Nesma joins forces with NetZero for tree-planting initiative

The signing ceremony was held during COP16 in Riyadh.
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Updated 21 December 2024
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Nesma joins forces with NetZero for tree-planting initiative

Nesma and Partners signed a landmark agreement with NetZero, a mission-driven company specializing in environmental and social sustainability solutions, during the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties, or COP16 in Riyadh.

The conference — a global event dedicated to combating desertification, restoring degraded lands, and promoting sustainable land management — brought together governments, the private sector, nonprofit organizations, civil society, and scientists from around the world.

The signing ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, and in the presence of Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir.

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the agreement supports the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Over the next five years, the Smart Tree Planting Initiative will plant 200,000 trees across the Kingdom, with an annual target of 40,000 trees. This project aims to absorb 22,000 tonnes of CO, promote biodiversity, and expand vegetation cover. Supervised by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the National Center for Vegetation Cover, it addresses critical environmental challenges such as desertification and climate change while enhancing the Kingdom’s natural landscape.

President and CEO of Nesma and Partners Samer Abdul Samad said: “We are proud to play a key role in supporting the Kingdom’s green initiatives. This partnership goes beyond tree planting; it is about developing sustainable solutions that ensure a lasting environmental legacy. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering sustainable practices, we significantly reduce environmental impact and promote a greener future for all.”

The project integrates advanced technologies to transform environmental conservation through three innovative platforms. TreeLog provides comprehensive tree data collection and ecological benefit analysis. TreeMap offers a geospatial tracking system with precise location and impact insights, while TreeWallet enables personal engagement by allowing individuals to gift, name, and track trees. These integrated technologies transform ecological restoration into a transparent, measurable, and personally meaningful experience.


Saudi Arabia world’s safest and most attractive investment destination, says chairman of Sumou Holding

Updated 09 March 2026
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Saudi Arabia world’s safest and most attractive investment destination, says chairman of Sumou Holding

Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the world’s safest and most attractive destinations for investment, supported by the strength and resilience of its economy, according to Ayed bin Farhan Al-Qahtani, chairman of Sumou Holding.

Al-Qahtani said the Kingdom’s economy has consistently demonstrated its ability to navigate global and regional crises. He noted that Saudi Arabia has historically adapted to challenging conditions and emerged stronger, thanks to prudent economic policies and effective governance, both of which have reinforced the market’s financial strength. Al-Qahtani added that Saudi Vision 2030 has reshaped the structure of the national economy by diversifying income sources and leveraging the country’s core strengths, creating a more flexible and sustainable economic environment capable of withstanding global volatility.

According to Al-Qahtani, business activity across Saudi Arabia continues to operate normally despite current global uncertainties, highlighting the adaptability and experience of Saudi companies across multiple sectors.

Sumou Holding currently manages an investment portfolio valued at about $10 billion. Al-Qahtani said that the group plans to expand its investments in the Kingdom while seeking to attract additional foreign capital through international partnerships and joint ventures.

The company is evaluating a range of new opportunities across key sectors and particularly in real estate, which Al-Qahtani described as one of the most secure and attractive investment sectors in the Saudi market amid rising demand for residential, commercial, and development projects.

Saudi Arabia’s property market has also undergone significant regulatory reforms aimed at boosting its appeal to international investors. A new foreign property ownership law, which came into effect in early 2026, allows non-Saudis — individuals and companies, residents and non-residents — to own residential, commercial, and agricultural properties across designated areas of the Kingdom.

The framework will increase capital inflows into the real estate sector while introducing specific ownership rules for the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, two markets Al-Qahtani said remain among the most secure and globally attractive for long-term investment.

Sumou Holding owns two companies listed on the Saudi Exchange: Sumou Real Estate Co. and Ader Real Estate Co.

Al-Qahtani added that the group’s international arm, Ader Global, is building partnerships with global investors and directing capital toward promising opportunities in the Saudi market, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role as a regional hub for investment and multinational companies.

With its strong regulatory framework, investment security, and continued government support for the private sector, Saudi Arabia is well positioned to attract further foreign capital in the coming years, Al-Qahtani said, cementing the country’s status as a leading global investment destination both today and in the future.