70%–100% in various vegetables and over 70% in poultry. Exports of fish and shrimp have expanded, along with global competitiveness in select agricultural sectors. Saudi Arabia remains the world's top date exporter. The General Food Security Authority ensures the availability of 11 key staples, with an early warning system for essential goods to be launched soon. Al-Fadley also praised the role of the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC), which supplies 30% of the Kingdom's wheat imports through overseas projects.
Arab News
21-04-2025
- General
- Arab News
Healthier and greener nation is focus of Environment Week 2025
RIYADH: The organizers of Saudi Arabia's Environment Week are aiming to increase public engagement to secure a thriving and greener future for the country. The event began on Sunday and was attended by Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir. Reema Obaid, one of the participants, told Arab News: 'We are here at the environmental awareness initiative, which is raising awareness about our environment for a healthier and greener environment.' Obaid explained that children can gather at her booth to plant seeds or cuttings. Then they can either take their plants with them or donate them to national parks in the Kingdom. Another activity is 'Green Leader,' under the nation's Environment Fund. It is a green bus symbolizing the country's sustainability journey from the past to the present. Weed Al-Balawi, a participant in the initiative, said they designed it to 'deliver major concepts regarding sustainability, resource conservation, ancestral heritage, and technology in environmental conservation.' The aim was to ensure a 'simple and enjoyable way to benefit the target group, which is the age group from primary to intermediate school,' said Al-Balawi. She said the education stations at the event were created for the public to experience how people used sustainable practices in the past on a daily basis to coexist with nature and biodiversity. The final station at the event showed current practices, which includes how people are now using technology to protect the environment, said Al-Balawi. One of the examples displayed was the camel's watering place, where people would dig a small well for the animals next to the one they used for drinking. This ancient technique was used to prevent diseases spreading from animals to humans, and to reduce the amount of wasted water. The theme of this year's event is 'Our Environment is a Treasure' and will be held until April 26. A highlight was the debut of the National Environmental Performance Index, a strategic tool to monitor progress and guide policy. There were 13 agreements signed between the ministry's entities and the private sector to improve collaboration in environmental projects.
Saudi Gazette
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
'Green Leader Initiative' launched to spread culture of environmental sustainability among students
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley launched the "Green Leader Initiative" in Riyadh on Sunday. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Member, and UN Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir attended the launching ceremony. The initiative, under the slogan "Their path is green" is organized by the Environment Fund as part of the "Environment Week 2025" activities. Through this initiative, the Environment Fund seeks to strengthen community partnerships with various sectors to protect the environment and direct efforts toward achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in the field of environmental sustainability. The initiative aims to spread the culture of environmental sustainability among students of all ages through interactive and innovative educational programs that span schools across the Kingdom. These programs focus on enhancing environmental awareness, encouraging action to address environmental challenges, promoting innovation for climate change, and stimulating a green transformation in society. The launch of this initiative comes within the framework of "Environment Week," an annual national environmental event aimed at spreading environmental awareness in the community, achieving environmental sustainability, preserving natural resources, and reducing all forms of pollution.
