How solar-powered desalination allows Saudi Arabia to produce potable water sustainably

Special How solar-powered desalination allows Saudi Arabia to produce potable water sustainably
A view of the Al-Khafji Desalination Plant, the world's largest. (Vision 2030 photo)
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Updated 22 June 2024
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How solar-powered desalination allows Saudi Arabia to produce potable water sustainably

How solar-powered desalination allows Saudi Arabia to produce potable water sustainably
  • Desalination of seawater allows parched Gulf nations to access plentiful water for farming and human consumption
  • To cut emissions, the Kingdom is adopting renewable energy sources to power its filtration and treatment plants

RIYADH: In regions with limited rainfall, desalination is a practical means of sourcing plentiful water for farming and human consumption. However, the process of turning seawater into freshwater is notoriously energy intensive.

Indeed, desalination is a significant contributor to carbon emissions in the water-scarce Arabian Peninsula. That is why Saudi Arabia has been investing in green energy sources to power its desalination plants.

“Using renewable energies for desalination is crucial as it contributes to reducing the operation’s carbon footprint and water production costs,” Sultan Al-Rajhi, spokesperson for the Saudi Water Authority, told Arab News.

 

 

Due to the scarcity of freshwater resources in a region with a rapidly growing population, seawater desalination is essential to keep pace with demand, he added.

“Saudi Arabia depends on desalination of seawater due to the nature of the desert climate, in which the presence of surface water and natural rivers is rare,” Al-Rajhi said.

In fact, desalination accounts for about 75 percent of the Kingdom’s water supply.

“Therefore, investment is being made in desalination of seawater to meet the demand for population and economic growth witnessed in the Gulf region as a whole.”

Each year, the Kingdom requires an average of 5.5 billion cubic meters of freshwater. The need for water is especially high during the Hajj and Umrah seasons, when well over a million pilgrims arrive from around the world.

Home to more than 37 million people, the Kingdom is the world’s third-largest consumer of water per head of population. Agriculture alone accounts for around 84 percent of total water consumption.




An alfalfa farm in Riyadh region's Wadi Ad-Dawasir governorate. (Supplied)

Desalination is a complex process that involves removing salt and other impurities from seawater. Since the process requires a significant amount of energy, adopting renewables such as solar to power these facilities has become a top priority.

“To develop climate-resilient infrastructure for sustainable desalination, Saudi Arabia should prioritize innovative and renewable technologies,” Abdulaziz Daghestani, area sales director of water utilities and country director at Grundfos, told Arab News.

Grundfos is a Danish company that is working with regional states to provide innovative pumping solutions for water supply, wastewater management, heating and cooling, and industrial processes. 

According to Daghestani, integrating advanced monitoring systems can help optimize desalination operations and enhance efficiency.

“Using real-time data and analytics, we can improve water management practices and make timely adjustments to meet the varying increasing demand for human consumption and agriculture,” he said.

The Qatrah program, which means “droplet” in Arabic, was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in 2020, and aims to reduce excess water usage by eliminating waste, and encouraging the conservation and reuse of existing freshwater.

Its objective is to lower daily per-capita water consumption from 263 liters to 150 liters by 2030. To do this, the ministry has created a unified framework, known as the National Water Strategy, for the country.

However, despite these efforts to improve the sustainability of water systems, desalination remains a crucial means of meeting water demand, making the adoption of clean energy sources and efficient production techniques a critical priority.

DID YOUKNOW?

• In 2023, Saudi Arabia had a desalination capacity of 13.2m cubic meters per day.

• 7 million cubic meters of desalinated water have been generated by the Al-Khafji plant.

• Desalination accounts for 60 percent of the urban water supply in Saudi Arabia.

• Agriculture makes up 84 percent of the Kingdom’s water needs.

Al-Khafji Desalination Plant, located in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province, is the world’s largest solar-powered water desalination project, providing the region’s water requirements through an innovative and environmentally friendly approach.

The plant can generate up to 90,000 cubic meters of freshwater per day using innovative technology created by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. 

Its new Solar Saline Water Reverse Osmosis method uses a process known as ultra-filtration during the pre-treatment phase.




A view of the Ras al-Khair water desalination plant, owned by the Saudi government's Saline Water Conversion Corporation, along the Gulf coast in eastern Saudi Arabia. (AFP)

The method involves forcing seawater through a semipermeable membrane that only allows water molecules to pass, while blocking the salt and other contaminants. The resulting purified water is then collected for distribution.

Since its launch in 2018, more than 7 million cubic meters of freshwater produced by the plant have already been utilized.

“Using reverse osmosis technology is considered to have the lowest rates of carbon emissions as a result of the increase in energy efficiency through the development of this field in recent years,” said Al-Rajhi.

“The rate of carbon emissions per cubic meter in some desalination systems has been reduced to 91 percent compared with thermal desalination systems.”

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Solar is not the only source of renewable energy that can be adopted to power the desalination process.

“This is in addition to the prospective use of hydraulic turbines to convert the kinetic energy resulting from the flow of water into electricity to generate clean energy,” said Al-Rajhi.

This shift toward renewables not only addresses the high energy costs associated with desalination but also supports Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable development. 

Inger Andersen, executive director of the UN Environment Programme, has praised the Kingdom’s water conservation agenda, which is part and parcel with its environmental mission, the Saudi Green Initiative.




A farm in Wadi bin Hashbal, Saudi Arabia, was recently recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest sustainable farm in the world. (Supplied)

Saudi Arabia is correct to prioritize “not over-extracting and being very wise around environmental management.”

“That is why we are quite impressed by the Saudi Green Initiative,” she told Arab News.

This transition to cleaner energy sources reflects a strategic decision to enhance the Kingdom’s energy efficiency and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, while simultaneously addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Integrating renewable energy into desalination processes marks a significant step toward achieving a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious approach to water production.
 

 


Oman ambassador’s touching farewell message to Saudi Arabia

Oman ambassador’s touching farewell message to Saudi Arabia
Updated 31 January 2025
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Oman ambassador’s touching farewell message to Saudi Arabia

Oman ambassador’s touching farewell message to Saudi Arabia
  • It was an extraordinary journey of 4 years, he says
  • Highlights include new road access inauguration, top level visits to boost bilateral ties, Gulf railway project 

RIYADH: In a heartfelt farewell message, the outgoing Oman ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sayyid Faisal bin Turki said: “My dearest Saudi Arabia, from the moment I landed in Riyadh to serve as the ambassador, you have felt like home.”

In an exclusive interview with Arab News before concluding his duty in Riyadh on Friday, Turki said: “It was an extraordinary journey of four years. I remember, back in early 2021 when I joined, it was the time of [the] COVID pandemic.

“It was my first appointment as an ambassador, and it turned out to be an amazing year because in the same year it was planned for the first state visit for His Majesty Sultan Haitham and in the same year, before the end of the year, we inaugurated the new road access between Saudi Arabia and Oman, and before concluding that year, we had the visit of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as well, along with a big delegation.

“A number of agreements were signed at the personal as well as diplomatic level I spent a lot of time, along with my team, to strengthen the relationship and contribute to that.

“On an average, we had about anything between 80 to 115 delegations per year coming. There have been numerous agreements, MoUs signed between the two countries in various fields. And I think what we have been privileged to do is to contribute to this magnificent growth in the relationship between Oman and Saudi Arabia,” said the envoy.

He added: “There is much more that can be done. We have been putting a lot of emphasis on supporting the private sector in the past three years, we have seen at least about 20 to 25 Omani companies exploring opportunities and venturing into the Saudi market in various fields, whether it is IT, tourism, event management, oil and gas, you name it, which hasn’t been the case before.”

Saudi Arabia is the right place to be at the right time, he said, whether that was politically, diplomatically or for business.

Speaking about the Gulf Cooperation Council countries proceeding with the practical steps of the Gulf Railway Project, he said: “That is obviously at the level of the GCC, Oman is part of the GCC and we are more or less ready when the consensus happens in terms of building that network.

“For us, the railway network is very important primarily for the goods and trade between the Gulf countries and, beyond as well.”

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, speaking at the 26th meeting of the Committee of GCC Ministers of Transport and Communications in November last year, said the GCC had achieved practical steps for the Gulf railway project on the ground with advanced levels of implementation.

The outgoing ambassador said the latest of these achievements was the establishment of Hafeet Rail between the Sultanate of Oman and the UAE, which aims to design, develop and operate a railway network connecting Sohar to the UAE’s national railway network.

“We believe that Oman enjoys an excellent logistic positioning, but that needs to be strengthened through our bilateral relations as well,” said Turki.

“Saudi Arabia is a strategic market that needs to have a lot of emphasis. Saudi Arabia looks at Oman as well as a gateway, an access across to Asia, and we look forward to seeing the fruits of all these efforts.”

He added: “We have managed to get the [agreement of] key stakeholders from Oman to participate in annual cultural, economic events, such as the FII, the biggest investment forum that happens every October in Saudi Arabia and the Book Fair. We have as well a growing interest in LEAP, which is all about technology and getting more companies to participate.”


Food and fun come to Alkhobar at the Food Culture Festival

Food and fun come to Alkhobar at the Food Culture Festival
Updated 31 January 2025
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Food and fun come to Alkhobar at the Food Culture Festival

Food and fun come to Alkhobar at the Food Culture Festival

ALKHOBAR: The Food Culture Festival, running until Feb. 2, has transformed Alkhobar’s seafront into a hub of culinary and cultural exchange.

The event features oversized food sculptures — including a giant hamburger and pizza slice — leading visitors into a world of flavors.

With 30 food varieties, 12 kiosks, and interactive spaces, the festival offers a rich culinary journey, complemented by live music.

In collaboration with the Quality of Life Program, the festival features a lineup of international cuisines, including Saudi, Italian, Turkish, American, Chinese and Thai, offering a diverse range of dishes, from street food favorites to gourmet specialties.

On arrival, visitors receive a festival passport that guides them through culinary quests. Completing all challenges earns them a free prize — either a T-shirt or a mug — but participation is optional. Guests can simply walk around, purchase food, and enjoy the live performances without following the passport activities.

One vendor, Norah Mari of Soma, shared her pride in showcasing a local twist on a dish. “People are coming to sample culinary delights from around the world, and we are proud to showcase our Saudi twist on a dish that originates in Syria. We added Hasawi lemon to our new variation, and this festival gives everyone a chance to sample it,” she told Arab News.

Workshops led by expert chefs cover food decoration, sushi making, pasta preparation and food photography, requiring a separate ticket for participation.

Entertainment takes center stage with live performances, including Arabic music, Indian Bharatanatyam dance and a Chinese dragon dance in celebration of the lunar new year. Carnival games and shows add to the excitement.

For families, there are interactive workshops introducing children to global food cultures through fruit tastings, baking sessions and farm experiences.

“We are now here in Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, promoting Filipino products with the help of our Philippine embassy,” said vendor Philip Lim, highlighting the festival’s diverse offerings.

Cousins Lama Al-Shaikh, 7, and Haya Al-Shaikh, 8, attended with their mothers to explore the festival: “The event is so fun, and the food is so good!” they told Arab News.

Open from 4 p.m. to midnight, the festival provides an ideal setting for residents and visitors to gather, indulge in world-class cuisine and enjoy a festive atmosphere.

“As a Saudi entrepreneur, I’m so pleased that we were able to participate in this festival in the same city where my journey began,” Mari said.

Following its stopover in Alkhobar, the festival will move to Riyadh from Feb. 5-9 and Jeddah from Feb. 12-16.

To book tickets, visit https://www.instagram.com/mocculinary?igsh=bXB5bnVwZ3V2dm92


How AI-programmed robotic pets could transform therapy and mental health support

How AI-programmed robotic pets could transform therapy and mental health support
Updated 31 January 2025
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How AI-programmed robotic pets could transform therapy and mental health support

How AI-programmed robotic pets could transform therapy and mental health support
  • AI advancements make therapy pets a viable alternative for those unable to own real animals due to allergies or living constraints
  • Despite their potential, AI-powered companions face challenges due to cultural perceptions, cost, and data privacy

RIYADH: Pet ownership has long been associated with positive mental well-being, from the company and affection animals provide their owners to the health and social benefits offered by regular walks and interactions.

Domesticated animals like cats and dogs are routinely used to comfort people in distressing situations, including those being treated in hospital or suffering anxiety on commercial flights.

In fact, pet ownership and interactions with animals are regularly touted by doctors to help address a range of mental health issues and improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive function.

A 2024 review in the Journal of Medical Internet Research highlighted animal-assisted therapy’s measurable impact on reducing stress and promoting good mental health across diverse demographics and settings.

However, for those who suffer from allergies or who for whatever reason are unable to keep a pet at home, this may not be an option.

Now, thanks to new advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, a synthetic form of animal-assisted therapy has emerged with the potential to transform the healthcare landscape.

“The future of using pet-like AI-driven robots for therapy has great potential,” Imed Gallouzi, chair of the Center of Excellence for Smart Health at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, told Arab News.

“For individuals dealing with mental health issues, AI therapy pets could provide privacy, immediate reactions to crises, and even companionship to alleviate loneliness.”

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AI therapy pets could also be integrated with other smart health solutions. “These devices could link with wearable technology and remote monitoring tools to offer personalized treatment plans,” said Gallouzi.

For example, an AI pet could sync with a wearable device to monitor a patient’s heart rate and alert healthcare providers to any irregularities.

Such AI advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of mental health conditions have come at a critical time.

The World Health Organization recently warned that mental health disorders are a major contributor to the global disease burden, with depression being the leading cause of disability worldwide.

Illustration from the WHO's "world mental health report" 

Mental health issues among young people are a growing concern in Saudi Arabia. A 2023 study based on the Saudi National Mental Health Survey revealed that at least 40.1 percent of young Saudis had experienced a mental health condition at some point in their life.

Despite the prevalence of these issues, the study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, found that just 14.47 percent of young people with mental health issues had received treatment for their condition.

The Kingdom has sought to prioritize the well-being of its citizens as part of the Vision 2030 reform agenda. In 2022, it allocated 4 percent of its healthcare budget to mental health issues — far above the global average.

But for AI-programmed robotic pets to catch on as an effective therapy tool, Noor Al-Faraj, a data AI and automation expert at IBM, says the technology must exhibit sufficient emotional intelligence and offer the right response.

“For these pets to really work, they need to understand human emotions on a deeper level,” Al-Faraj told Arab News.

Despite their potential, the adoption of AI therapy pets faces significant challenges, particularly in the Middle East. (AFP)

“Imagine an AI pet that notices your heart rate increasing and reacts with a calming purring sound or a soft nudge. It’s about combining emotional intelligence with physical presence to feel real.”

Despite their potential, the adoption of AI therapy pets faces significant challenges, particularly in the Middle East.

One of the main hurdles is cultural perceptions. Indeed, the very concept of pet ownership — particularly of dogs — differs significantly in Arab cultures compared to Western norms.

“In our Arab culture, imagining that pets — let alone robotic pets — could contribute to health is a relatively new idea,” said Gallouzi.

Domesticated animals like cats and dogs are routinely used to comfort people in distressing situations. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)

Another challenge to the adoption of AI pet therapy is technical infrastructure, as their effectiveness will likely depend on a reliable cloud-driven system or one that requires advanced internet connectivity.

Cost and accessibility also pose significant barriers. The technology would likely be prohibitively expensive for the average user. Indeed, research published in Emerging Technologies Quarterly in 2021 highlighted the high cost of advanced AI solutions in emerging markets.

Data privacy is also a critical issue, as AI therapy pets require the collection of sensitive personal information to function effectively.

DID YOUKNOW?

• Equipped with sensors, AI, and machine learning, robotic pets can respond to touch, voice, and movement. 

• Research shows AI-powered pets can reduce stress and anxiety, improving mental well-being.

• Studies estimate one in two people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime.

• The global market for robotic pets was valued at $1.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow 9.5 percent annually (Grand View Research).

Al-Faraj says strict privacy measures are needed to ensure public trust, as concerns over data protection could hinder the technology’s uptake.

Similarly, ethical concerns surrounding AI therapy pets require attention. “If someone starts relying on an AI pet too much, it could make them pull away from real relationships, which would defeat the purpose of emotional support,” said Al-Faraj.

World Health Organization illustration

Given these drawbacks, it seems unlikely these AI companions will replace human therapists altogether — at least not any time soon. But mental health practitioners would be wise to keep up with developments.

“AI will never replace doctors, but professionals who don’t understand AI might find themselves out of work in the future,” said Gallouzi.

Creating a market for AI therapy pets in Saudi Arabia will require significant investments in education and infrastructure.

“We need to train professionals in AI and smart health technologies to prepare the next generation of experts,” Gallouzi added.

Although impressed by these developments, Al-Faraj is not yet convinced that real animals can be substituted by AI therapy pets, no matter their sophistication.

She said: “They’re unpredictable, warm, and have this way of connecting with us that feels almost magical.”

 


Saudi Shoura Council speaker receives Sudan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi Shoura Council speaker receives Sudan’s ambassador in Riyadh
Updated 30 January 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council speaker receives Sudan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi Shoura Council speaker receives Sudan’s ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh received Sudan’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Dafallah Al-Hajj Ali Othman, in his office in Riyadh on Thursday. 

Al-Asheikh wished the ambassador well in his duties and efforts to strengthen relations between the people of the two nations.

The two officials discussed issues of common interest during the meeting, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
 


Boomerang competition held after findings suggest Arabian invention

Boomerang competition held after findings suggest Arabian invention
Updated 30 January 2025
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Boomerang competition held after findings suggest Arabian invention

Boomerang competition held after findings suggest Arabian invention
  • Competitors from the US, Europe and Brazil flock to Hail
  • Traditionally thought to be Australian, recent findings indicate Arabian origin

RIYADH: An international boomerang tournament is being held in Hail in commemoration of a recent discovery of evidence showing that the hunting implement may have been invented in Arabia.

“The Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad International Boomerang Tournament” begun on Thursday and brings together competitors from the US, Europe and Brazil, as well as Saudi Arabia’s Boomerang Club.

Saudi researcher Mishari Al-Nashmi recently published findings of rock engravings in the mountains of Al-Masma, Joba and Arnan, depicting hunting scenes from the Neolithic era using curved tools resembling the Australian boomerang.

In collaboration with Professor Qusay Al-Turkiye, a Saudi archaeologist based in Australia, it was confirmed that these engravings date them as older than the Australian boomerang models, which were previously believed to be the original source.

Al-Nashmi said: “Together with Professor Qusay Al-Turkiye, we successfully gathered comprehensive insights into the Australian boomerang.

“Our extensive research led to a groundbreaking discovery: This tool was not exclusive to Australia, but was, in fact, known in the Hail region for millennia.

“The rock engravings, which depict various forms of the boomerang, serve as undeniable evidence that the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula possessed knowledge of this tool long ago.”

“The repeated discovery of boomerang models in various regions such as Europe, Australia and Saudi Arabia indicates that this tool was used for multiple purposes in ancient cultures.

“It is clear that the diverse uses of the boomerang required the development of different shapes, designs and sizes, suited to specific purposes such as hunting, games, music and digging,” Al-Nashmi said.

Al-Nashmi, who also vice president of the Boomerang Club in Hail, added: “It is also likely that these designs did not transfer between different peoples but were locally crafted within each region, maintaining similar goals.”

“We are confident that this discovery underscores the profound depth of civilization and the storied history of the Hail region,” Al-Nashmi said.

Professor Al-Turkiye added: “The rock engravings portray skilled hunters wearing masks shaped like birds or ibexes, using hunting tools that flew with remarkable precision to capture deer, birds, and even wild cattle.

“These details underscore that the Arabian boomerang was not just a hunting instrument, but a significant component of a highly developed culture.”

The tool is globally known as the “boomerang,” a term derived from the Dharuk language of one of the Australian indigenous tribes, the Turuwal people.

However, Saudi researchers revealed that its linguistic roots trace back to the Akkadian word “taqntu/taqttu,” meaning to kill or hunt, which appears in cuneiform inscriptions dating to the fourth millennium BCE.

The Arabic name “Al-Arjoon” refers to the tool’s curved shape, reminiscent of the frond of a palm tree, giving it a local identity that has redefined its global recognition.

The event unfolds over four days under the patronage of the governor of Hail, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad, and includes tests of accuracy, distance and technique.

Athletes challenge one another to throw the boomerang in a way that ensures it returns with a precise curve, drawing inspiration from the techniques of ancient hunters.

The championship also coincides with a rock art exhibition at Rata, one of the archaeological sites in the Hail region, featuring rare specimens of a range of ancient boomerangs.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad said that the event was “a tribute to a profound human legacy.”

“Hail once again confirms its status as the cradle of civilizations, demonstrating its ability to revive its heritage in a manner that resonates globally.”

The prince embraced the idea of turning the discovery into a living heritage, establishing the Hail Boomerang Club, led by Nasser Al-Shammari, who designed a boomerang specifically for the championship.

In collaboration with the International Federation of Boomerang Associations, the event was co-organized by world champion Logan Broadbent from the US and Roger Perry, president of the Boomerang Association of Australia.

Perry said: “The world will discover that this sport is not just a game, but a story of humanity using nature to craft its tools, and Hail has written a new chapter in this story.”