How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 

Special How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 
A large accumulation of plastic waste floating in the ocean. Researchers are now turning to AI-designed biodegradable peptides to tackle microplastic buildup in marine environments. (Getty Images)
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Updated 28 March 2025
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How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 

How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 
  • Researchers at King Saud University used artificial intelligence to design peptides that bind to plastic particles
  • Microplastics can persist in the environment for centuries, posing risks to ecosystems and human health

RIYADH: In a groundbreaking scientific effort, researchers have leveraged artificial intelligence to unlock a powerful new tool in the fight against microplastic pollution — microscopic protein fragments known as peptides.

These AI-engineered peptides can bind to plastic particles, making it possible to remove microplastics from water more efficiently.




A large accumulation of plastic waste floating in the ocean. Researchers are now turning to AI-designed biodegradable peptides to tackle microplastic buildup in marine environments. (Getty Images)

Microplastics — tiny plastic fragments smaller than five millimeters — are now alarmingly widespread in oceans, rivers, soil, and even human bodies. These particles persist in the environment for centuries, threatening ecosystems and public health.

Traditional cleanup methods have struggled to address this growing crisis. Now, a team of scientists from Saudi Arabia, the US and beyond has unveiled a revolutionary solution: biodegradable peptides that latch onto microplastic particles with impressive precision.

Discovered using advanced deep learning models, these peptides could mark a turning point in the global fight against plastic pollution.

“We combined advanced biophysical simulations, which show how short proteins behave on plastic surfaces, with deep learning or AI to spot hidden patterns in those simulations,” Abdulelah Al-Shehri, assistant professor of chemical engineering at King Saud University and the study’s co-author, told Arab News.

“This allowed us to pinpoint specific peptides that latch onto microplastics up to 34 percent more effectively than older methods.”

Unlike conventional filtration methods, these AI-guided peptides offer a scalable, biodegradable alternative that could transform microplastic remediation.




This photo taken on October 14, 2021 shows researchers taking samples collected by a funnel-shaped net nicknamed "the sock" during a joint project of the French Tara Ocean Japan. (AFP)

“Essentially, AI guided us to protein sequences that traditional approaches might miss, leading to stronger and more efficient cleanup capabilities,” Al-Shehri added.

While this discovery was initially made in a computational setting, laboratory tests have confirmed the peptides’ real-world potential.

“We recently ran experiments to evaluate how strongly the AI-designed peptides bind to plastic,” Michael Bergman, a PhD candidate at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at North Carolina State University, told Arab News

“No one has designed plastic-binding peptides before, and we relied solely on computational predictions for peptide design, so we were curious to see how our computational predictions bear out in experiment.

“Excitingly, the AI-designed peptides did very well. The peptides had much higher affinity for plastic compared to random sequences of amino acids and performed as well as our best biophysical designs.

“This work will hopefully be published in the coming months. Having checked this box, the next step is to apply the peptides to remediate microplastic pollution.”




Infographic courtesy of King Saud University website
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Bringing these peptides from the lab to real-world applications presents a major challenge: scalability.

“A major obstacle is producing these specialized peptides on a large scale while ensuring they remain stable and effective in different aquatic environments, whether in fresh, salt or even grey water,” Al-Shehri said.

“Beyond manufacturing, there needs to be close collaboration among researchers, policymakers and industry to streamline regulations, secure funding and ensure safe, cost-effective deployment where pollution is most critical.”




Abdulelah Al-Shehri, assistant professor of chemical engineering at KSU. (Supplied)

Bergman agrees, highlighting the vast potential applications of these peptides.

“We see many possible applications, such as detecting (and perhaps quantifying) microplastic pollution in water using a biosensor, removing microplastics either through filtration or by inducing aggregation, and aiding the adhesion of plastic-degrading organisms to microplastics,” he said.

This breakthrough is particularly relevant for Saudi Arabia, which is balancing its ambitious sustainability goals with its role as a global petrochemical leader.

Key milestones in AI-driven environmental cleanup

2022 Initial AI experiments in peptide-based plastic binding begin.

2023 AI-enhanced biophysical modeling predicts plastic-binding peptides with greater precision.

2024 AI-designed peptides successfully tested using extensive molecular dynamics simulations, outperforming previous solutions.

2025 Researchers at King Saud University, North Carolina State, and Cornell publish findings on biodegradable peptides with record-breaking plastic adhesion.

FUTURE AI-driven peptide research expands to augment capture and detection technologies and broader environmental remediation efforts.

Maher Al-Rashed, associate professor in plastics science at King Saud University, sees this dual role as an opportunity rather than a conflict.

“Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transition toward sustainability, particularly through Vision 2030, offers a fertile ground for the integration of AI-driven biodegradable peptides as part of a multifaceted strategy to combat plastic pollution,” he told Arab News.

“A practical application could involve incorporating these peptides into wastewater treatment plants in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, where microplastic contamination in water sources has been documented.”

He also referenced international benchmarks such as France’s Carbios and Japan’s Ideonella sakaiensis as models for Saudi Arabia to adapt and lead in this space.

“Saudi Arabia could adopt similar AI-engineered enzymatic solutions, particularly in industrial zones like Jubail and Yanbu, where high plastic waste output necessitates sustainable disposal methods,” he said.

While peptides offer a powerful new tool for microplastic cleanup, experts stress that they are not a replacement for reducing plastic waste at its source. “Reducing plastic use is crucial to stem the flow of new pollutants,” said Al-Shehri.




Small fragments of plastic and debris floating in contaminated seawater. Experts warn that microplastics can persist in ecosystems for centuries and pose risks to human health. (Getty Images)

“However, we already have a staggering amount of microplastics in circulation, some of which may persist for centuries. AI-powered strategies like our peptide designs serve as a necessary complement to source reduction, actively targeting and removing existing contaminants while broader efforts to improve recycling continue.”

Al-Rashed agrees but adds that for these peptides to be effective long term, they must be optimized for various types of plastics and environmental conditions.

“One fundamental challenge is ensuring that these peptides exhibit substrate specificity… meaning they must effectively degrade a variety of plastic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET without harming natural organic matter,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring environmental safety.




Infographic courtesy of King Saud University website

“AI-driven peptides must degrade into environmentally safe byproducts. Research conducted by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology is exploring how peptide-mediated polymer degradation can be designed for maximum ecological safety.”

Bringing these peptides from theory to widespread use requires clear regulatory frameworks. Al-Rashed stressed the need for biosafety and industrial scalability.

“From a regulatory perspective, Saudi Arabia would need to establish stringent biosafety and environmental risk assessment protocols before approving the environmental release of AI-engineered peptides,” he said, referencing the role of the Saudi National Center for Environmental Compliance.

On an industrial level, he pointed out that cost efficiency and integration with existing waste management systems would be key factors in success.

“Saudi Arabia’s municipal waste collection and processing facilities are currently optimized for mechanical and chemical recycling, meaning that transitioning to bioenzymatic plastic degradation would require significant infrastructure modifications,” he said.




A photo taken on December 8, 2022, in Vaasa, Finland, shows plastic pieces in frozen water. (AFP)

As Saudi Arabia explores this innovation, researchers like Al-Shehri emphasize the importance of framing the message carefully — especially in a country where the plastics industry is economically significant.

“In essence, microplastic research is as critical as the plastics industry itself,” Al-Shehri said. “We must balance the lifesaving benefits of plastic with urgent research to eliminate and remove these tiny particles from our environment.

“Propelled by innovative academic efforts, short peptides now shine as a new technology in the global effort to combat microplastic pollution. Yet forging true progress — and preserving the plastics industry’s long-term viability — demands concerted efforts and research among governments, industries, academic institutions, and communities alike.”




South Korean environmental activists hold placards reading "I will protect the sea from microplastics" during a campaign to mark World Water Day at a park along the Han River in Seoul on March 22, 2022. (AFP)

As researchers worldwide explore how AI can revolutionize science and sustainability, the development of microplastic-binding peptides stands out as a clear example of how data, biology, and innovation intersect.

“There are almost endless possibilities in combining AI with biophysics,” said Bergman. “Of particular relevance to plastic and microplastic pollution is the development of enzymes that break down plastics.

“In recent years, biophysics-guided AI helped optimize an enzyme that rapidly breaks down the plastic PET. Other researchers are looking to optimize similar enzymes for other common plastics like polystyrene and polyethylene.”

From the lab benches of Riyadh to simulation labs in North Carolina, one message rings clear: AI has the potential to reshape how we approach one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges — and Saudi Arabia is ready to lead the charge.



 


‘Terhal’ play returns to Diriyah with rich tapestry of Saudi culture

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Updated 05 August 2025
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‘Terhal’ play returns to Diriyah with rich tapestry of Saudi culture

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
  • Compelling tale of young man searching for roots in Kingdom
  • Innovative use of live music, acrobatics and equestrian displays

RIYADH: A celebration of Saudi Arabia heritage is underway in Diriyah with the return of the play “Terhal,” which offers a visually rich and emotionally resonant expression of the Kingdom’s cultural tapestry.

Held at the Mayadeen site and running until Aug. 25, the production of the Ministry of Culture combines live performance, cinematic visuals, and traditional storytelling to narrate the evolving story of the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

At the heart of “Terhal” is the story of Saad, a young Saudi who travels across the country’s diverse regions in search of his roots and future.

His personal journey becomes a symbolic reflection of the nation’s broader transformation and is grounded in heritage, driven by ambition, and inspired by generations past.

FASTFACTS

• Held at the Mayadeen site and running until Aug. 25, the Ministry of Culture’s production of ‘Terhal’ combines live performance, cinematic visuals, and traditional storytelling.

• The production seamlessly fuses the Kingdom’s landscapes with innovative stage technology, creating a captivating showcase.

• Tickets can be booked via webook.com.

The production seamlessly fuses the Kingdom’s landscapes with innovative stage technology, creating a captivating showcase.

‘Terhal’ depicts a compelling tale of a young man searching for roots in Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Audiences are treated to dazzling acrobatics, immersive soundscapes, live music, equestrian performances, and cultural displays, including references to traditional crafts, attire and cuisine.

Building on the artistic and public success of its 2023 debut, “Terhal” continues to push the creative boundaries of local theater production.

Tickets can be booked via webook.com.

 


Saudi craftsman creates inclusive artwork by adding Braille to decorative plaque

Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. (
Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. (
Updated 05 August 2025
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Saudi craftsman creates inclusive artwork by adding Braille to decorative plaque

Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all. (
  • Adel Al-Shehri created heritage piece intended to be accessible to all
  • Using specialized tools, he embossed Braille onto luxury wood

MAKKAH: Craftsman Adel Al-Shehri has created a unique decorative plaque inspired by Saudi heritage and embossed with Braille writing.

His creation honors Saudi culture and embraces the concept of inclusivity, driven by a conviction that the decorative piece should be accessible to all, including the visually impaired.

The plaque, titled “My Heritage in Braille,” is designed in a traditional style that reflects the deep-rooted culture of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi artist hopes that his approach will inspire artists across the Arab world to embrace inclusivity in their work. (Supplied)

It features a globe in its center surrounded by artistic motifs reflecting the concepts of universality.

In an interview with Arab News, Al-Shehri spoke about the inspiration behind his selected materials and design choices.

He crafted the plaque from luxurious walnut and mahogany woods, prized for their durability and rich, elegant grain.

It wasn’t easy, but through countless experiments and careful refinements, I achieved a delicate balance between tactile clarity and visual elegance.

Adel Al-Shehri, Saudi craftsman

He added subtle metal inlays to complement the aesthetics and highlight the geometric details with contemporary flair.

The plaque’s base features a stepped circular design, inspired by the shape of ancient terraces found in historical buildings in the Kingdom.

Incorporating Braille into the design proved to be a challenge for the craftsman. The reading system, which features raised dots that are read by touch, is not easy to recreate on materials like wood and metal.

Braille is usually printed on paper, but adding it to a solid surface requires extreme precision.

Al-Shehri devised a special method to achieve this, using engraving tools that enabled him to shape the Braille dots to the appropriate height (between 0.9 mm and 1.4 mm), while maintaining precise geometric spacing between the dots.

This allowed them to be read by touch without losing their meaning or interfering with the other decorative elements on the plaque.

“This step presented both a technical and aesthetic challenge. How could I create a language that is read by touch and integrate it into a plaque meant to be admired visually?

“It wasn’t easy, but through countless experiments and careful refinements, I achieved a delicate balance between tactile clarity and visual elegance,” he said.

Al-Shehri said that the true purpose of his work is to carry a profound humanitarian message: Art should be accessible to all.

He hopes that his pioneering approach will inspire artists across the Arab world to embrace inclusivity in their work.

 


Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa

Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa
Updated 8 sec ago
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Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa

Saudi ambassador receives Pakistan’s High Commissioner in South Africa
  • The two sides “discussed matters of mutual interest and ways to enhance relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to South Africa Faisal Al-Harbi recently received Pakistan’s High Commissioner to South Africa Malik Farooq.

During the meeting, the two sides “discussed matters of mutual interest and ways to enhance relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan,” the embassy wrote in a post on X on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Brazil Faisal Ghulam recently received UN Development Programme Representative Claudio Providas.

They reviewed the organization’s activities in Brazil.

 

 


Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’

Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’
Updated 05 August 2025
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Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’

Family of Saudi student killed in UK pay tribute to ‘best of brothers’
  • Mohammed Al-Qasim, 20, was stabbed to death in Cambridge on Friday
  • Relatives set up fundraiser to provide Saudi families in need with clean water as tribute

RIYADH: Family and friends of Mohammed Al-Qasim, the 20-year-old Saudi student who was stabbed to death in Cambridge, UK on Friday, have been sharing their condolences and memories online.

His relatives have also set up a fundraiser to provide families in need in Saudi Arabia with clean water as a tribute. At the time of writing it had raised more than SR30,000 ($8,000).

Al-Qasim was on a 10-week placement at the EF International Language Campus in the city when he was killed. Two men from Cambridge have been arrested on suspicion of murder and assisting an offender.

Al-Qasim’s uncle, Majed Abalkhail, said on X that his nephew’s death “has been a huge shock for all of us — especially since Mohammed came to Cambridge as a student, carrying nothing but dreams and hopes for the future.”

“We truly hope … that this will be the last such tragedy, and that full justice will be served, with everyone responsible held fully accountable. May Allah have mercy on Mohammed and grant him the highest place in paradise.”

Abalkhail described his nephew as “a young man raised upon goodness, and our hearts still weep over his loss.”

Al-Qasim’s sister, Jana, wrote on X that he was “a man worth a thousand men, the true meaning of support, strength, and dignity.”

“I never knew the taste of fear for a single day, because I knew Mohammed was my backbone and my support after Allah,” she said.

“With the magnitude of his pride and love for me, I was proud of him and loved him many times more. Since our childhood, I would hear that brothers often annoy, quarrel, and fight with their siblings, but by Allah, he never raised his voice at me once, and I never saw from him anything but kindness and love.”

Another sister, Thekra, said: “O Allah, your servant Mohammed Al-Qasim was the best of brothers. Kind, gentle, and fearful of you among us. He never once raised his voice since the day my mother gave birth to him until you took him back to you.”

Abdallah Al-Matrafi, who described himself as a neighbor of the family, said on X that Al-Qasim’s “late father, his brothers and his sons are among the finest people we have known in manners, character, appreciation, respect, and good neighborliness.”

“To this day, we remember them fondly, and we will continue to do so for the rest of our lives.”

Professor Fahad Al-Olayan said: “May Allah have mercy on Mohammed. I was honored to have him as one of my students at the university last semester. He was a hardworking student, eager to learn.”

Nawaf Al-Darrab, a friend of Al-Qasim, said he knew the young man to be “close to Allah … always smiling, committed to his prayers, and forgiving toward everyone.”

“Until we meet again, my beloved and my brother, in the highest paradise with the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous — what an excellent company they are.”

In a public statement, his family described Al-Qasim as a “young man brimming with enthusiasm, with chivalry, and courage,” and said he was “the family’s charisma” and “his father’s support.”

“He was the most compassionate person to ever visit a mother’s heart,” they said.

The fundraiser set up in Al-Qasim’s name can be found at https://ehsan.sa/donationcampaign/details/1828254.


First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy

First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy
Updated 05 August 2025
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First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy

First satellite data platform launched to advance Kingdom’s space economy
  • Earth Observation platform was launched to meet the growing demand for high-resolution satellite imagery and space analytics across key sectors
  • Neo Space Group CEO Martijn Blanken: Earth Observation data supports infrastructure development, urban growth, and resource management

JEDDAH: Neo Space Group, a space and satellite communications company under the Public Investment Fund, has launched Saudi Arabia’s first dedicated Earth observation marketplace, advancing the Kingdom’s space economy.

Operated by UP42, a subsidiary of Neo Space Group, the Earth Observation platform was launched to meet the growing demand for high-resolution satellite imagery and space analytics across key sectors.

It supports the Kingdom’s economic transformation under Vision 2030 by integrating Earth Observation data into sectors such as environment, infrastructure, energy, real estate, mining, logistics, agriculture, and urban planning.

Martijn Blanken, CEO of the Neo Space Group, said that the platform reflects increasing demand for space-based intelligence in the Kingdom, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

“Earth Observation data is essential today,” said Blanken. “It supports infrastructure development, urban growth, and resource management. With more than 2.15 million sq. km, Saudi Arabia requires scalable, data-driven tools for strategic decisions.”

The platform provides access to global data providers and AI-powered services, allowing government agencies, local companies, and international users to acquire and analyze high-resolution imagery and geospatial data through a digital interface.

Frank Salzgeber, acting deputy governor for the space sector at the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, called the launch an important step for the Kingdom’s space economy.

“Alongside enhancing national capabilities, the platform is expected to accelerate the adoption of space technologies in the Kingdom. It reflects our national priorities: fostering technological innovation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building secure infrastructure.”

The platform follows Neo Space Group’s acquisition of UP42 GmbH from Airbus in December 2024. The German company runs a cloud-native Earth observation platform that simplifies satellite data access and processing.

Available at sa.up42.com, the platform lets users search, access, and process satellite data at scale using automated workflows, unified formats, and user-friendly tools. It complies with Saudi regulations and is hosted on secure local infrastructure.