How Saudi Arabia is leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle land degradation

Special How Saudi Arabia is leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle land degradation
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Updated 06 December 2024
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How Saudi Arabia is leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle land degradation

How Saudi Arabia is leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle land degradation
  • Satellite imagery and remote sensing enable AI to detect land degradation early and suggest solutions
  • The Saudi Green Initiative is using AI to find suitable locations for 10 billion new trees and to rehabilitate land

RIYADH: As land degradation becomes an increasingly urgent environmental issue for Gulf nations, where arable land and permanent crops make up less than 2 percent of the total area, countries like Saudi Arabia are leveraging artificial intelligence to help forecast trends and guide decisions on land management and conservation.

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction defines land degradation as the reduction or loss of land’s biological or economic productivity caused by human-induced activities, including deforestation, overgrazing and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Saudi Arabia’s Climate Envoy and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir believes land degradation is driving the displacement of millions and destabilizing entire regions across the globe.

“When people cannot grow food, they migrate,” he told delegates at the COP16 summit in Riyadh on Tuesday.

“This migration often leads to tension and conflict in the receiving areas, creating a cycle of dislocation and violence. This is an issue that touches every aspect of our lives — food security, national security, migration, air quality and biodiversity,” he said, urging nations to collaborate on finding solutions to reverse environmental degradation.

Samer Al-Chikhani, a partner with the consulting firm Strategy& Middle East, believes the main cause of land degradation in the Gulf region is overgrazing, which has been linked to more than 90 percent of land loss.

“Land degradation affects 20 to 40 percent of land, with the world witnessing the loss of more than 100 million hectares of land each year between 2015 and 2019, roughly twice the size of Saudi Arabia,” he told Arab News.




AI-driven models and digital twins could predict future land degradation trends by analyzing climate data. (UN)

Unregulated access to natural areas was another factor leading to “notable habitat damage,” he said, while “unsustainable agricultural practices contribute to soil degradation by causing salinization, erosion and loss of productivity.”

Meanwhile, urban expansion exacerbated land degradation by encroaching on natural habitats and diminishing the land available for agriculture, Al-Chikhani said.

“It is estimated that urbanization and human activities have led to the modification of 40 percent of the GCC coastline,” he said, adding that similar issues, including deforestation, forest fires, invasive species, drought and other climate impacts, also affected the Levant region and North Africa.

“The loss of healthy ecosystems affects communities that depend on the land for grazing, agriculture and other traditional livelihoods,” he said.

“Grazing is deeply tied to the Bedouin lifestyle, a defining feature of GCC history and culture. Healthy and thriving rangelands support the livestock sector, which contributes significantly to food security and rural economies.”

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Moreover, as land degradation, erosion and salinization increased, land productivity declined, resulting in lower crop yields, Al-Chikhani said.

“For example, studies suggest that salinization has a negative effect on crop yields of up to 38 percent in Saudi Arabia. This impacts key produce such as dates and fodder crops.

“In the long term, land degradation weakens both the environment and the economy, posing a serious challenge to the region’s growth and stability.”

Land plays a crucial role in both adapting to and mitigating climate change, making the fight against land degradation all the more critical.

Al-Chikhani highlighted the emergence of AI as a powerful tool in land conservation and restoration projects worldwide.

In Saudi Arabia, “AI is being used to support the Saudi Green Initiative and identify optimal planting locations,” he said.

The Saudi Data and AI Authority has partnered with several government entities to harness AI solutions in support of the SGI, creating smart solutions for combating climate change. In pursuit of the SGI’s goal to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, AI is used to analyze regional climate data, soil conditions and water availability to identify optimal planting locations and determine requirements for maximum efficiency.

By using satellite imagery and remote sensing technologies, Al-Chikhani said AI could analyze vast amounts of data to detect land degradation early and identify potential solutions.

AI-driven models and digital twins could predict future land degradation trends by analyzing climate data, rainfall patterns and land-use practices, enabling more informed decisions on land management and conservation, he said.

“Bespoke AI solutions adapted for the specificities of our Middle East environment can go a long way in restoring our degraded lands and reducing the long-term impacts of land degradation.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• About 40 percent of the world’s land is degraded, affecting more than 3.2 billion people.

• By 2050, crop yields in some regions could fall by 50 percent, increasing food prices by 30 percent.

• Investing in land restoration could yield up to $8 in benefits for every dollar spent.

(Source: UN Convention to Combat Desertification)

In the UAE, the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi recently piloted AI and drone systems to assess soil quality and used AI-powered drone-seeding to help rehabilitate the emirate’s deserts and mangroves.

“AI-driven data analytics can transform decision making by generating precise, actionable insights regarding land management and automatically proposing potential solutions for areas that need interventions,” Al-Chikhani said.

“By consolidating data from satellites, drones, sensors and weather models, AI can help decision makers identify at-risk areas, predict future changes and recommend effective restoration strategies, enabling better resource allocation.”

In fact, the power of AI is being harnessed globally to address environmental issues.




Samer Al Chikhani, Partner at Strategy& Middle East, part of the PwC network. (Supplied)


“MIT’s AI-Screening Reforestation Project uses AI to identify optimal restoration sites across the globe, based on factors such as current soil health, restoration potential and carbon capture potential,” Al-Chikhani said.

“In the Great Green Wall initiative in Africa, AI is being utilized to optimize tree planting locations and monitor soil restoration — in arid regions similar to the Middle East.

“AI tools are also being leveraged in Canada and Spain to predict and detect wildfires, hence supporting in combating deforestation.

“AI can also optimize agricultural water use by analyzing soil moisture, crop health and climate data, potentially reducing water consumption by 30 percent or more compared to traditional practices,” he said.

“In a region where agriculture accounts for 70-80 percent of total water use, this can significantly help reduce water waste and prevent groundwater depletion.”

The Gulf region, in particular, is in need of innovative, low-cost and water-efficient techniques for land restoration.

“This will be key for the successful delivery of large-scale greening programs with ambitious targets such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives,” Al-Chikhani said.




Land plays a crucial role in both adapting to and mitigating climate change, making the fight against land degradation all the more critical. (UN)


“Combining traditional knowledge with AI technologies offers a comprehensive approach to sustainable land management in the region.”

He highlighted the importance of engaging rural communities and the private sector, which should be supported by the development of practical, bankable business models.

“Advanced technologies, such as AI and satellite remote sensing, will accelerate progress, while cost-effective, water-efficient restoration techniques can also address local challenges at scale,” he said.

“It is important to empower ‘land champions’ and for all stakeholders to leverage platforms like the COP16 meeting in Riyadh, which are significant to spotlight the issue.

“Ultimately, sustainable land management will serve as a cornerstone for securing land and water resources, protecting biodiversity, building climate resilience and achieving lasting socioeconomic stability.”

 


Salsola, the camels’ favorite food, plays a big role in fighting desertification

Salsola, the camels’ favorite food, plays a big role in fighting desertification
Updated 03 January 2025
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Salsola, the camels’ favorite food, plays a big role in fighting desertification

Salsola, the camels’ favorite food, plays a big role in fighting desertification

ARAR: Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region is characterized by an abundance of seasonal and annual pastoral plants which helps to fight desertification, increase vegetation cover and biodiversity, and stabilize soil.

 

Estimated at 104,000 sq. km, the region has many species of trees, shrubs and pastoral plants, most notably the evergreen shrub Salsola, which is eaten predominantly by camels, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

 

Nasser Rashid Al-Majlad, president of the Aman Environmental Society in the Northern Borders region, said the region is classified as a pastoral area and has many multi-purpose plants.

 

Its topography has contributed to the diversity of its plants and trees, of which the most famous is Salsola, also known as Caroxylon imbricatum.

 

This evergreen shrub is a summer plant of the Salsola vermiculata genus, which grows in the Arabian Peninsula as well as in the deserts and arid regions of southwestern Asia and North Africa.

 

It grows over a meter tall, and its leaves contain an unpleasantly smelling sap. It is one of the preferred pastoral plants for camels in particular.

 

In some places, it has been a tradition to use Salsola for treating skin disorders.

 

Nature reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative have contributed to afforestation and land reclamation, as well as to the restoration of native plants to their habitats.


Czech president begins official visit to Saudi Arabia

Czech president begins official visit to Saudi Arabia
Updated 03 January 2025
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Czech president begins official visit to Saudi Arabia

Czech president begins official visit to Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Czech President Petr Pavel arrived in Jeddah on Thursday as part of his official visit to the Kingdom. The leader was welcomed at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of Makkah province. The welcoming committee also included Ali bin Mohammed Al-Qarni, deputy secretary of Jeddah governorate; Maj. Gen. Suleiman bin Omar Al-Tuwaireb, director of Jeddah Police, and Ahmed Abdullah bin Dhafer, director-general of the Royal Protocol Office in Makkah.


Traditional Al-Sadu pattern forms integral part of the Saudi Arabia’s cultural fabric

Traditional Al-Sadu pattern forms integral part of the Saudi Arabia’s cultural fabric
Updated 03 January 2025
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Traditional Al-Sadu pattern forms integral part of the Saudi Arabia’s cultural fabric

Traditional Al-Sadu pattern forms integral part of the Saudi Arabia’s cultural fabric
  • Council of Ministers designate 2025 as Year of Handicrafts 

RIYADH: The craft of Al-Sadu is alive across the Kingdom — not only in the depths of the Badia, where the art originated, but also in cities, houses, festivals, exhibitions, events, and art and creative galleries.

Al-Sadu is a popular cultural and civilizational symbol that embodies the distinction of the people of the Kingdom and the Arabian Peninsula.

The “traditional weaving of Al-Sadu” was included in 2020 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A new logo inspired by Al-Sadu has been launched for the Riyadh Expo 2030.

The Saudi Council of Ministers designated 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts, in order to highlight traditional Saudi crafts and craftsmen.

The raw materials used in Al-Sadu are abundantly found in the Kingdom’s desert. They include goat hair, wool from sheep, and camel fuzz. 

Bedouin women mastered the craft, and it was utilized in building Bedouin tents and meeting the needs of families with furnishings such as bedspreads and covers.

The Al-Sadu process goes through several phases. It starts with cutting the wool, sorting it, and then washing it using certain substances, such as soap or ash, to rid it of any plant matter or thorns.

The material is then dried, spun into yarn, and then dyed in natural colors extracted from plants and trees’ peels and roots, such as saffron and henna. Traditional Al-Sadu colors are black, white, red, and brown.

The pieces are then decorated with embroidery, ornaments, and creative art paintings of geometric patterns such as rectangles, circles, triangles and other distinctive forms, many of which symbolize details and connotations associated with the Bedouin.

To knit the threads and weave these unique pieces, craftswomen use the spindle, the loom, and wooden equipment such as the menfash, which is a nail-padded wooden weaving tool used to tease the wool after collecting, washing and drying it. This step is followed by the spinning process, which turns the wool into the spun yarn used in the remaining weaving stages.

The Al-Sadu weaving craft enjoys great significance in various regions of the Kingdom, including Jouf, where many artisans and productive families make unique Al-Sadu products.

Al-Sadu artisans are supported by the Jouf Municipality and governmental and non-governmental sectors, including the Maghazil Al-Sadu Association, which organizes many training programs for craftswomen, as well as exhibitions and programs aimed at marketing and familiarizing people with the art.

Dr. Hiam bint Mubarak Al-Buhairan, the association’s chairperson on the board of directors, said: “Al-Sadu is a symbol of Jouf and the Kingdom, and a national and international resource.

“The association works on protecting, developing, documenting and achieving the sustainability of Al-Sadu, for present and future generations.”

Al-Buhairan said that the association’s goals included providing professional opportunities for talent; raising awareness in the fashion industry; advising those interested in fashion; providing educational and training opportunities; supporting researchers; and contributing to the development of the sector.

The King Abdulaziz Women’s Society for Social Development in Jouf provides Al-Sadu craftswomen with support and training as part of the Made in Saudi project.


Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to enhance maritime partnership at AMAN-25

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to enhance maritime partnership at AMAN-25
Updated 02 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to enhance maritime partnership at AMAN-25

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to enhance maritime partnership at AMAN-25
  • Pakistan Navy chief Adm. Naveed Ashraf highlights the strong bond between Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the Pakistan Navy

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are united in their commitment to safeguard regional and global waters, using decades of naval collaboration to confront threats and foster stability.

This enduring partnership will take center stage at AMAN-2025, a multinational exercise in Karachi aimed at promoting peace and enhancing cooperation among regional and global navies.

With the participation of Saudi Arabia, the event is scheduled to take place from Feb. 7 to 11 in the capital of Sindh province on the Arabian Sea coast with the aim to also present a united front against terrorism and maritime crimes.

Speaking to Arab News, Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff Adm. Naveed Ashraf highlighted the strong bond between the Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the Pakistan Navy, describing it as an “enduring maritime brotherhood.”

“The two navies have several forums for mutual interaction on issues ranging from training to information sharing and logistics. We regularly conduct exercises at sea — foremost being the Naseem Al-Bahr — seminars and training of personnel to enhance the RSNF’s potential to remain a formidable force in the Arabian Gulf and beyond,” Ashraf said.

The admiral underscored the evolution of the AMAN series since its inception in 2007, noting the exponential growth in the level and number of participants, which makes the upcoming edition distinct.

“In the last edition of 2023, Pakistan hosted 50 nations, and this time we expect even more participation from navies across the globe,” he said, adding that the former International Maritime Conference, previously an adjunct to AMAN, has now evolved into the AMAN Dialogue to allow more pragmatic, practitioner-focused discussions between naval leaders from regional and extra-regional navies on maritime security issues.

Ashraf explained how the Pakistan Navy aligns naval strategies and operational practices during such exercises, especially with increasing international participation.

“One of AMAN’s key objectives is to improve interoperability with regional and global navies. For that, we use an operational language that all participants can understand,” he said. “Collective understanding of naval strategies and operational practices is developed during planning phases and conferences held prior to the exercise.”

Emphasizing the role of AMAN-25 in fostering maritime security and stability in the Indian Ocean, he said: “Key objectives of AMAN are to foster regional and extra-regional cooperation to maintain good order at sea, enhance interoperability, act as a bridge between regions, share experiences, understand each other, and exhibit united resolve against terrorism and maritime crimes.”

Ashraf said that the understanding developed during these exercises helps organize collaborative efforts to ensure maritime security.

“In my plain view, AMAN offers a platform to showcase one’s concerns, capabilities, and willingness to cooperate,” he said.

Commenting on the effectiveness of AMAN in addressing piracy, terrorism, and other maritime crimes, Ashraf said that the AMAN Dialogue provides a forum for sharing awareness, experiences, and strategies to counter such threats.

“A significant number of harbor and sea exercises provide opportunities to improve the capacity of participating nations’ teams to combat maritime crimes effectively,” he said.

Discussing the inaugural AMAN Dialogue and its anticipated outcomes, Ashraf noted that the event has evolved from the International Maritime Conference into a practitioner-focused exchange of views.

“The dialogue seeks to promote shared understanding of maritime security issues, challenges confronting the region, and their linkages to the blue economy. It also deliberates on the efficacy of existing mechanisms for maritime cooperation and the need for innovative solutions to address evolving challenges at sea,” he said.

With maritime threats continuing to evolve, the Pakistan Navy employs technological advances to enhance interoperability with regional and extra-regional navies. Ashraf highlighted the transformative effect of technological innovation on naval warfare.

“We are paying focused attention to leveraging technology to achieve better combat readiness. That is the only way to remain effective against evolving threats. Regarding interoperability, we maintain operational linkages and information-sharing mechanisms with many countries through bilateral and multilateral arrangements, such as the Joint Maritime Information Coordination Center,” he said.

Addressing concerns about maritime pollution and climate change, the admiral said that AMAN-25 would prioritize sustainable practices at sea.

“Climate change and maritime pollution are areas of critical concern. These two issues will receive focused attention during AMAN Dialogue discussions,” he said.

On Pakistan Navy’s bilateral and multilateral agreements beyond the exercise, Ashraf said the force has a long history of cooperation with countries worldwide, even before AMAN’s inception in 2007.

“We have bilateral engagements with many navies through expert-level staff talks, training from basic to advanced levels, and exchange visits of key leadership. We became part of the Combined Maritime Forces in 2004 and have significantly contributed to collaborative security at sea,” he said.

Speaking of his vision for future maritime security amid emerging challenges such as cyber threats and artificial intelligence in warfare, Ashraf warned of the risks posed by disruptive technologies falling into the hands of non-state actors.

“I assess that threats at sea will range from ‘low-cost, high-impact’ technology to conventional weapons coupled with significant cyberattacks. That is why I say that future maritime security will greatly depend on collaborative efforts, where early warning will become a decisive factor,” he said.

Ashraf reiterated the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maintaining deterrent capabilities against traditional and non-traditional threats. “Pakistan Navy, envisioned as a technologically adaptive military, will maintain its deterrent capability while also participating in regional and international efforts to maintain stability at sea.”

Highlighting AMAN-25’s focus on securing sea lines of communication, Ashraf emphasized the critical role of the Pakistan Navy in safeguarding these economic lifelines. Recognizing the Indian Ocean as a vital artery for global trade, including energy shipments, he said AMAN provides a platform for practical exercises, professional exchanges, and intellectual discourse on maritime security challenges in the region.

“The significance of sea lines of communication is part of the discussions during AMAN, as we alone depend 95 percent on the sea for our commerce. Regional maritime security patrols and participation in CMF’s task forces signify our role in safeguarding these economic lifelines,” he concluded.

Under the theme “Secure Seas — Prosperous Future,” this year’s AMAN Dialogue will address security challenges in the Indian Ocean, including strategic competition, regional conflicts, and piracy, as well as narco-trafficking, and the use of force by non-state actors.

The exploitation of ocean resources, climate change, and emerging technologies such as AI and unmanned systems are transforming the security landscape, posing risks to global trade and economic development.

The dialogue will focus on key themes such as maritime security in the Indian Ocean, perspectives on maritime security and cooperation, the blue economy, as well as the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies.

These discussions will emphasize the need for collaboration to ensure a stable and prosperous maritime future.


How AI is driving innovation in event management and urban development in Saudi Arabia

How AI is driving innovation in event management and urban development in Saudi Arabia
Updated 02 January 2025
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How AI is driving innovation in event management and urban development in Saudi Arabia

How AI is driving innovation in event management and urban development in Saudi Arabia
  • AI technologies are central to the Kingdom’s mega-projects, enhancing personalized services, transport, and entertainment
  • From autonomous transport to real-time event coordination, AI communication tools are enhancing efficiency and user engagement

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is poised to play a transformative role in Saudi Arabia’s urban development, event management and visitor experiences, particularly as the Kingdom prepares to host major global events like the FIFA World Cup 2034.

AI technologies are already central to the Kingdom’s megaprojects, including NEOM and Qiddiya, and are positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovation and smart city development.

From autonomous transport systems to real-time event coordination platforms, AI-driven communication tools are enhancing efficiency and user engagement in many sectors, particularly sports and entertainment.

“The Saudi Pro League has implemented AI-powered tools like OptaVision to enhance on-field analysis and deepen fan and sponsor engagement,” Amsal Kapetanovic, country manager at Infobip KSA, a communication platform specializing in AI solutions, told Arab News.

“The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence has also launched SportNative, an AI-driven sports product suite that optimizes operations and harnesses the full potential of the current sports ecosystem.”

The impact of AI was evident in Riyadh on Dec. 21 when the boxing rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury featured an experimental fourth judge powered by AI, designed to eliminate bias and human error in scoring.

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Beyond enhancing sports, AI is being used to manage large crowds at events, reduce queuing times, and improve navigation, enhancing experiences for visitors.

“AI-powered systems can provide personalized recommendations, real-time translations, and seamless navigation for international visitors,” Kapetanovic said.

In Saudi Arabia's northwest, the NEOM smart city project is incorporating AI to redefine urban living. (Supplied)

“The Saudi Tourism Authority’s virtual travel companion, SARA, demonstrates how AI delivers real-time insights and information about attractions and events.”

NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion smart city project on the Kingdom’s northwest coast, is incorporating AI to redefine urban living. The technology is expected to play a pivotal role in personalizing services, optimizing transport, and enhancing hospitality.

“AI will revolutionize communication technologies in projects like NEOM by facilitating intelligent, scalable, and seamless interactions,” Kapetanovic said. “In NEOM’s envisioned smart city ecosystem, AI-powered platforms could enable real-time collaboration, multilingual translation, and predictive analytics.”

DID YOUKNOW?

• AI technologies are central to Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects, enhancing personalized services, transport, and entertainment experiences.

• AI-powered tools, such as SportNative and OptaVision, optimize sports operations, on-field analysis, and fan engagement in the Kingdom.

• AI systems like SARA provide personalized recommendations, real-time translations, and seamless navigation.

AI is also expected to enhance travel and logistics in NEOM, enabling real-time route planning, efficient cargo management, and predictive maintenance of transport networks. 

“These tools have the potential to empower residents, visitors and businesses through dynamic, efficient communication and logistical systems,” Kapetanovic said. “By leveraging AI, NEOM aspires to become a global benchmark for interconnected and sustainable living.”

The influence of AI extends beyond infrastructure to retail and entertainment, where conversational AI is reshaping customer interactions. Data from Infobip revealed a 26 percent increase in customer interactions during Black Friday, reflecting the growing adoption of AI in consumer communications.

AI is now being used to manage large crowds at events, reduce queuing times, and improve navigation, enhancing experiences for visitors. (Supplied)

“This surge in digital communication aligns perfectly with the smart city vision of projects like NEOM,” Kapetanovic said.

Qiddiya, meanwhile, another megaproject taking shape near Riyadh, is expected to redefine leisure, entertainment and events through advanced AI applications.

In November, software development company Globant and the Qiddiya Investment Company‎ signed an agreement to develop Qiddiya’s “PLAY LIFE Connected Experience,” an AI-powered platform offering personalized itineraries, event bookings, and community engagement.

AN AI rendering of the Qiddiya project in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“The platform will allow visitors to book events, manage their itineraries, discover new adventures, and engage with the community through a real-time interface,” Kapetanovic said.

AI is also critical to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which prioritize sustainable development and quality of life. From predictive maintenance to efficient resource allocation, AI-driven infrastructure advancements are minimizing costs while accelerating progress.

“When it comes to infrastructure, AI could drive predictive maintenance and efficient resource allocation,” Kapetanovic said. “These advancements align with Vision 2030 by fostering innovation, enabling sustainable development, and elevating the quality of life.”