Arab Red Crescent, Saudi National Center of Meteorology strengthen partnership in disaster forecasting
Agreement will utilize center’s latest technology monitoring early warning signs of disaster
Updated 08 January 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: The Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization and the Saudi National Center of Meteorology signed a memorandum of understanding on Sunday to strengthen their partnership in forecasting disasters in the Arab world, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The MoU was signed by ARCO Secretary-General Dr. Saleh bin Hamad Al-Tuwaijri and the center’s CEO Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam.
Al-Tuwaijri described the agreement as a “groundbreaking step” toward disaster preparedness in the region, utilizing the center’s latest techniques and technologies that monitor early warning signs and reduce human and material losses.
The MoU also outlines cooperation between the two institutions in the areas of training and research in weather and climate monitoring, as well as rapid response to disaster risks.
ARCO previously established an Arab center for disaster preparedness in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, which monitors signs of their occurrence, follows up on developments, and analyzes data, specifying the measures that may be taken and raising humanitarian appeals to request aid for affected areas.
Experimental farm in Al-Lith looks into future of Saudi Arabian agriculture
Research initiative reflects strategic transformation
Updated 02 February 2026
SPA
JEDDAH: An experimental farm in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Lith Governorate is one of the research initiatives reflecting the strategic transformation taking place in the Kingdom’s agricultural sector.
The farm uses highly efficient, sustainable production models that combine scientific research with commercial application, contributing to strengthening the country’s food security system and the sustainability of water resources.
Located in the Ghumaiqa Center on an area of about 10 hectares, the cutting-edge farm is a testing platform for modern agricultural technologies that tackle the challenge of water scarcity.
The farm includes developed open fields and modern greenhouses, supported by smart irrigation encompassing drip and sprinkler irrigation alongside surface and subsurface technologies.
All the systems operate via smart controls that enable the monitoring of water consumption and ensure improved efficiency, thereby achieving a balance between agricultural production and water conservation.
The farm also uses treated and diluted low-salinity seawater.
It aims to diversify agricultural water sources, reduce reliance on freshwater, and open new horizons for agriculture in coastal and semi-arid environments.
A view of the experimental farm in Al-Lith. (SPA)
The project represents a promising investment opportunity in the field of smart agriculture, enabling the development of commercially scalable production models, particularly for high-value vegetables and fruits, while reducing operational costs associated with water and energy, enhancing the economic feasibility of future agricultural projects.
In addition, the project contributes to transferring and localizing agricultural expertise, supporting local food supply chains, and creating an attractive environment for agricultural investment.
This aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and enhances the efficiency of the private sector in adopting innovative agricultural solutions.
Yahya bin Abdulrahman Al-Mahabi, the director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Al-Lith Governorate, told the Saudi Press Agency that the project represented the future of agriculture in the Kingdom.
He explained that the vision was based on investing in technology, enhancing the return on water per unit, and integrating scientific research with investment opportunities.
Al-Mahabi spoke of the experimental farm as a modern, scalable and replicable model applicable in several regions of the Kingdom, particularly in coastal environments.
Al-Mahabi highlighted the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s commitment to supporting distinctive projects that contributed to achieving food security while developing rural areas and enhancing agricultural production efficiency, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
