‘We can either waste time on political grandstanding or overcome climate challenges together,’ Saudi Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir tells Arab News

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Updated 04 December 2024
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‘We can either waste time on political grandstanding or overcome climate challenges together,’ Saudi Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir tells Arab News

Saudi Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir talks to Arab News’ Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali. (AN photo)
  • Minister of State for Foreign Affairs explains significance of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of COP16 summit to combat desertification
  • Says there is no contradiction between Kingdom’s roles as oil producer-exporter and as investor in renewable energy sector

RIYADH: As the host of UN negotiations on combating the loss of fertile land to deserts, Saudi Arabia’s climate envoy knows the Kingdom has more expertise on the subject than most.

“We have vast deserts in Saudi Arabia, so we know what it’s like,” Adel Al-Jubeir told Arab News during a special interview.

“We need to prevent the erosion of territory and the expansion of deserts. And we need to work on reclaiming land in order to have more for food production and in order to have more so that the negative impacts on climate get reduced.”




Saudi Climate Envoy Adel Al-Jubeir talks to Arab News’ Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali. (AN photo)

Al-Jubeir, who is also minister of state for foreign affairs, was speaking as the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification — known as COP16 — started in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The 12 days of talks will cover some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, such as desertification, land degradation and drought.

Saudi Arabia is the first Arab country to host the event, the largest desertification COP since the first in 1997, and comes as momentum grows behind global frameworks to tackle the environmental challenges facing the planet.

In the wide-ranging conversation, Al-Jubeir discussed the aim of the COP16 talks, why land degradation is a global issue, and Saudi Arabia’s leadership role on the environment.

For Al-Jubeir, hosting COP16 carries particular significance given the Kingdom’s vulnerability to desertification, but also the work that has already been done to prevent it.

The approach in Saudi Arabia has been “very simple” and rooted in science and common sense, he said.

“When you disrupt an environment, it gets damaged. So, what you do is you preserve it. You designate territories to be protected areas,” he told Arab News.

“In 2015, for example, I believe less than 3 percent of Saudi territory was protected. Today, we’re almost at 18 or 19 percent, and we will be at 30 percent by 2030. This is a huge achievement.”

Rewilding, which forms part of the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives launched in 2021, has also generated huge benefits in terms of being able to reintroduce wildlife into these areas.




The UNCCD describes COP16 as a “critical milestone” in advancing global efforts to combat land degradation. (Supplied)

“You do it by introducing little shrubs,” said Al-Jubeir. “Insects come back, and then more plants, and then rodents come back, and then more plants, and you go up until you can introduce an animal like the Arabian leopard, and you restore it, or the oryx or the gazelle. And this is what we’re doing in Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Jubeir said this approach has led to noticeably fewer dust storms than seven or eight years ago, with less territory being disturbed and more areas being planted.

He said the Kingdom also tackled the issue by assessing the environmental impact of new developments, promoting sustainable farming techniques and ensuring cities were full of green spaces.

“On environmental issues, Saudi Arabia is a leader in global efforts to protect our environment, whether it’s climate, whether it’s oceans, whether it’s land,” Al-Jubeir said.

“Saudi Arabia has worked to bring the world together around a vision that basically says, very simply, we’re all in this together, we all benefit together, or we all suffer together.”

He said Saudi Arabia was bringing many more countries round to that point of view. “Our leadership is committed to this. The vision for 2030 came from our crown prince, and our crown prince was instrumental in launching the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. He launched the Global Water Initiative, the hosting of COP16,” he said.

“Every initiative we are doing in Saudi Arabia has the direct blessing and support of our leadership, and it goes from the top leadership all the way to the citizen. The whole country is seized by this issue. And so I have no doubt that 10 years from now people will look at Saudi Arabia and they will say Saudi Arabia has played an instrumental role in leading the world toward a better place.”




Adel Al-Jubeir spoke to Arab News Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali as the COP16 summit kicked off in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AN photo)

The hosting of COP16 is about more than simply demonstrating how Saudi Arabia is rehabilitating land; it’s about elevating the importance of desertification on the global stage.

“We believe it impacts every human being on the planet,” Al-Jubeir said. “Land is a very important reservoir for carbon. And so, the less there is of it, the less carbon we can capture naturally.

“The earth is important for us in terms of food production. The less we have, the less food we produce, the more hunger and starvation we have. The more migration we have, the more conflict we have, the more extremism and terrorism we have, the more migration impacts political situations in countries in other parts of the world.

“So, it’s very, very important that it impacts all of our lives.”

The fact that COP16 is the biggest since 1997 represents the emergence of desertification as a global issue. Up to 40 percent of the world’s land is degraded, affecting half of all humans, according to UNCCD.

The consequences are getting worse for the climate, biodiversity and people’s livelihoods. Droughts are more frequent and severe, increasing by 29 percent since 2000 due to climate change and unsustainable land use.

If current trends continue, 1.5 billion hectares of land will need to be restored by 2030 to achieve a land-degradation neutrality.

The UNCCD describes COP16 as a “critical milestone” in advancing global efforts to combat land degradation, desertification and drought.

Under the title “Our Land. Our Future,” 196 countries and the EU have gathered in Riyadh to negotiate solutions, along with experts and civil society.

On Monday, the first day of the negotiations, Saudi Arabia announced the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, an initiative to help 80 of the poorest countries cope with droughts. The partnership has secured $2.15 billion in funding pledges.

Also in Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman opened the One Water Summit on Tuesday. Attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the event aims to act as an “incubator for solutions” ahead of the next UN Water Conference.




Saudi Arabia is hosting the COP16 summit to combat desertification. (Supplied)

“Water is the source of life,” Al-Jubeir said. “You can’t survive without it.”

The summit looks at how water can be used most efficiently and not wasted, he explained.

“These are issues where knowledge is important, science is important and sharing of methods and sharing of science are important,” he said.

It is this sharing of expertise that underpins Saudi Arabia’s approach to taking a lead globally on the major issues facing the planet.

Looking ahead, Al-Jubeir said: “We can either waste our time pointing fingers and trying to take political positions and grandstand, and try to appeal to lowest common denominators, or we can join together and practically, pragmatically, scientifically deal with the challenges that we’re facing, and we will overcome them together.

“Here’s the choice: Do we engage in theatrics and fight and get nowhere, or do we engage in serious work and get a handle around the problem? That’s where we’re heading, I believe, and I believe we’re heading there because Saudi Arabia is playing an increasingly big role in the global efforts to deal with those challenges.”

The hosting of COP16 and the One Water Summit is the latest example of Saudi Arabia being at the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change and challenges to the environment.




Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks during the One Water Summit in Riyadh on December 3, 2024. (AFP)

Al-Jubeir dismissed criticism that the country, as the world’s top crude oil exporter, is not suited for such a role.

“Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter of oil in the world, and we’re very proud of it,” he said. “We are providing the world with the energy that it needs in order to warm itself, in order to feed itself, in order to develop economically, in order to improve standards of living. And so that is one part.

“The other part of Saudi Arabia, as the largest oil producer/exporter in the world, is we are also one of the major proponents for protecting the environment, and for investing in new technologies and investing in renewable energy.

“Whether it’s solar, whether it’s hydro, whether it’s wind, whether it’s green and clean hydrogen, we are huge investors in this field because we believe that that’s where the future is. And so, there is no contradiction between the two.”

Taking the lead on green issues is also an approach popular with young people in Saudi Arabia, Al-Jubeir said, insisting the younger generations would be instrumental in halting desertification and creating a better living environment in the Kingdom overall.

“They want this issue to be dealt with effectively and efficiently, and they want to lead it,” he told Arab News. “And that’s what’s driving the enthusiasm among our young people toward dealing with desertification, dealing with supporting land restoration, reintroduction of wildlife, and then going beyond that into biodiversity, marine life, and into climate.”

Despite the many stark warnings about the effects of climate change, Al-Jubeir said the will of young people to tackle the issues, along with the direction from the country’s leaders, meant he was positive about how Saudi Arabia would appear in 10 years’ time.

“You will see that Saudi Arabia will be ahead of the world in terms of parks, in terms of fitness, in terms of land restoration, in terms of reintegration of animals into the wildlife, in terms of how pristine its beaches are, in terms of its corals, in terms of its mangroves, in terms of its agriculture, all across the board,” he said. 

“We are determined, with courage, and with leadership, and with enthusiasm, to get there.”

 


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Senegal’s president on independence day

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Senegal’s president on independence day
Updated 05 April 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Senegal’s president on independence day

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Senegal’s president on independence day
  • The West African country celebrates its independence yearly on April 4th, the day it signed a transfer of power agreement with France in 1960 to form the Mali Federation with French Sudan

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday congratulated Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his country's Independence Day.

In a cable, King Salman wished the Faye "continued good health and happiness", and the government and people of Senegal "steady progress and prosperity."

The crown prince issued a similar statement, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The West African country celebrates its independence yearly on April 4th, the day it signed a transfer of power agreement with France in 1960 to form the Mali Federation with French Sudan. The union, however, was short-lived as the two dissolved their union in August of the same year and the former French Sudan became the Republic of Mali.

In early 1982, Senegal and neighboring Gambia formed the Confederation of Senegambia, but parted ways in 1989 as the integration was never carried out.

Faye, the current president, was an opposition candidate who rose to power after defeating incumbent president Macky Sall in the March 2024 election.


How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership
Updated 05 April 2025
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How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership

How Saudi companies are redefining corporate responsibility with ESG leadership
  • ESG integration is transforming industries as Saudi firms leverage AI, blockchain, and biotech to drive impact
  • Private companies like SAWACO and WAYAKIT are proving that profitability and sustainability can thrive together

JEDDAH: Saudi companies across multiple industries are increasingly integrating environmental, social, and governance principles into their corporate strategies, driving sustainable growth while balancing environmental stewardship, community impact, and corporate responsibility.

This strategic shift aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 roadmap — a transformative economic diversification plan — and its ambitious 2060 net zero emissions target, reinforcing the nation’s position as a sustainability leader.

SAWACO Water Group exemplifies this transformation, embedding sustainability into its core operations.

“Sustainability is not just a goal; it’s a responsibility,” CEO Nizar Kammourie told Arab News, emphasizing the company’s alignment with Vision 2030’s focus on environmental and social progress.

He added: “At SAWACO, we integrate ESG into every aspect of our operations, from optimizing resource efficiency to ensuring transparent governance and community engagement.”

Underpinning this commitment, SAWACO has implemented advanced operations intelligence software to enhance energy efficiency in desalination plants.

“We are leveraging cutting-edge technology to reduce power and chemical consumption while extending the life cycle of our assets,” said Kammourie.

Nizar Kammourie, chief executive officer of SAWACO. (Supplied)

The company also tracks carbon emissions through its Remedium Platform, which supports data-driven reduction targets.

“Accurate carbon accounting allows us to set tangible, data-driven targets for reducing our environmental footprint, ensuring our growth remains responsible and sustainable,” he added.

To address resource optimization, SAWACO has partnered with a US-based firm to pioneer brine minimization technology.

“Water is one of our most precious resources, and we are committed to maximizing its use,” said Kammourie.

“Our innovative brine minimization system enhances freshwater recovery from seawater while significantly reducing brine discharge, preserving marine ecosystems and supporting coastal livelihoods.”

Governance reforms further solidify SAWACO’s ESG leadership. A dedicated committee oversees alignment with international sustainability standards such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Ethical governance is the foundation of a sustainable business,” said Kammourie “By integrating real-time data analytics, third-party audits, and stakeholder engagement into our decision-making process, we ensure accountability at every level.”

He added: “Sustainability must be measured, not just discussed. That’s why we also integrate ESG metrics into performance reviews, making it a part of our company culture rather than just a corporate initiative.

“We are not just providing water — we are safeguarding the future of water sustainability in Saudi Arabia. Our goal is to drive meaningful change that aligns economic success with long-term sustainability.”

These efforts reflect broader national momentum, as Saudi businesses bridge profitability and planetary stewardship to set new benchmarks for ESG leadership in emerging markets.

SAWACO is not just providing water, but also afeguarding the future of water sustainability in Saudi Arabia, according to its CEO. (Supplied)

Similarly, Luisa Javier, CEO of WAYAKIT, highlighted how her women-led biotechnology company has embedded ESG into its DNA, transforming hygiene solutions in aviation, transportation, and facilities management.

“We are not just creating products; we are building solutions that have a measurable environmental and social impact,” she told Arab News.  

WAYAKIT’s flagship disinfectant eliminates 99.999 percent of viruses and bacteria in just 30 seconds using 93 percent biodegradable components.

By replacing harmful quaternary ammonium compounds with biodegradable nano-modified citric acid in aircraft cleaning processes, the company says it has reduced environmental impact by 94 percent.

Dr._Luisa_Javier (left), CEO of WAYAKIT, and cofounder Dr. Sandra Medina. (Supplied)

In addition, its environmental footprint tracker measures progress in energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution reduction, and health improvements.

“Sustainability isn’t just about compliance — it’s about innovation,” said Javier. “We have to rethink traditional approaches and develop solutions that align with the future.”

WAYAKIT also integrates ESG principles into its governance and transparency measures. Its women-led C-suite strengthens decision-making diversity, while blockchain technology safeguards sustainability metrics, preventing greenwashing and ensuring accurate reporting.

“Authenticity matters,” said Javier. “Every sustainability claim we make is backed by rigorous third-party laboratory testing. We are setting a new standard for how biotech companies can be both profitable and responsible.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Kingdom is aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2060, embedding ESG principles in national initiatives like Green Riyadh.

• In 2021, the Saudi Stock Exchange introduced ESG disclosure guidelines, mandating listed companies prioritize transparency.

• Saudi Electricity Co., Almarai, and Saudi Telecom Co. have embedded ESG guidelines, issuing green bonds and improving governance.

Community engagement is another cornerstone of WAYAKIT’s ESG strategy. With 70 percent of its workforce consisting of women, the company provides technical training in biotechnology and leadership development to foster career advancement for Saudi women.

“Empowering women in STEM is not just a mission — it’s a responsibility,” said Javier. “Our workforce is a reflection of what Saudi Vision 2030 aims to achieve: a thriving, innovative economy where women play a central role.”

This momentum is part of a broader national trend. A 2023 report by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF, highlighted how Saudi organizations, particularly those within its portfolio, are spearheading ESG awareness and implementation.

Under the Saudi Green Initiative, more than 600 million trees and shrubs are expected to be planted by 2030 across the Kingdom. (SGI photo)  

The Saudi Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, supports this shift with $187 billion in investments across more than 60 programs to advance the green economy.

Through large-scale investments in green initiatives, innovative carbon reduction strategies, and community-focused programs like those led by SAWACO and WAYAKIT, Saudi businesses are proving that profitability and sustainability can coexist.

Collectively, these efforts set a new benchmark for ESG leadership in emerging markets while positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in sustainable development.
 

 


Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

The event at Ithra featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
The event at Ithra featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
Updated 04 April 2025
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Orchestra celebrates soundtracks of popular video games at Saudi Arabia’s Ithra

The event at Ithra featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.
  • Concert features symphonic arrangements, in-game HD visuals

DHAHRAN: It is “game on” at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture after it opened its doors to an event on Thursday.

The orchestral performance, which is being held nightly at the Ithra Theater — with two shows scheduled for Friday — celebrates the soundtracks of popular video games and attempts to breathe new life into them.

The concert features symphonic arrangements paired with in-game HD visuals and exclusive concept art from popular titles such as League of Legends, Overwatch, Assassin’s Creed, and The Witcher 3.

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others. (Supplied)

Sergey Smbatyan, founder of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra and the artistic director and principal conductor since 2005, was on hand to lend context and commentary between the scores on opening night.

He told the crowd before the show: “If you’re not a gamer, what I want you to do is to imagine that you’re in a museum — an art museum — but instead of a curator telling you about the images that you’re going to see on this huge screen, let these musicians tell you that exact story.

“Tonight there is no right time to clap; there is no wrong time to clap. If you hear something you like from these guys (gesturing to the orchestra behind him on stage), let us know.

“We're going to start off tonight with role-play games, or what are known as RPGs, where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. The game is focused on interactive storytelling, decision-making and strategy.”

Dhahran resident Paul Blay took his two daughters Sylvia, 11, and Celeste, 10, to the show.

Blay, who is a father of six, told Arab News: “I get emails about Ithra events and saw this one and I thought it would be fun for me and the girls to go to. Like with anyone that you love, I shared the things I love with them.”

The Blay family moved to the Kingdom last year and were keen to attend an event that merged gaming with music.

Celeste told Arab News: “I really like video game music; the music is really pretty and I like listening to that. It is kind of what motivated me to come here. And, also, my dad likes video games.”

The older Blay sisters have both taken music lessons and play multiple instruments, including the piano, the harp and the clarinet.

Their father said: “Some of the best music that’s being composed nowadays is for movies and video games. I expected it to be really high quality and good (at Ithra).”

The event featured music from Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft, The Witcher 3 and Assassin’s Creed 2, among many others.

The last show takes place on April 5, with tickets starting at SR200 ($53), available at the venue or via the Ithra website.

 


Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah
Updated 04 April 2025
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Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah

Exhibition honoring Prince Khaled Al-Faisal inaugurated in Jeddah
  • The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations

MAKKAH: Makkah Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz launched the “Love of Khaled Al-Faisal” exhibition as part of Jeddah Season festivities.

The ceremony was attended by Prince Turki bin Faisal, alongside several relatives of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

The delegation toured the exhibition, housed at the Abadi Al-Johar area in Jeddah, which runs from April 3-8 and welcomes visitors daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The exhibition chronicles Prince Khaled’s life and contributions as a statesman, individual and poet through visual installations.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
Updated 04 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Hail poppy reserve attracts thousands of tourists

As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder. (SPA)
  • Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors

HAIL: With its vibrant array of wildflowers framed by golden sand dunes and majestic mountains, the Poppy Reserve in Al-Khattah is one of the Hail region’s most captivating attractions.

Since opening in 2022, the reserve, which covers 10,000 sq. meters, has drawn thousands of domestic and foreign visitors, particularly during holidays, Eid and the spring season.

The attraction enchants guests with its sweeping fields of poppies, perfectly balanced in form and color. As the sun sets, the golden rays cast a warm glow over the landscape and create a natural wonder.

This striking beauty enhances the region’s reputation for breathtaking scenery and offers a unique experience.