How Saudi organizations are building a sustainable future for wildlife

Special How Saudi organizations are building a sustainable future for wildlife
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Updated 02 January 2025
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How Saudi organizations are building a sustainable future for wildlife

How Saudi organizations are building a sustainable future for wildlife
  • Recent initiatives underscore strong commitment to restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity
  • Kingdom’s approach seen as proof that environmental stewardship and economic growth can coexist

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global leader in biodiversity preservation through a series of pioneering initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species and restoring fragile ecosystems.

From the release of endangered animals in the King Khalid Royal Reserve to the historic birth of Arabian leopard triplets, the Kingdom’s conservation efforts highlight a forward-looking commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage for generations to come.

On Dec. 23, 2024, the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) achieved a significant milestone with the release of 66 endangered animals into the King Khalid Royal Reserve, located northeast of Riyadh.

The release included 40 rhim gazelles, 10 Arabian oryx, 10 Houbara bustards and six Idmi gazelles.

This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, is part of a broader strategy to restore ecological balance, enhance biodiversity and promote eco-tourism.

To ensure the program’s success, some of the released animals were equipped with solar-powered tracking devices, enabling researchers to monitor their integration and behavior in the wild.

The Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre in Taif has reached a groundbreaking achievement — a rare litter of Arabian leopard triplets, two males and one female, was born in June, 2024.

This marks the first recorded triplet birth of the critically endangered Arabian leopard in Saudi Arabia and only the third such occurrence in captivity worldwide over the past 30 years.

The birth is a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia’s conservation efforts led by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).

Fewer than 120 Arabian leopards remain in the wild, placing them in the critically endangered category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.

Since partnering with Panthera in 2019 under the Arabian Leopard Initiative, RCU has made significant strides in protecting this iconic species.

“When we assumed management of the Arabian Leopard breeding program in December 2020, we inherited 14 leopards and immediately began drafting strategic plans for new enclosures, team building, and breeding targets,” Abdulaziz Al-Enzy, senior manager of the RCU Breeding Center Management, told Arab News.

The initiative focuses on boosting wild populations, expanding breeding programs, and advancing research to ensure the species’ survival.

The breeding center, now home to 32 leopards, has emerged as a global leader in conservation efforts.

“Through our KPIs, the center set an ambitious goal of producing two cubs annually,” Al-Enzy said.

“To date, it has consistently exceeded expectations: one cub in 2021, three in 2022, seven in 2023, and five in 2024.”

The center also follows strict protocols for pregnant leopards.

Al-Enzy said females are separated from males during their final trimester, and all activity around them is minimized to ensure a stress-free delivery.

Veterinary teams remain on standby to intervene in case of complications.

“We’ve achieved remarkable growth by constructing state-of-the-art open-top enclosures, the first of their kind in the Middle East for Arabian leopards, and implementing 24-hour monitoring using 200 CCTV cameras,” Al-Enzy said.

The team, according to him, ensures the leopards are healthy, safe and enriched in their environment.

Protecting the Arabian leopard is not just about saving a species—it’s about preserving ecological balance and cultural heritage.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Saudi Arabia released 66 endangered animals, including Arabian oryx, into the King Khalid Royal Reserve.

• Arabian leopard triplets were born in the Kingdom, a rare event for this critically endangered species.

• The Arabian oryx population has increased 60-fold in Saudi Arabia after being declared extinct in the wild.

• The Kingdom reintroduced cheetahs, with four cubs born in captivity after a 40-year absence.


“The Arabian leopard plays a critical role in regulating prey populations, maintaining the health of ecosystems, and is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s culture," Al-Enzy said.

The ultimate goal is to reintroduce these magnificent creatures into the wild sometime in the future. However, this process is fraught with challenges.

“Leopards must be trained to hunt and acquire survival skills, and pre-release enclosures are currently being developed to prepare cubs for life in the wild.”

Genetic diversity remains a significant concern, with active collaboration between Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and the UAE to enhance breeding programs.

“To address these challenges, RCU launched a genetic exchange program in 2023, swapping male leopards with Oman’s Royal Court to strengthen genetic diversity,” Al-Enzy said.


These conservation efforts are not just about Saudi Arabia.

“We are working to save the Arabian leopard from extinction globally, which requires international collaboration and learning from others’ experiences,” Al-Enzy said.

Reintroducing captive-bred Arabian leopards to their natural habitat is a complex and long-term goal. Each cub undergoes rigorous evaluation before release, and success depends on partnerships with local and international organizations.

“We aim to save the Arabian leopard not for one country but for the world. The progress we’ve made so far is just the beginning of this long journey,” Al-Enzy said.

By combining cutting-edge breeding techniques, meticulous monitoring, and global collaboration, Saudi Arabia is setting an example for wildlife conservation efforts across the region.

Saudi Arabia is also making strides in reintroducing cheetahs, which disappeared from the Arabian Peninsula over 40 years ago. Under the National Cheetah Reintroduction Program, four cubs were born in captivity in 2024—a landmark achievement given the complexity of breeding cheetahs.

Globally, only 15 percent of wild-born cheetahs manage to reproduce in captivity, with just 20 percent of those continuing to do so.

By overcoming these odds, the National Center for Wildlife is contributing to the survival of a species that now numbers only 7,100 worldwide.

Combining habitat restoration with advanced research and breeding programs, Saudi Arabia is playing a pivotal role in ensuring the cheetah’s future.

The Arabian oryx, once extinct in the wild by 1972, symbolizes the Kingdom’s conservation triumphs.

Reintroduced into its natural habitat, the species was reclassified as vulnerable in 2011.

By 2019, the wild population had risen to 1,220, with an additional 6,000–7,000 individuals thriving in semi-captive conditions worldwide.

Saudi Arabia has reported a remarkable 60-fold increase in the oryx population, making it one of the most successful wildlife restoration programs globally.

Saudi Arabia’s conservation efforts extend far beyond individual species. The Kingdom’s integrated approach leverages cutting-edge technology, international collaborations and community engagement to achieve its goals.

Programs such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, the Arabian Leopard Fund and the National Cheetah Conservation Strategy reflect a deep commitment to restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity.

From reintroducing onagers to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve after a century-long absence to breeding endangered species at state-of-the-art facilities, the Kingdom is setting a global benchmark for conservation.

As biodiversity faces unprecedented threats worldwide, experts say Saudi Arabia’s approach demonstrates that environmental stewardship and economic growth can coexist.

These efforts not only preserve the Kingdom’s natural legacy but also offer a blueprint for global action to protect the planet’s most vulnerable species. Through innovation, dedication, and collaboration, Saudi Arabia is proving that a sustainable future for wildlife is possible.


Saudi defense minister arrives in Washington

Saudi defense minister arrives in Washington
Updated 51 min 35 sec ago
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Saudi defense minister arrives in Washington

Saudi defense minister arrives in Washington

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman has arrived in Washington on an official visit, Al-Ekhbariya reported on Monday.

The visit aims to strengthen US-Saudi relations, and Prince Khalid will discuss issues of common interest during it.  


Saudi Arabia pivotal in achieving peace, New Zealand deputy PM says as new Russia tariffs announced

New Zealand’s deputy prime minister Winston Peters spoke to Arab News during an official visit to Saudi Arabia. (AN photo)
New Zealand’s deputy prime minister Winston Peters spoke to Arab News during an official visit to Saudi Arabia. (AN photo)
Updated 24 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia pivotal in achieving peace, New Zealand deputy PM says as new Russia tariffs announced

New Zealand’s deputy prime minister Winston Peters spoke to Arab News during an official visit to Saudi Arabia. (AN photo)
  • On strengthening cultural ties in the education sector, the minister spoke dimly of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diminishing numbers of Saudi students attending New Zealand universities
  • As an active member of the UN, New Zealand is looking for what Peters called “an illegal war” to end immediately

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is playing a pivotal role in achieving peace in an increasingly insecure world, New Zealand’s deputy prime minister told Arab News the same day his country announced new tariffs on Russia.

“This is a very dramatically changing world with greater insecurity than ever for a long, long time. And so, we’re looking at countries that are playing a pivotal role as Saudi Arabia is, and the Gulf states, in terms of peace here and world peace itself,” Winston Peters told Arab News during a state visit on Monday.

“I know these aspirations sound to be big and large objectives, but we have got to keep on trying to improve the world we’re in, and we’re looking and observing with a great deal of admiration of the new role in terms of stability that Saudi Arabia appears to be playing.”

FASTFACT

The deputy prime minister reaffirmed New Zealand’s support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The new sanctions announced by New Zealand target 52 individuals and entities involved in Russia’s military and energy industries, as well as North Korean support.

The minister firmly stated: “You will hear all manner of propaganda about Ukraine, but there was an invasion of Crimea in 2014, no one reacted.

“And then we had, just over three years ago ... the beginning of a war.

“Now we’re hearing that the so-called guilty party is utterly innocent, that somehow their soldiers coming over the border into Ukraine is an act of innocence.”

As an active member of the UN, New Zealand is looking for what Peters called “an illegal war” to end immediately.

Certain “uncertainties” from Russia’s point of view about where they fit in the NATO-sphere of nations and Ukraine’s position relevant to the alliance are, according to the Peters, irrelevant at this point in time.

The minister also touched on New Zealand’s stance on the war in Gaza, reaffirming his country’s support of a two-state solution.

“Observing this constant strife, decade after decade after decade, we all want a solution that is in the best interests of the people involved … No matter the government back in New Zealand, we have always been for a two-state solution,” he said.

But the minister said that the purpose of his visit was to take part in Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day weekend celebrations.

“It is a very important celebration … and also to see progress on Vision 2030, which we, even in a brief amount of time, can see so much has advanced from the point of view of economic and social progress,” he said.

He also discussed a recent free trade agreement between New Zealand and the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

New Zealand and the GCC concluded negotiations on an FTA on Oct. 31 of last year, and trade ministers on both sides are expected to sign the agreement in the coming months.

On strengthening cultural ties in the education sector, the minister spoke dimly of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diminishing numbers of Saudi students attending New Zealand universities.

“As a consequence, what used to be 6,000 students a year has dwindled away to a much lesser number, less than a thousand.

“So, we are going to have those talks going forward.”

Peters also touched on Saudi Arabia’s equestrian heritage, after watching New Zealand’s James McDonald perform in the Saudi Cup over the weekend.

“The Arabian horse is unique; it’s got stamina and can run enormous distances … From that, we’ve bred the best in the world.”

He also highlighted Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker’s two-round win over Martin Bakole in Riyadh on Saturday.

 


Saudi health ministry urges meningitis vaccine for Umrah

Saudi health ministry urges meningitis vaccine for Umrah
Updated 24 February 2025
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Saudi health ministry urges meningitis vaccine for Umrah

Saudi health ministry urges meningitis vaccine for Umrah
  • The ministry also urged people to book an appointment via the Sehhaty app to receive the vaccine at adult vaccination clinics

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has highlighted the necessity of receiving the meningitis vaccine for those intending to perform Umrah during Ramadan.

It is part of efforts to enhance preventive health measures and limit the spread of infectious diseases, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.

The ministry urged the importance of getting vaccinated at least 10 days before traveling for Umrah to ensure the required immunity is achieved.

It said that people vaccinated within the past five years do not need a booster dose, as the vaccine remains effective throughout this period.

The ministry also urged people to book an appointment via the Sehhaty app to receive the vaccine at adult vaccination clinics, highlighting the importance of adhering to preventive measures to ensure a safe and healthy Umrah experience.

The directive aligns with the ministry’s efforts to protect the health of Umrah performers, raise health awareness, and develop an integrated healthcare system that enhances quality of life and healthcare services.

 


Crafting a future: Qatif’s artisans show off their skills

Crafting a future: Qatif’s artisans show off their skills
Updated 24 February 2025
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Crafting a future: Qatif’s artisans show off their skills

Crafting a future: Qatif’s artisans show off their skills
  • Woodworkers, tin shapers delight visitors to four-day event
  • Festival reflects Kingdom’s support for traditional crafts

DHAHRAN: Qatif buzzed with excitement as it hosted a celebration of handicrafts, showcasing the talents of local artisans.

Under the patronage of Qatif Gov. Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, the four-day festival, which ended on Sunday, was held at the Anak Event Hall.

More than 200 booths displayed all manner of handcrafts, from traditional tools and knitted hammocks to jewelry, artisanal perfumes and incense.

The festival featured a “Future Artisans” section designed to inspire young creators and help ensure these ancient skills are never lost. (AN photo)

The event emphasized the importance of preserving traditions and their role in the local economy, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

Among the artisans was Mohammad Moghais, a 47-year-old woodworker who builds miniature versions of old-fashioned homes and shops painted in vibrant colors.

“I started woodworking at 16. Back then, there were no modern tools like today’s oscillating saws. All we had were basic hand saws,” he told Arab News.

The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s support for traditional crafts and their economic role. (AN photo)

Moghais’ first project was a small chair and from there he progressed to making tables, wardrobes and sofas.

“The focus at first was on traditional crafts. We would take discarded wood and repurpose it,” he said. “I always find ways to improve my craft.”

Moghais said he was motivated by the changes he saw to his neighborhood following a renovation project that threatened its character.

The festival featured a “Future Artisans” section designed to inspire young creators and help ensure these ancient skills are never lost. (AN photo)

“It really hurt me to see that,” he said. “So I started making wooden fixtures, decorative pieces and items that reflected our traditional artistry, just like our forefathers used to make. That’s how I’ve continued my work over the years.”

Mohammad Alosaif is another of Qatif’s artisans, who showcased his expertise in crafting tin into everyday items like kettles and pots, a skill he learned from his father.

“I feel that the Kingdom’s ongoing support for these traditional crafts is essential, as they form the foundation of many modern industries,” he said.

The festival featured a “Future Artisans” section designed to inspire young creators and help ensure these ancient skills are never lost. (AN photo)

“It may be an old craft, but it evolves alongside modern industries. For example, tin was once used for oil cans, butter containers and paint cans. Craftsmen would cut the tin into sheets, shape, press and refine it, then mold it into various forms, emboss it and polish it to create useful items.”

For visitors, the event provided a rich tapestry of craftsmanship that told stories of heritage and artistic expression. There were also workshops at which people engaged in a range of activities, like macrame and making incense holders and soap.

The festival also featured a “Future Artisans” section designed to inspire young creators and help ensure these ancient skills are never lost.

 


Saudi fund chief receives UN official

Saudi fund chief receives UN official
Updated 24 February 2025
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Saudi fund chief receives UN official

Saudi fund chief receives UN official
  • The two sides discussed ways to enhance development cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Fund for Development CEO Sultan Al-Marshad received UN-Under Secretary-General Haoliang Xu and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance development cooperation, the Saudi fund wrote in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi met with Ambassador of Spain to Saudi Arabia Jorge Hevia and the UN Resident Coordinator in the Kingdom Mohamed Zarkani to discuss matters of mutual interest in Riyadh on Monday, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.