Memorandum signed to combat desertification in Al-Baha region

The historic village of Dhee Ayn, widely known as the Marble Village, in Al-Baha region. (Twitter Photo)
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Updated 08 August 2022
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Memorandum signed to combat desertification in Al-Baha region

  • The areas of cooperation and understanding stipulated in the MoU include various topics regarding Al-Baha region such as vegetation development projects
  • The MoU also focuses on creating an attractive investment environment that contributes to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the SGI

RIYADH: The National Center for the Development of Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification signed a memorandum of understanding with the Strategic Office for the Development of Al-Baha region on Sunday.

It was signed under the auspices of center’s CEO Dr. Khalid Al-Abdulqader and the office’s CEO Abdulaziz Al-Naeem, aiming to enhance mutual understanding between the two organizations in the field of vegetation development and investment.

The MoU also focuses on creating an attractive investment environment that contributes to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which launched a comprehensive effort to reverse environmental degradation and climate change through regenerative development, conservation, and sustainable practices. 

The areas of cooperation and understanding stipulated in the MoU include various topics regarding Al-Baha region such as vegetation development projects, as well as coordination and communication about the SGI.

Other topics include exchanging knowledge and experience, and organizing tourist programs and events in the region.

The MoU is part of a series of contracts and agreements concluded by the NCVC, and falls within the framework of its efforts to combat desertification, reduce sand encroachment, and preserve natural resources to achieve an improvement in the quality of life and create sustainable economic development.

These efforts also aim to enhance cooperation and integration with government, private and non-profit institutions, and to unify and organize national efforts in implementing vegetation rehabilitation initiatives.

The NCVC is focused on developing, protecting and controlling vegetation cover sites, rehabilitating degraded ones, detecting encroachments on them, combating logging, supervising pasture management, grazing governance, and protecting and investing in forests and national parks.

It also supports, through its various projects, efforts to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions globally.

Under the slogan “sustainable parks,” the NCVC launched an awareness campaign on July 28 in cooperation with Aseer Development Authority and over 12 government bodies to enhance societal awareness on the necessity of protecting the vegetation cover in Saudi Arabia.


Pakistan confers second-highest civilian award on Saudi commerce minister for strengthening ties

Updated 12 January 2026
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Pakistan confers second-highest civilian award on Saudi commerce minister for strengthening ties

  • Ambassador Ahmad Farooq confers Hilal-e-Pakistan on Majid Al-Kassabi in Riyadh
  • Award reflects the depth of the longstanding partnership and strong trade relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan

RIYADH: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmad Farooq has conferred the country’s second-highest civilian award on Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce Majid Al-Kassabi for his role in strengthening ties between Islamabad and Riyadh, Pakistan’s Embassy in Saudi Arabia said.

Farooq presented the Hilal-e-Pakistan to Al-Kassabi during a meeting in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The parties also discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade relations.

“On behalf of the president of Pakistan, Ambassador Ahmad Farooq conferred the Hilal-e-Pakistan on Majid Al-Kassabi, minister of commerce of Saudi Arabia, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to strengthening Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations,” the embassy wrote on X.

The award reflects the depth of the longstanding partnership and strong trade relations between the Kingdom and Pakistan and serves as an impetus to further strengthen joint cooperation for the benefit of both countries and their peoples, the SPA reported.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial ties that date back decades and include cooperation in several sectors such as defense, trade, economy, agriculture, livestock and minerals.

Saudi Arabia is the largest source of foreign remittances to Pakistan, with over 2 million Pakistani expats residing in the Kingdom. Riyadh has also helped Pakistan during several economic crises over the years, providing oil on deferred payments and loans in critical times.

The two countries signed a landmark strategic partnership agreement in September 2025, according to which an act of aggression against one country will be seen as an attack on both.