Saudi Arabia has launched ambitious reforestation and environmental restoration projects aimed at combating drought and land degradation.

Among the most notable efforts is the rehabilitation of Thadiq National Park, where 250,000 trees and one million shrubs have been planted across 600 square kilometers. 

The Saudi Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees and restore 40 million hectares of degraded land, while converting 30% of the country into nature reserves. By 2030, 400 million trees are expected to be planted.

Since 2021, more than 100 million trees and shrubs have already been planted, rehabilitating over 118,000 hectares of soil. These initiatives help reduce urban temperatures by up to 2.2°C, improve air quality, and decrease the frequency of sandstorms. 

Middle East: Saudi Arabia leads the way in environmental protection

Saudi Arabia also leads the Middle East Green Initiative, which seeks to plant 40 billion trees in the region, contributing 5% to the global goal of restoring 200 million hectares of degraded land.

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology have developed techniques to treat wastewater for reuse in algae cultivation and plant irrigation, as well as transforming sand into fertile soil with carbon-enriched compost. 

Despite these advances, the country faces accusations of “greenwashing” as much of its economy remains tied to the oil industry. In 2023, it invested only $36 million in agricultural and land-use innovations, though it represented nearly 75% of climate technology investment in the Middle East. 

To reinforce its environmental commitment, Saudi Arabia will host the 16th UNCCD Conference of the Parties, a key event in the global fight against land degradation and for the promotion of a sustainable environment.