How Saudi organizations are building a sustainable future for wildlife

Short Url
Updated 02 January 2025
Follow

How Saudi organizations are building a sustainable future for wildlife

  • Recent initiatives underscore strong commitment to restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity
  • Kingdom’s approach seen as proof that environmental stewardship and economic growth can coexist

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is solidifying its position as a global leader in biodiversity preservation through a series of pioneering initiatives aimed at protecting endangered species and restoring fragile ecosystems.

From the release of endangered animals in the King Khalid Royal Reserve to the historic birth of Arabian leopard triplets, the Kingdom’s conservation efforts highlight a forward-looking commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage for generations to come.

On Dec. 23, 2024, the National Center for Wildlife (NCW) achieved a significant milestone with the release of 66 endangered animals into the King Khalid Royal Reserve, located northeast of Riyadh.

The release included 40 rhim gazelles, 10 Arabian oryx, 10 Houbara bustards and six Idmi gazelles.

This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority, is part of a broader strategy to restore ecological balance, enhance biodiversity and promote eco-tourism.

To ensure the program’s success, some of the released animals were equipped with solar-powered tracking devices, enabling researchers to monitor their integration and behavior in the wild.

The Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre in Taif has reached a groundbreaking achievement — a rare litter of Arabian leopard triplets, two males and one female, was born in June, 2024.

This marks the first recorded triplet birth of the critically endangered Arabian leopard in Saudi Arabia and only the third such occurrence in captivity worldwide over the past 30 years.

The birth is a pivotal moment for Saudi Arabia’s conservation efforts led by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).

Fewer than 120 Arabian leopards remain in the wild, placing them in the critically endangered category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.

Opinion

This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)

Since partnering with Panthera in 2019 under the Arabian Leopard Initiative, RCU has made significant strides in protecting this iconic species.

“When we assumed management of the Arabian Leopard breeding program in December 2020, we inherited 14 leopards and immediately began drafting strategic plans for new enclosures, team building, and breeding targets,” Abdulaziz Al-Enzy, senior manager of the RCU Breeding Center Management, told Arab News.

The initiative focuses on boosting wild populations, expanding breeding programs, and advancing research to ensure the species’ survival.

The breeding center, now home to 32 leopards, has emerged as a global leader in conservation efforts.

“Through our KPIs, the center set an ambitious goal of producing two cubs annually,” Al-Enzy said.

“To date, it has consistently exceeded expectations: one cub in 2021, three in 2022, seven in 2023, and five in 2024.”

The center also follows strict protocols for pregnant leopards.

Al-Enzy said females are separated from males during their final trimester, and all activity around them is minimized to ensure a stress-free delivery.

Veterinary teams remain on standby to intervene in case of complications.

“We’ve achieved remarkable growth by constructing state-of-the-art open-top enclosures, the first of their kind in the Middle East for Arabian leopards, and implementing 24-hour monitoring using 200 CCTV cameras,” Al-Enzy said.

The team, according to him, ensures the leopards are healthy, safe and enriched in their environment.

Protecting the Arabian leopard is not just about saving a species—it’s about preserving ecological balance and cultural heritage.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Saudi Arabia released 66 endangered animals, including Arabian oryx, into the King Khalid Royal Reserve.

• Arabian leopard triplets were born in the Kingdom, a rare event for this critically endangered species.

• The Arabian oryx population has increased 60-fold in Saudi Arabia after being declared extinct in the wild.

• The Kingdom reintroduced cheetahs, with four cubs born in captivity after a 40-year absence.


“The Arabian leopard plays a critical role in regulating prey populations, maintaining the health of ecosystems, and is deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s culture," Al-Enzy said.

The ultimate goal is to reintroduce these magnificent creatures into the wild sometime in the future. However, this process is fraught with challenges.

“Leopards must be trained to hunt and acquire survival skills, and pre-release enclosures are currently being developed to prepare cubs for life in the wild.”

Genetic diversity remains a significant concern, with active collaboration between Saudi Arabia, Oman, Yemen, and the UAE to enhance breeding programs.

“To address these challenges, RCU launched a genetic exchange program in 2023, swapping male leopards with Oman’s Royal Court to strengthen genetic diversity,” Al-Enzy said.


These conservation efforts are not just about Saudi Arabia.

“We are working to save the Arabian leopard from extinction globally, which requires international collaboration and learning from others’ experiences,” Al-Enzy said.

Reintroducing captive-bred Arabian leopards to their natural habitat is a complex and long-term goal. Each cub undergoes rigorous evaluation before release, and success depends on partnerships with local and international organizations.

“We aim to save the Arabian leopard not for one country but for the world. The progress we’ve made so far is just the beginning of this long journey,” Al-Enzy said.

By combining cutting-edge breeding techniques, meticulous monitoring, and global collaboration, Saudi Arabia is setting an example for wildlife conservation efforts across the region.

Saudi Arabia is also making strides in reintroducing cheetahs, which disappeared from the Arabian Peninsula over 40 years ago. Under the National Cheetah Reintroduction Program, four cubs were born in captivity in 2024—a landmark achievement given the complexity of breeding cheetahs.

Globally, only 15 percent of wild-born cheetahs manage to reproduce in captivity, with just 20 percent of those continuing to do so.

By overcoming these odds, the National Center for Wildlife is contributing to the survival of a species that now numbers only 7,100 worldwide.

Combining habitat restoration with advanced research and breeding programs, Saudi Arabia is playing a pivotal role in ensuring the cheetah’s future.

The Arabian oryx, once extinct in the wild by 1972, symbolizes the Kingdom’s conservation triumphs.

Reintroduced into its natural habitat, the species was reclassified as vulnerable in 2011.

By 2019, the wild population had risen to 1,220, with an additional 6,000–7,000 individuals thriving in semi-captive conditions worldwide.

Saudi Arabia has reported a remarkable 60-fold increase in the oryx population, making it one of the most successful wildlife restoration programs globally.

Saudi Arabia’s conservation efforts extend far beyond individual species. The Kingdom’s integrated approach leverages cutting-edge technology, international collaborations and community engagement to achieve its goals.

Programs such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, the Arabian Leopard Fund and the National Cheetah Conservation Strategy reflect a deep commitment to restoring ecosystems and protecting biodiversity.

From reintroducing onagers to the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve after a century-long absence to breeding endangered species at state-of-the-art facilities, the Kingdom is setting a global benchmark for conservation.

As biodiversity faces unprecedented threats worldwide, experts say Saudi Arabia’s approach demonstrates that environmental stewardship and economic growth can coexist.

These efforts not only preserve the Kingdom’s natural legacy but also offer a blueprint for global action to protect the planet’s most vulnerable species. Through innovation, dedication, and collaboration, Saudi Arabia is proving that a sustainable future for wildlife is possible.


Riyadh library, AlUla commission to promote heritage and literacy

Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

Riyadh library, AlUla commission to promote heritage and literacy

  • Agreement aims to promote knowledge exchange, support cultural tourism and enhance collaboration in various cultural fields
  • Deal will activate the AlUla Reads initiative, introduce mobile library tours, and promote literacy through community events for children and families

RIYADH: King Abdulaziz Public Library and the Royal Commission for AlUla have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cultural and civilizational cooperation.

The agreement aims to promote knowledge exchange, support cultural tourism and enhance collaboration in various cultural fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The deal was signed on Wednesday by the library’s general supervisor, Faisal bin Muammar, and the acting CEO of the commission, Abeer Al-Akel, in Riyadh.

Bin Muammar emphasized that the agreement aligned with the library’s mission to preserve Arab and Islamic heritage, as well as the Kingdom’s diverse cultural legacy.

He said that the library played a key role in safeguarding this heritage through its collection of manuscripts, books, documents, rare photographs, and publishing and translation projects.

Al-Akel described the partnership as a model for integrated efforts among government entities in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

She highlighted the library’s rich knowledge and cultural archives, particularly in areas under the commission’s supervision.

The agreement includes collaboration in establishing libraries, hosting local and international exhibitions, and co-publishing books.

It also supports scientific research, promotes bilingual publications in Arabic and English, and exchanges visual and audio materials related to AlUla, Al-Mu’azzam, Tayma and Khaybar.

Additionally, the deal will activate the AlUla Reads initiative, introduce mobile library tours, and promote literacy through community events for children and families.

Training and development programs will build professional capacities through joint courses and workshops.


Riyadh festival pays tribute to ‘father of algebra’

Updated 44 min 47 sec ago
Follow

Riyadh festival pays tribute to ‘father of algebra’

  • Event celebrates Muhammad Al-Khwarizmi’s legacy in mathematics and informatics

RIYADH: The STEAM Festival in Riyadh celebrates the legacy of 9th-century Muslim scientist Muhammad Al-Khwarizmi, one of the most prominent figures in the history of mathematics and informatics.

The event was organized by the King Salman Science Oasis as part of its efforts to spread knowledge and promote interest in science and innovation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

It aims to inspire students by showcasing Al-Khwarizmi’s achievements in mathematics, algebra, and algorithms, which laid the foundation for modern scientific and technical development.

The event featured interactive presentations and workshops highlighting his contributions to science, the SPA reported.

This initiative aligns with the oasis’s vision to enhance scientific and cultural identity, motivate future generations, and contribute to achieving Vision 2030’s strategic goals.

Al-Khwarizmi, known as “the father of algebra,” was a Persian mathematician, astronomer, and scholar who laid the foundation for modern algebra and computational mathematics.

He worked at the House of Wisdom in Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age, writing influential texts on arithmetic, algebra, and geography.

His book introduced systematic solutions to linear and quadratic equations, giving rise to algebra. The term “algorithm” is derived from the Latinized version of his name, reflecting his lasting impact on mathematics and computer science.

Earlier, the oasis highlighted the pioneering work of scientist Mariam Al-Astrolabi, renowned for her contributions to astronomy and her creation of astrolabes, instruments used to determine locations and times for prayers. Her work also advanced marine navigation.

Additionally, the oasis hosted an event honoring Jabir ibn Hayyan, known as “the father of chemistry” for his groundbreaking discoveries in chemistry, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and gold water. His innovations, including distillation, played a key role in advancing both Islamic and Western chemistry.


Souk Wonders event brings art, culture in Diriyah

Updated 06 February 2025
Follow

Souk Wonders event brings art, culture in Diriyah

  • Running until Feb. 28 at Mayadeen Venue, the souk is one of the season’s premier artistic and entertainment programs

RIYADH: The Souk Wonders event, part of Diriyah Season, launched on Thursday.

The vibrant indoor market offers an immersive experience blending imagination, performing arts, and live entertainment, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Running until Feb. 28 at Mayadeen Venue, the souk is one of the season’s premier artistic and entertainment programs.

The market features two daily shows with creative performances, including magic tricks, trampoline acts, high-wire stunts, and the traditional Saudi dance, Samri.

Visitors enter an enchanting atmosphere, welcomed by hosts in folklore attire matching the event’s theme, the SPA reported.

The venue includes a lively plaza with vivid colors and music, VIP lounges with premium hospitality, and a diverse culinary scene featuring local and international flavors.

Shopping experiences also spotlight the region’s diverse offerings.


Saudi Arabia condemns Orebro attack

Updated 06 February 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia condemns Orebro attack

  • Eleven people have been killed in a shooting at an education centre in central Sweden

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Thursday a deadly shooting at a school in Orebro, Sweden, that left several people dead.

At least 11 people died and many people were wounded in an attack at the Risbergska adult education center in Orebro, central Sweden, on Tuesday.

A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement expressed the Kingdom’s rejection and denunciation of all forms of violence.

It also expressed Saudi Arabia’s solidarity and sincere condolences to the families of the victims.


Former Saudi ambassador to US condemns Trump’s ‘mad ethnic cleansing plan’ for Gaza

Former Saudi ambassador to the US Prince Turki Al-Faisal speaks to CNN international anchor Christiane Amanpour. (Screenshot)
Updated 06 February 2025
Follow

Former Saudi ambassador to US condemns Trump’s ‘mad ethnic cleansing plan’ for Gaza

  • Prince Turki Al-Faisal says proposed resettlement of Palestinians would lead to more bloodshed
  • Warns US leader will receive ’an earful’ from Saudi leadership if he visits Kingdom

LONDON: Donald Trump’s plan for the US to take control of Gaza and force Palestinians to leave the enclave would be “ethnic cleansing” that would spark conflict and bloodshed, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s former ambassador in Washington, said on Wednesday.

In an interview with CNN, Prince Turki, who is also a former head of the Kingdom’s intelligence services, angrily rejected the US president’s comments, which included a threat to send US troops to help turn Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”

Prince Turki said he expected Arab and Muslim countries, along with other nations and Europe, to take up the issue at the UN to show that the world opposed “this mad ethnic cleansing plan.”

“It is a fantasy to think that ethnic cleansing in the 21st century can be condoned by a world community that stays on its behind, and does not respond to that,” Prince Turki told presenter Christiane Amanpour. “The problem in Palestine is not the Palestinians. It is the Israeli occupation. And this has been clear and understood by everybody.”

Prince Turki said Trump’s comments upended previous US policy that favored a two-state solution based on land for peace.

He said Trump’s plan was based on the position of Israeli extremist politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, “the ultimate ethnic cleanser,” who recently resigned as national security minister over the Gaza ceasefire.

Trump’s words were a “total acceptance of the Israeli position by the American government,” Prince Turki said, adding that this approach had been gaining support in US political circles over the past two years.

Prince Turki said that if Trump visited Saudi Arabia, he is likely to receive “an earful” from the Saudi leadership about “not just the wisdom of what he is proposing, but the downright unfairness and injustice.”

Trump has had close relations with Saudi Arabia and made the Kingdom his first foreign visit during his first term. Prince Turki said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had pledged last month to invest $600 billion in the US.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry strongly condemned threats to displace Palestinians from their land and reiterated the Kingdom’s position that there would be no normalization of relations with Israel until the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“This has been the position of Saudi Arabia from the beginning,” Prince Turki said.

He said that Trump’s Gaza plan on top of the “destruction and the devastation” of the territory during Israel’s campaign would only lead to more support for militant groups such as Hamas.

“Everybody has been telling the Israelis that if you repress these people, that if you punish them, if you inflict death and destruction and mayhem and genocide on them, all you are going to do is create more opposition,” Prince Turki said.

“That’s why they want to use ethnic cleansing to get the people out of the territory.

“So, their policy is clear cut and, unfortunately, we hear this reflected now in what Mr. Trump has said.”