Environment

• General Environmental Law and its Implementing Regulation

• The Law of Protected Areas for Wildlife

• Hunting of Animals and Birds Law

• Law of Trading in Endangered Species of Wildlife and its Products

• United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity

This is one of the key centers within the Saudi Arabia's environmental system. It focuses on developing and implementing strategies to address threats to terrestrial and marine wildlife, rehabilitate both terrestrial and marine plants, reintroduce species that have become extinct in the wild, and protect endangered species, all with the aim of restoring the ecological balance of natural ecosystems.

Strategic Objectives of Digital Transformation

• Deliver high-quality, user-centered digital services.  
• Raise awareness and develop human resources to meet the requirements of digital transformation and achieve the center's objectives.
• Leverage emerging technologies to enhance the center's activities.  
• Strengthen the role of the Data Management and Governance Office.  
• Enhance governance in the digital transformation process within the center.  
• Activate institutional work and strengthen the role of the Enterprise Architecture Office. 

In alignment with the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the Environment Fund aims to enhance the financial sustainability of the environmental and meteorological sectors. It seeks to provide essential support for their advancement by optimizing capital investments, funding environmental programs, studies, and initiatives, promoting eco-friendly technologies, improving environmental performance, and implementing rehabilitation programs. Furthermore, it supports the operational budgets of environmental centers. For more information about the regulations governing the Environment Fund, please click here.

Responsibilities of the Environmental Fund 

• Fund approved operational budgets for national centers in the environmental and meteorological sectors.  
• Facilitated and fund environmental protection plans, activities, and initiatives within the Saudi Arabia.  
• Stimulate the environmental and meteorological sectors, as well as related studies and research, and contribute to their funding.
• Invest its funds to achieve its objectives in compliance with applicable regulations.  
• Develop, implement, and manage financing, incentivization, and investment programs.  
• Encourage investment in sectors related to environmental sustainability and meteorology.
• Engage experts, specialists, consultants, and qualified professionals in areas pertinent to the fund's activities.  
• Accept donations, grants, bequests, and endowments in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Charge fees for the services it provides to conduct its activities.  
• Undertake any additional tasks related to its mandate as approved by the council.

Saudi Arabia has implemented a comprehensive set of measures to protect biodiversity, ensuring the preservation of its elements and components within their natural habitats while promoting sustainability for future generations. The Saudi Arabia sought the expertise of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to develop its system of protected areas. In 1991, IUCN experts, in collaboration with the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, prepared a document titled "A National System Plan for Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Rural Development in Saudi Arabia. This document served as the foundation for establishing the current network of protected areas in the Saudi Arabia.

The recently updated system aims to address environmental developments by proposing the protection of 75 diverse areas, which include 62 terrestrial and 13 coastal and marine regions.

- To view the existing protected areas managed by the National Center for Wildlife Development, please click here.

Protected Areas

These are clearly defined geographical zones that are recognized, designated, and managed through legal or effective mechanisms to ensure the conservation of nature, ecosystem services, and associated cultural values.

Main Objectives of Protected Area Management

• Align with Vision 2030 through the Saudi Green Initiative by safeguarding 30% of the Saudi Arabia's terrestrial and marine environments.
• Preserve natural habitats and biodiversity throughout the Saudi Arabia.  
• Fulfill the Saudi Arabia's commitments to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To preserve and protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and achieve ecological balance, Saudi Arabia made a historic decision in 2020 to establish the National Center for Environmental Compliance. This financially and administratively independent entity operates in coordination with other components of the national environmental framework to monitor compliance with approved environmental regulations, standards, and requirements for all developmental activities. The center establishes environmental controls and requirements and oversees the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations to fulfill the vision of wise leadership in enhancing environmental compliance and achieving a balance between development and environmental protection. Its objectives include:

• Enhancing environmental compliance and reducing pollution across various environmental mediums.
• Strengthening the capacity to effectively respond to environmental emergencies within its mandate, in coordination with relevant entities.
• Enhancing private sector involvement in providing high-quality environmental compliance services.
• Promoting research and innovation in monitoring, evaluation, and environmentally sustainable technologies through collaboration with local and global universities and research institutions.
• Developing human resources, enhance technical capabilities, and strengthen infrastructure to improve the center's effectiveness.

Initiatives of the National Center for Environmental Compliance

The National Center for Environmental Compliance implements various initiatives designed to support the goals of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. These initiatives prioritize the preservation of a healthy environment, free from emissions and pollution. The center's efforts aim to create added value, maximize social and economic impact, and enhance compliance with environmental laws and standards.

Contaminated Sites Rehabilitation Initiative 

This is an integrated program designed to identify optimal solutions for rehabilitating contaminated sites. It encompasses the development of plans, designs, cost estimates, quantities, and ready-to-execute tender documents for the responsible authority, the General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection. Furthermore, it emphasizes the creation of a mechanism to monitor and oversee the rehabilitation implementation process in collaboration with relevant authorities.

The Air Quality and Emissions Monitoring Initiative

The Air Quality and Emissions Monitoring Initiative aims to expand the existing national network for monitoring ambient air pollutants across the cities of the Saudi Arabia. It seeks to enhance coverage to include all regions and cities, thereby creating a comprehensive air quality database for daily reports and alerts on air quality status. The initiative also enforces mandatory regulations that require establishments to install real-time measurement units at emission sources, linking them to a central monitoring unit. This includes updating standards, implementing a violation monitoring system, and activating mitigation and corrective measures. Additionally, the initiative supports the development of a national emergency response plan for critical air pollution incidents in collaboration with relevant authorities.

Marine and Coastal Environment Protection Initiative

Scope and Challenges Addressed: The initiative aims to enhance environmental monitoring in coastal and marine areas by developing an integrated system for managing, monitoring, and controlling the use and organization of these zones. This will be achieved through the establishment of a comprehensive program that implements strategies and monitoring plans, along with preventive and remedial measures for marine and coastal environments in the Saudi Arabia. These efforts will be based on findings from the study, which will serve as the output of the first project. The tasks required for the integrated program focus on providing and installing stations to monitor marine pollution and water quality, conducting necessary monitoring and analyses, supplying software tools for data processing and analysis, and implementing comprehensive operations and procedures to detect, monitor, and track pollution in marine and coastal environments. These initiatives will be consolidated under the name of the Integrated Environmental Monitoring Program for Marine and Coastal Areas. 

- To explore additional initiatives, please click here.

Services of the National Center for Environmental Compliance

Environmental Licensing for Laboratory Analysis 

This is an electronic license that qualifies environmental service providers to conduct laboratory analyses.

Environmental Licensing for the Management of Environmental Monitoring Networks

This is an electronic license that qualifies environmental service providers to manage, install, maintain, and operate environmental monitoring networks. 

Environmental Licensing for Emergency Response and Damage Assessment

This is an electronic license that qualifies environmental service providers to respond to environmental emergencies and assess damages at the site of occurrence.

Environmental Licensing for Training and Capacity Building

This is an electronic license that qualifies environmental service providers to deliver training and capacity-building programs focused on environmental issues.

- To explore additional services, please click here.

• Mountain Ecosystems 

The mountain ecosystems of Saudi Arabia are characterized by rich biodiversity, particularly in the forested areas. Juniper forests dominate the Sarawat Mountains in the southwest of the Saudi Arabia, accompanied by other species such as acacia and wild olive trees, which further enhance the region's diversity. These ecosystems are among the most biodiverse terrestrial environments in the Saudi Arabia, playing a crucial role in attracting rainfall and protecting soil from degradation. They also provide valuable natural resources, including medicinal and aromatic herbs, as well as honey production, and host significant national parks in areas such as Asir, Taif, and Al-Baha. The Tuwaiq Mountains in the central region and the northern highlands are known for their rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, including the Nubian ibex and Arabian gazelle, making them unique sanctuaries for wildlife.

As part of its efforts to preserve these vital ecosystems, Saudi Arabia is working to restore degraded forests, particularly in the Sarawat Mountains in the southwest. These initiatives include rehabilitating the juniper tree ecosystem in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, reflecting the Saudi Arabia's commitment to conserving and enhancing its environmental heritage.

• Desert Ecosystem 

The natural rangelands of Saudi Arabia cover an extensive area of approximately 171 million hectares, distributed across various regions with differing densities, primarily concentrated in the north, east, center, and south. These rangelands are situated in areas characterized by limited rainfall, with annual precipitation not exceeding 200 mm. Over two-thirds of these regions receive less than 100 mm of rainfall each year. The rangelands encompass diverse terrains, including sand dunes, gravel plains, and rocky plateaus, and are dotted with scattered desert grasses and low-density shrubs that exhibit limited productivity. The variability in pastoral production reflects the ecosystems' vulnerability to climatic fluctuations, as production levels differ from year to year and region to region, depending on the quantity and consistency of rainfall. These ecosystems rely heavily on seasonal rains, which rejuvenate the land and enhance pastoral production, embodying the delicate balance between the harshness of the desert and its captivating beauty.

• Marine Ecosystems  

The Red Sea is a remarkable water trench that stretches approximately 2,000 kilometers in length and exceeds 2,500 meters in depth, making it one of the world's most significant secondary seas. It connects to the Indian Ocean in the south via the Bab Al-Mandab Strait and bifurcates in the north into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, which links to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. The Red Sea is notable for its unique characteristic of maintaining a consistent water temperature at all depths, creating a haven for marine biodiversity and serving as a rich source of distinctive marine species. 

The Arabian Gulf is notable for its remarkable diversity of coastal and marine ecosystems, making it a unique example of environmental adaptation and rich biodiversity in the face of extreme conditions.

• Coral Reef Ecosystems  

Coral reefs are extensively distributed along the Saudi coastline of the Red Sea, manifesting in various forms, including offshore barrier reefs, shallow-water coral patches, and fringing reefs that encircle scattered islands. The Red Sea hosts approximately 270 species of hard corals and 40 species of soft corals, making it one of the most diverse marine environments in the world.

In the Arabian Gulf, coral reefs have a limited distribution due to the scarcity of solid substrates and generally unfavorable environmental conditions in most areas. However, approximately 60 species of hard corals are found along the Saudi coastline, primarily concentrated around offshore islands, with a limited presence in some nearshore areas. These coral reefs, whether in the Red Sea or the Arabian Gulf, exhibit exceptional environmental beauty and hold vital significance for the marine ecosystems of Saudi Arabia.

• Seagrass Meadow Ecosystems 

Seagrass meadows are a vital component of marine ecosystems, flourishing in shallow waters that are sheltered from wave action. These meadows provide habitat and nourishment for a diverse array of marine organisms, including mollusks, crustaceans, fish, turtles, and dugongs. As a fully integrated ecosystem, seagrass meadows play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity. 

In the Red Sea, twelve species of seagrass have been documented, ten of which flourish in the waters of Saudi Arabia. In the Arabian Gulf, four species of seagrass have been recorded, all of which are found within Saudi waters. This diversity underscores the Saudi Arabia's vital role in protecting and supporting these unique ecosystems, which serve as a natural refuge for numerous marine organisms.

• Plant Diversity 

Saudi Arabia boasts a remarkable diversity of native plants, with approximately 2,247 species belonging to 142 families and 837 genera. Notably, around 600 of these species are classified as rare or endangered, highlighting the urgent need for dedicated conservation efforts. This necessity is especially critical in light of the challenges posed by rapid economic development, unsustainable land use, and a growing population.

The Saudi Arabia is dedicated to preserving its rich plant diversity by establishing natural reserves, both existing and planned, as part of its protected areas system. These initiatives aim to protect natural habitats and safeguard the native environments of threatened plant species, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

• Bird Diversity 

Saudi Arabia serves as a significant migratory bird route due to its strategic geographic location, which connects three continents. This positioning makes the Saudi Arabia an essential crossing point for birds migrating both north to south and east to west. The bird populations in the Saudi Arabia are diverse, originating from three main regions: Ethiopian (45 species), Arctic (357 species), and Asian (30 species), with a total of 499 recorded species in Saudi Arabia.

Among the endemic bird species in Saudi Arabia, the Asir magpie is particularly noteworthy, with fewer than 100 breeding pairs remaining, thus it is classified it as an endangered species. Field studies conducted in critical bird habitats have identified approximately 39 key areas throughout the Saudi Arabia that serve as sanctuaries for numerous threatened species. This underscores the importance of conserving these regions to secure the future of wildlife in Saudi Arabia.

• Diversity Among Terrestrial Mammals 

Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 86 species of mammals, including 28 species of bats, 22 species of rodents, 12 species of carnivores, and one species of primate, the baboon. Additionally, the Saudi Arabia hosts four species of ungulates, such as the Arabian oryx. Large mammals play a crucial role in ecosystems, serving as indicators of the health and stability of the environments they inhabit.

In recent years, large mammals in Saudi Arabia have encountered significant environmental pressures, resulting in the extinction of certain species and putting others at risk of extinction. Among the most endangered is the Arabian leopard, with fewer than 150 individuals remaining today. The Arabian oryx, which was once widely distributed across the Arabian Peninsula, also suffered a drastic population decline due to overhunting in the 19th century.

However, through its ongoing efforts in captive breeding and reintroduction programs, Saudi Arabia has successfully returned these animals to their natural habitats within protected areas. The Saudi Arabia has also succeeded in reintroducing and increasing the populations of other species, such as the Arabian sand gazelle, the Arabian mountain gazelle, ibex, and ostriches. These accomplishments reflect the Saudi Arabia's strong commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species.

• Diversity Among Marine Mammals 

Sixteen species of marine mammals have been documented in Saudi Arabia's territorial waters, encompassing both the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. Among these species, the dugong, which belongs to the order Sirenia, is particularly concentrated in specific regions of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea.

As for the order Cetacea, which encompasses whales and dolphins, six whale species inhabit Saudi Arabia's territorial waters: the sperm whale, killer whale, minke whale, Bryde’s whale, fin whale, and humpback whale. Additionally, nine dolphin species have been documented in these waters, including the bottlenose dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, common dolphin, striped dolphin, spinner dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, Risso's dolphin, and Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin.

These marine mammals play a crucial role in the biodiversity of Saudi Arabia's marine environment, underscoring the importance of conserving and protecting these species as part of the Saudi Arabia's initiatives to preserve marine life.

• Diversity Among Reptiles and Amphibians 

In Saudi Arabia, 107 species of reptiles and 7 species of amphibians have been documented. The reptiles comprise 44 species of lizards, 55 species of snakes, and 7 species of turtles. Among the turtles, five marine species have been identified in the Saudi Arabia's territorial waters: the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, loggerhead turtle, olive ridley turtle, and leatherback turtle. These species are listed in Appendix I of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, highlighting their global environmental significance.

As part of its efforts to preserve these vital species, Saudi Arabia signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2005 for the conservation and management of marine turtles in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

The amphibians of Saudi Arabia comprise seven species from the family Anura. All of these species require continuous conservation efforts. Amphibians serve as environmental indicators of ecosystem health and play a crucial role in controlling pest populations, making them an integral part of the ecological balance in the Saudi Arabia.

• Diversity in Marine Fish 

The Red Sea is home to approximately 1,280 species of fish, while around 542 species have been recorded in the Arabian Gulf. Among these, 44 species of sharks inhabit both bodies of water. The Red Sea hosts about 180 commercially important fish species, whereas the Arabian Gulf is home to 110 commercial species.

However, overfishing has placed several species at risk, with at least three now classified as endangered. Other species, such as butterflyfish and angelfish, are experiencing environmental pressure due to rising global demand. Additionally, sharks face significant threats from illegal trade practices.

In inland freshwater habitats, seven fish species have been documented, including five endemic species. This highlights the significance of conserving biodiversity across the Saudi Arabia's diverse ecosystems.

• Diversity in Marine Invertebrates 

The Red Sea is home to approximately 1,280 species of fish, while around 542 species have been recorded in the Arabian Gulf. Among these, 44 species of sharks inhabit both bodies of water. The Red Sea hosts about 180 commercially important fish species, whereas the Arabian Gulf is home to 110 commercial species.

However, overfishing has placed several species at risk, with at least three now classified as endangered. Other species, such as butterflyfish and angelfish, are experiencing environmental pressure due to rising global demand. Additionally, sharks face significant threats from illegal trade practices.

In inland freshwater habitats, seven fish species have been documented, including five endemic species. This highlights the significance of conserving biodiversity across the Saudi Arabia's diverse ecosystems.

Studies on Marine Ecosystems and Fish Resources

Saudi Arabia places significant importance on the marine environment, implementing stringent strategies and policies to prevent the degradation or neglect of its marine ecosystems. In 2005, the Saudi Arabia approved the National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, which aims to sustainably preserve and develop biodiversity. Efforts have also been intensified to assess the current state of biodiversity, analyze the threats it faces, and devise effective solutions to ensure its sustainability and protection from environmental risks.

• Under secretariat for Animal and Fish Resources
• Saudi Aquaculture Society
• Fish Resources Research Center at the King Faisal University
• The Red Sea Research Center at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

International Efforts and Initiatives for Environmental Protection

Saudi Arabia plays a pivotal role in addressing the impacts of climate change and reducing carbon emissions. With its vast resources and extensive expertise in managing global energy stability, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to spearhead a new era of climate action and make significant contributions to global efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Committed to international collaboration, the Saudi Arabia takes pride in signing numerous international initiatives, demonstrating that climate action knows no borders. Among the most prominent initiatives are:

Collaboration with the Global Ocean Alliance

In October 2021, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, announced Saudi Arabia’s accession to the Global Ocean Alliance, an international organization dedicated to protecting marine life in the world’s oceans. The alliance aims to safeguard 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030 through the expansion of marine protected areas. Additionally, His Royal Highness revealed the establishment of the Ocean Exploration Foundation, which will be responsible for conducting scientific research and exploring the depths of oceans worldwide. These ambitious initiatives reflect Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to environmental conservation, positioning the Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the protection of the planet and its natural resources.

Reducing Methane Emissions 

Saudi Arabia is dedicated to reducing methane emissions as a vital strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change and contribute to the global objective of decreasing methane emissions by 30% by 2030. These commitments are in line with Saudi Arabia's vision of creating a more sustainable future and ensuring a cleaner environment. The Saudi Arabia takes pride in being a participant in the Global Methane Pledge, a significant milestone in the effort to reduce greenhouse gases and promote initiatives to protect the planet.

Guiding and Supporting the Global Sports Community 

Saudi Arabia has joined the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Initiative to support the global sports community, enhance its positive international impact, and contribute to climate action. This step underscores the Saudi Arabia's pioneering role in achieving global climate goals and emphasizes comprehensive community collaboration, a key pillar of the Saudi Green Initiative framework.

The Saudi Green Initiative 

The Saudi Green Initiative plays a crucial role in achieving global climate goals. The Saudi Arabia is leading the way toward a more sustainable future by adopting an inclusive investment strategy that engages all segments of society. Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia aims to showcase practical pathways for meeting the United Nations' global climate change objectives.

The Middle East Green Initiative

The Middle East Green Initiative represents an ambitious vision aimed at enhancing climate action throughout the region by promoting regional collaboration and attracting sustainable investments. This initiative strives to unify efforts to create a significant impact that contributes to the achievement of global climate goals.

• The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has launched the Riyadh Green Project as part of the Saudi Green Initiative. This initiative is one of the world's most ambitious afforestation projects, involving the planting of over 7.5 million trees throughout Riyadh. The project aims to enhance air quality, lower urban temperatures, and encourage residents to embrace a more active and vibrant lifestyle, in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
• Environment Week is a national event endorsed by the Council of Ministers, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's commitment to enhancing environmental awareness and fostering a culture of sustainability. The event aims to conserve natural resources and minimize all forms of pollution through a diverse range of activities and initiatives conducted throughout the Saudi Arabia. It encourages active participation from individuals and various sectors, including government, private, and non-profit organizations.

Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification 

Saudi Arabia's agricultural sector is confronting significant challenges due to both natural factors and human activities, resulting in soil fertility degradation and rising rates of desertification. As part of Vision 2030, which emphasizes sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification was established. This center aims to tackle environmental challenges, restore biodiversity, and leverage promising opportunities to enhance environmental sustainability and promote sustainable agricultural development.

Reducing Soil Pollution 

Recognizing the vital role that soil plays in plant growth, consumer health, and the support of living organisms, Saudi Arabia has implemented measures to reduce soil pollution by establishing the Soil Quality Management Division affiliated with the National Center for Meteorology. This division is responsible for carrying out several critical tasks, including the following:

• Supervising soil quality monitoring and control programs.
• Conducting environmental surveys to assess pollutants and developing comprehensive databases.
• Implementing commitments outlined in regional and international agreements related to soil pollution.
• Reviewing engineering designs for landfill sites.
• Participating in field inspections to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Developing and qualifying technologies for waste treatment and disposal.
• Issuing periodic reports on soil quality.

These efforts are part of the Saudi Arabia's vision to enhance environmental sustainability and protect natural resources. To review the Executive Regulations for the Prevention and Treatment of Soil Pollution, please click here.

Reducing Water Pollution

Water plays a central role in achieving economic and social development, as it is essential for meeting human needs, managing the environment, and ensuring the sustainability of economic growth. However, Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges due to the unsustainable use of water resources and the limited non-renewable groundwater reserves, which are being rapidly depleted. In the Saudi Arabia’s arid climate, renewable water resources are scarce, while the high water demand in the agricultural sector places additional pressure on these limited resources.

Additionally, water and sanitation services in urban areas impose a substantial financial burden on the state and necessitate quality improvements, along with enhanced institutional frameworks and governance mechanisms within the sector. In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has launched a unified reference framework for the water sector, which encompasses a comprehensive national strategy aimed at harmonizing policies, regulations, and practices. The strategy emphasizes restructuring the sector to effectively tackle key challenges.

The strategy involves engaging stakeholders and assessing the current situation by examining key areas such as water demand, water resources, operational processes, and enabling factors. It also aims to identify gaps between supply and demand and analyze the sector's economics under various scenarios to promote the efficient and sustainable use of water resources. To view the National Water Strategy 2030, please click here.

Reducing Air Pollution 

Maintaining air quality is one of the primary responsibilities of the National Meteorological Center. This is achieved by establishing necessary standards and metrics, as well as monitoring their implementation to ensure optimal air quality. These efforts are in accordance with the state's overarching policy, as detailed in the Basic Law of Governance, which emphasizes the protection of human health and the environment from all forms of pollution.

Air quality is a significant global environmental issue, particularly in light of the increasing challenges posed by population density, urban expansion, and industrial development, often at the expense of natural resources. Like many countries, Saudi Arabia is confronting complex environmental challenges that necessitate enhanced national efforts and coordinated regional and international strategies to address them. Pollution resulting from industrial development is one of the primary sources that adversely affect human health, as it can lead to poisoning through contaminated air, water, or food, and disrupt the body's vital functions. Its impact may even extend to the genetic level, potentially resulting in hereditary diseases.

Air Quality Management Division affiliated with the National Center for Meteorology and Environmental Protection, is responsible for studying and assessing air quality throughout Saudi Arabia and identifying the most polluted areas. Its efforts focus on developing effective plans and solutions to reduce pollution, thereby contributing to an improved quality of life and promoting environmental sustainability. To view the Air Quality Index for various regions of the Saudi Arabia, please click here.

Climate of Saudi Arabia

The climate of Saudi Arabia is characterized by a semi-arid to arid desert climate, with very low annual rainfall, except in the Asir region located in the southwestern part of the Saudi Arabia. Two regions of the Saudi Arabia experience seasonal rainfall. In winter, the northern and central areas receive precipitation due to the interaction of western winds with the extension of the Sudan low-pressure system. In summer, the southwestern parts of Saudi Arabia receive rainfall as a result of the shift in the tropical convergence zone and monsoon circulation, along with their interaction with the region's topography. Additionally, there is a distinct difference in climate between the coastal and inland regions. The maximum temperature ranges across the country are as follows:

• 20° – 30°C during the winter season (from December to February)
• 30° – 40°C during the spring season (from March to May)
• 35° – 45°C during the summer season (from June to August)
• 25° – 35° C during the autumn season (from September to November)

Climate Change

Climate change refers to the ongoing shifts in weather patterns and the rise in average global temperatures, presenting a significant global challenge with clear impacts on the planet. Human activity is the primary driver of this phenomenon. Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the rate of temperature increases has accelerated due to the burning of fossil fuels and drastic changes in land use, such as intensive agriculture, deforestation, and wildfires, which have led to the release of massive amounts of greenhouse gases.

Saudi Arabia is confronting distinct challenges that render it especially susceptible to the effects of climate change. These challenges include fragile ecosystems, a scarcity of renewable water resources, and a heavy dependence on fossil fuel exports. As a result, the Saudi Arabia finds itself in direct conflict with this global issue, necessitating enhanced efforts to promote sustainability and safeguard its natural resources for future generations.

Climate Monitoring

Saudi Arabia is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and is strongly focused on adapting to the adverse effects of climate change through the development of comprehensive and integrated energy systems. In alignment with this vision, the Saudi Arabia has initiated numerous pioneering projects to boost renewable energy production, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Given the impacts of climate change, it has become essential to implement effective initiatives and innovative approaches for monitoring climate conditions and developing adaptive solutions. These efforts aim to enhance the sustainability of environmental resources and ensure long-term sustainable development.

Drought Monitoring

Drought is a prolonged condition that can last for months or even years, during which a specific area experiences a severe shortage of water resources due to below-average rainfall. This phenomenon significantly impacts ecosystems and agriculture, leading to serious consequences for affected communities. While droughts can persist for extended periods, even short but intense episodes of drought can cause substantial damage, directly affecting the local economy. Livelihoods are disrupted, and productivity in water-dependent sectors declines, underscoring the urgent need for effective strategies to adapt to this phenomenon and mitigate its effects.

• Weather Forecasts

This service offers daily and weekly weather forecasts, as well as marine forecasts. Its goal is to enhance public health, improve quality of life, and support economic growth by minimizing losses caused by weather fluctuations.

• Holy Places Forecasts 

This service offers precise daily weather forecasts for sacred sites, including wind speed and direction, humidity levels, high and low temperatures, and cloud conditions. It enhances the experience for visitors and pilgrims.

• Radar Images

Interactive radar maps enable users to monitor weather conditions in real time. These maps offer color-coded visual representations of current weather conditions and locations, assisting individuals in adapting to severe storms and climate-related risks.

• Satellite Images

Satellites utilize infrared technology to generate precise temperature maps that reveal thermal energy not visible to the human eye. These maps emphasize environmental features such as clouds, water, and land surfaces, with distinct colors assigned to each area to indicate its relative temperature, whether cold or hot.

• Automated Early Warning System

The National Center for Meteorology provides an innovative early warning system designed to deliver weather alerts swiftly and effectively, complete with precise timing and location details. The service features an interactive map of Saudi Arabia’s provinces, where specific colors (green, yellow, orange, red) represent different warning levels. Utilizing the center’s data, the Civil Defense sends warning text messages to citizens and residents regarding weather phenomena such as air quality, sandstorms, cyclones, rain, and floods.

The National Center for Waste Management regulates activities related to the import, export, collection, transportation, sorting, storage, treatment, and final disposal of waste. It also oversees post-disposal care of waste sites, ensuring the protection of the environment and public health.

Hazardous Waste Management

Hazardous waste is produced from both industrial and non-industrial activities and contains materials that possess toxic, flammable, reactive, corrosive, or other hazardous properties. This includes substances such as solvents, oils, degreasers, acids, alkalis, colorants like inks, pasty deposits, and other industrial materials that the National Center for Waste Management may classify as hazardous waste, distinguishing them from solid municipal waste.

Saudi Arabia places significant emphasis on managing hazardous waste by investing in technologies for processing and recovering these materials. This includes recycling tires and electronic waste, transforming them into valuable resources for the production of new products, thereby supporting a circular economy. Due to their hazardous chemical and biological properties, such waste necessitates specialized handling and disposal measures to prevent environmental contamination.

Environmental Qualification Certificates 

To obtain a specialized environmental qualification certificate, please visit the dedicated links for each area:

• Hazardous Industrial Waste Management
• Asbestos Waste Management
• Used Oil Management

These initiatives promote responsible environmental practices and support environmental sustainability in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Medical Waste Management

Medical waste encompasses all waste generated by medical facilities, both within and outside of hospitals. This includes blood, bodily fluids, used medical instruments, and pharmaceutical waste. Given the environmental and health risks associated with this type of waste, its management necessitates the implementation of the highest safety standards and strict compliance with established regulations and guidelines.

To obtain an Environmental Qualification Certificate in Medical Waste Management, applicants must submit an electronic application that includes the completion of a specialized form. They must adhere to both general and specific requirements based on the nature of their activities, in compliance with relevant standards and regulations. For more details and to apply for the certificate, please click here.

A Glimpse into the Future of Waste Management in Saudi Arabia