The project is being implemented by the Makkah branches of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the environmental consultancy Netzero, reflecting a strong public-private partnership model.

This smart mangrove restoration initiative aims to expand vegetation cover, mitigate climate change impacts, and enhance carbon absorption, directly supporting the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and advancing the Kingdom’s transition toward net-zero carbon emissions.

Digital monitoring will allow precise tracking of tree growth, carbon sequestration levels, and ecosystem health, setting a benchmark for technologically advanced afforestation projects and promoting transparency and accountability in environmental conservation efforts.

The initiative builds on a previous effort launched last November, which aimed to plant 175,000 digitally monitored mangrove trees capable of absorbing an estimated 21,000 tonnes of carbon over six years, creating a cumulative goal of 400,000 trees contributing to carbon neutrality.

By involving the private sector, the program strengthens collaborative approaches to environmental sustainability, ensuring high-quality project implementation while fostering innovation and accountability in climate action initiatives.

Mangroves play a critical role in coastal protection, preventing soil erosion, supporting marine biodiversity, and acting as natural carbon sinks, making this project a vital contribution to both ecological health and local community resilience.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s broader agenda to enhance natural ecosystems, improve environmental quality, and position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in smart and sustainable afforestation solutions.

Governor Khalid Al-Mubairik emphasized that the project not only addresses environmental goals but also demonstrates how technological innovation can enhance natural resource management, offering scalable solutions for other regions facing climate challenges.

Through integrated planning and scientific monitoring, the initiative ensures that mangrove restoration provides measurable environmental benefits, strengthens coastal ecosystems, and contributes to global climate mitigation efforts.

The project also serves as a model for combining ecological restoration with digital tools, allowing authorities, researchers, and the public to access real-time data on tree survival rates, carbon capture efficiency, and habitat improvements.

Public awareness campaigns accompanying the project are aimed at engaging local communities, schools, and volunteers, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship and encouraging participation in climate-positive actions.

By expanding green cover along the Rabigh coastline, the initiative enhances the Kingdom’s natural beauty, promotes ecotourism, and provides recreational and educational opportunities for residents while preserving biodiversity and marine habitats.

Officials highlighted that this afforestation effort is part of a comprehensive strategy to combat desertification, improve soil fertility, and restore degraded lands, creating a sustainable balance between human activity and nature.

The initiative’s focus on high-impact environmental outcomes and measurable progress reflects a commitment to global best practices in conservation, setting Saudi Arabia apart as a pioneer in climate-smart afforestation initiatives.

Digital tracking of the mangrove trees ensures that each planting is recorded, monitored, and analyzed for survival rates, carbon sequestration efficiency, and ecosystem enhancement, offering a transparent model for environmental accountability.

By combining government leadership, private sector collaboration, and technological innovation, the project exemplifies the potential for integrated approaches to achieve long-term environmental sustainability and resilience.

This landmark mangrove restoration project underscores Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance on climate action, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable development, while inspiring similar initiatives across the region and globally.

The celebration highlighted the region’s heritage and its deep relationship with farming, soil preservation and environmental resilience.

With its long agricultural history and a landscape that ranges from clay-rich valleys to sandy plains and volcanic Harrat soils, Madinah remains one of Saudi Arabia’s most unique ecological areas.

The day emphasized how these natural assets continue to support farming communities, especially the centuries-old tradition of date cultivation.

Local experts and environmental authorities noted that the challenges facing soil health remain manageable when met with scientific planning and sustained collaboration.

Issues such as rising salinity, imbalanced irrigation practices and the effects of climate change are being addressed through new regional initiatives.

To counter these pressures, government agencies are prioritizing soil protection programs designed to enhance long-term agricultural productivity.

These include modern irrigation techniques aimed at reducing water waste, improving soil structure and maintaining essential nutrient levels.

Authorities also stressed how soil acts as a natural water purifier, filtering contaminants and supporting groundwater stability.

As winter begins, farmers are taking advantage of the season to enrich their soils, preparing for expanded crop growth and healthier harvests in the spring.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Madinah continues to promote sustainable agricultural practices that align with national goals for resource efficiency.

Efforts include educating farmers, strengthening community awareness and implementing programs to combat desertification in vulnerable areas.

Farmers across the region play an essential role in this development by adopting organic fertilization methods and recycling agricultural waste.

These practices support soil biodiversity, reduce environmental pressure and create long-term ecological balance.

World Soil Day serves as a reminder of how essential cooperation is between government bodies, farmers and environmental partners.

By working together, they can secure soil sustainability, protect agricultural heritage and reinforce the region’s food stability.

This global day, recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, celebrates soil as a living resource that nurtures ecosystems and strengthens human well-being.

Its message encourages communities worldwide to adopt sustainable practices that protect soil from degradation and promote its recovery.

In Madinah, the observance reflects a broader national commitment to sustainability, echoing the goals of Vision 2030.

Through environmental stewardship, technological innovation and community engagement, the region is building a more resilient agricultural future.

As the world acknowledges the vital role of soil, Madinah continues to demonstrate leadership by taking practical steps to safeguard its natural resources.

The region’s efforts affirm that sustainable soil management is not only possible but essential for economic growth, food prosperity and ecological stability.

By nurturing its soil, Madinah is nurturing its future—ensuring that generations to come inherit land that remains fertile, protected and capable of sustaining life.

The celebration of World Soil Day stands as a symbol of commitment, progress and shared responsibility for the planet’s well-being.

This large-scale effort forms part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing initiatives to restore natural habitats, reduce desertification, and promote sustainable environmental practices in line with the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030 goals.

The species planted include saltbushes, mugworts, Acacia etbaica, and Calligonum comosum — all known for their resilience and ability to thrive in harsh, arid climates.

These plants play a vital role in stabilizing soil, reducing erosion, absorbing carbon dioxide, and providing shelter for native bird species.

Through this project, the NCVC aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that not only enhances biodiversity but also contributes to combating the effects of climate change in the region.

Al-Jouf, located in the Kingdom’s northern region, has recently witnessed significant efforts to increase greenery and rehabilitate degraded lands.

The NCVC’s ongoing initiatives reflect the government’s strong commitment to achieving environmental balance and promoting sustainability.

These projects are part of the larger National Greening Season 2025 campaign, which highlights the importance of planting native species, discourages harmful environmental practices, and encourages community participation through volunteer programs.

The center’s recent efforts include the cultivation of 19 plant species at Al-Tamriyat Field Experiment and Wild Seed Production Station, as well as the Basita Pasture Seed Production Station.

These facilities specialize in producing native seeds for reforestation and land rehabilitation projects across Saudi Arabia.

The NCVC’s approach ensures that each plant species is carefully selected to suit local soil and climate conditions, maximizing survival rates and long-term ecological impact.

The initiative also extends beyond Al-Jouf, with afforestation activities reaching other natural reserves and protected areas.

For example, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority recently collaborated with volunteers from the Al-Asafiyah Center in the Tabuk region to plant more than 2,000 seedlings.

These combined efforts reflect a nationwide movement toward re-greening Saudi Arabia and promoting sustainable ecosystems.

By integrating scientific research, community engagement, and practical action, the NCVC continues to lead Saudi Arabia’s environmental transformation.

The program not only improves vegetation cover but also strengthens soil quality, supports wildlife habitats, and enhances the quality of life for local communities.

This large-scale planting drive demonstrates the Kingdom’s determination to restore balance to its natural landscapes and serve as a regional model for climate resilience.

It emphasizes that protecting and expanding vegetation is not just an environmental necessity but also a key element in achieving long-term sustainability and ecological harmony.

As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its Vision 2030 environmental goals, the success of the Al-Jouf plantation project represents a milestone in the nation’s journey toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Through continued collaboration between government authorities, volunteers, and environmental experts, the Kingdom is steadily transforming its deserts into thriving green spaces that will benefit generations to come.

This initiative represents a key step in the Kingdom’s broader strategy to diversify its economy, reduce carbon emissions, and establish a world-class green transportation ecosystem in line with Vision 2030.

At the forefront of this transformation is Smart Mobility, a joint venture between China’s Foxconn Interconnect Technology and Saudi Arabia’s Saleh Suleiman Al-Rajhi and Sons.

The company is pioneering the development of Saudi Arabia’s first locally produced EV charging network — integrating hardware, software, and manufacturing to create a system tailored to the Kingdom’s unique environmental and logistical conditions.

According to Ben Jia, Vice President of Sales at Smart Mobility, the company’s mission is to merge global expertise with Saudi innovation.

“Our mission is to bring our experience from China and Europe to establish a Saudi-based charging manufacturer,” he said.

“We want to create solutions designed for Saudi heat, Saudi users, and Saudi roads. This market has unique challenges, and we are engineering around them.”

Saudi Arabia’s growing EV market has attracted both local and international players, highlighting the nation’s commitment to sustainable transportation.

Smart Mobility’s work demonstrates how strategic partnerships and localized production can help meet the Kingdom’s long-term sustainability goals.

By producing chargers domestically, the company aims not only to reduce dependence on imports but also to enhance local job creation and industrial capability.

A significant milestone in this journey came when Smart Mobility signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Al-Bassami Transport Group, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading logistics companies.

The agreement focuses on electrifying the country’s logistics sector, starting with a pilot project that includes installing charging stations at Al-Bassami’s headquarters, followed by expansion across its logistics hubs nationwide.

“Fleet electrification is the fastest path to EV adoption in Saudi Arabia,” Jia explained. “By working with logistics leaders like Al-Bassami, we can prove that electric transport isn’t just sustainable — it’s commercially viable. Once the model works for logistics, it can expand to other sectors.”

The collaboration underscores how private-sector partnerships are driving innovation in Saudi Arabia’s evolving energy and transport sectors.

As more companies align with the nation’s sustainability agenda, localized manufacturing and technology development are expected to create ripple effects across industries — from renewable energy and battery production to smart infrastructure and digital mobility platforms.

Smart Mobility’s next major step will be the unveiling of its “Saudi Made” EV charger factory design before the end of 2025.

This project will pave the way for the establishment of the first Foxconn EV charging equipment factory in the Middle East, marking a historic advancement for the region’s manufacturing sector.

The company has already begun shipping chargers from Taiwan and China to support the initial stages of deployment.

However, local production is expected to begin soon, creating a robust supply chain within the Kingdom. “We’ve already started shipping chargers from Taiwan and China, but soon we’ll be making them right here in Saudi Arabia,” Jia said.

“It’s about building capability, not just importing technology.”

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in renewable energy, advanced infrastructure, and electric mobility, initiatives like Smart Mobility’s localized EV charging network will play a vital role in shaping the country’s green future.

With growing collaborations between international innovators and Saudi companies, the Kingdom is steadily positioning itself as a hub for clean technology in the Middle East — driving progress that aligns with its vision for a sustainable, diversified economy.

Conducted throughout 2024 and 2025, the study reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to sustainable conservation and environmental stewardship under the Vision 2030 framework.

The large-scale assessment, carried out across more than 400 sites, examined vital marine and coastal habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and mudflats.

The project was completed in collaboration with international experts using advanced research methods, including underwater imaging, satellite remote sensing, and internationally recognized ecological evaluation techniques.

The findings revealed that coral reefs along the eastern coast maintain a healthy cover rate of around 22 percent, with minimal bleaching not exceeding 2 percent.

Scientists noted that the dominant coral species, including Porites and Merulina, exhibited strong resilience to the region’s warm temperatures and changing environmental conditions.

These results demonstrate the natural strength of Saudi Arabia’s marine biodiversity and the success of recent conservation initiatives.

Equally promising were the results for seagrass meadows, which remain stable across most surveyed areas. These meadows are critical for maintaining marine life and supporting carbon storage.

Meanwhile, mangrove forests were found to span approximately 1,573 hectares, displaying dense and healthy vegetation, especially in key areas such as Ras Tanura and Tarout Island.

Mangroves play an essential role in protecting shorelines, preventing erosion, and providing nursery grounds for fish and other marine species.

The assessment also highlighted the richness of marine fauna in the Arabian Gulf. More than 80,000 fish from 90 distinct species were observed during the study, alongside sightings of large marine animals including dugongs, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and rays.

These findings reinforce the Arabian Gulf’s importance as a critical habitat supporting regional biodiversity and sustaining vital ecosystems.

In addition to marine life, the study recorded 176,836 birds representing 69 different species, emphasizing the region’s significance as a global stopover for migratory birds.

Peak bird numbers were noted during the autumn migration season, with Dammam Corniche and Tarout Bay identified as key breeding and aggregation zones.

Researchers even documented the first recorded sighting of Franklin’s gull in Saudi Arabia, marking an exciting discovery for ornithologists and nature enthusiasts.

National Center for Wildlife CEO Mohammed Qurban emphasized that the assessment reflects Saudi Arabia’s dedication to scientific research, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable ecosystem management.

He stated that the results will serve as an important scientific reference to guide national planning and decision-making aimed at protecting the Kingdom’s natural heritage.

Qurban also highlighted that maintaining healthy coastal and marine environments contributes directly to global climate stability, food security, and economic sustainability.

He affirmed that the study’s findings align with the broader objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to enhance environmental conservation, expand protected areas, and promote ecological restoration throughout the country.

The positive assessment of the eastern coastal environment builds on previous studies by the NCW, including extensive research in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

These initiatives demonstrate Saudi Arabia’s leadership in using data-driven methods to ensure the long-term protection of its natural ecosystems while balancing sustainable development.

The report’s conclusions mark an important step in the Kingdom’s journey toward environmental resilience. By integrating science, innovation, and policy, Saudi Arabia continues to establish itself as a regional leader in conservation and sustainable marine management.

The results from this study reaffirm that the Kingdom’s eastern coastline remains vibrant, biologically diverse, and capable of supporting both present and future generations.