How climate change is disrupting the Earth’s water cycle

This photograph shows a view of some insulating fabric covering a small part of the Rhone Glacier to prevent it from melting, near Gletsch, in the Swiss Alps, on September 30, 2024. A snowy winter provided no respite for Switzerland's glaciers, which shed 2.4 percent of their volume over the past year, with sand blown in from the Sahara accelerating the summer melt. (AFP/File)
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Updated 15 March 2025
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How climate change is disrupting the Earth’s water cycle

  • Flash floods worldwide have claimed lives, displaced thousands, and destroyed infrastructure, with global warming seen as a key driver
  • Land-use changes, like deforestation and urbanization, increase water run-off, altering rainfall patterns and water distribution

RIYADH: From Argentina and South Sudan to Spain, Indonesia, and even Saudi Arabia, recent episodes of flash flooding around the world have cost numerous lives, displaced thousands, and destroyed infrastructure.

What is causing this flurry of flash flooding? Many factors come into play, from poor urban planning to improper resource management, but some argue the major culprit is climate change.

“Numerous environmental factors affect the water cycle, but temperature is perhaps the most important one,” Hylke Beck, assistant professor of earth science and engineering at Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, told Arab News.

“Earth’s water cycle is all about movement. Water is constantly shifting between the ocean, land, and atmosphere,” Beck continued. Water rises as it evaporates, after which it cools, condenses into clouds, and then falls as rain or snow. Some of that water runs off into rivers and oceans, some infiltrates the ground, becoming groundwater, and some is taken up by plants.

“It’s a continuous cycle that keeps water moving and sustains us and other organisms,” Beck explained.

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But what role does temperature play in the process? Warmer air holds more moisture. For every degree the planet warms up, the atmosphere can store approximately seven percent more water.

This extra moisture means that, when conditions are suitable, storms have a larger water supply to work with, resulting in heavier rainfall.

The Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology states that from 1979 to 2019, Saudi Arabia’s climate has warmed by 2.1 degrees Celsius — almost three times the global average.




Vehicles are submerged in water following flash floods in the holy city of Makkah on May 9, 2014. (AFP)

At the other end of the extreme, shifts in the water cycle have also led to more droughts, since higher temperatures also accelerate water evaporation, meaning more moisture is “pulled” from the ground at a faster rate. This dries out soil and makes droughts worse if there is not enough rain to replace it.

Longer dry spells and less frequent but heavier rainfall discourages crop growth and can lead to desertification.

In the Kingdom, stronger winds and drier soil causes more frequent and harsher sandstorms, harming the country’s agriculture and air quality. Air pollution can also change how clouds form and impact the amount of rainfall.

“In some places, increased evaporation can lead to more rainfall, but not necessarily where it’s needed,” said Beck. “Some regions get soaked, while others dry out even more.”




Sprinklers irrigate a rice field in Mishkhab in Iraq's Najaf province on July 8, 2024, as four consecutive years of drought and declining rainfall have strangled rice production in the country. (AFP/File)

Depending on where and how the moisture moves, warming can intensify both extreme rainfall and drying.

Changes in land also play an important role. Cutting down trees reduces transpiration, the urbanization of cities increases run-off, and damming rivers changes the direction of water flow.

Then there are also natural factors which can exacerbate man-made influences.

“Large-scale climate patterns like El Nino and La Nina (alter) where rain falls and for how long,” said Beck.

Both of those patterns are part of a natural cycle called El Nino-Southern Oscillation, El Nino is the phase in which the Pacific Ocean’s surface becomes warmer than usual. La Nina is the phase in which they are cooler. Both lead to changes in global weather, causing heavier rainfall in some areas and dryer conditions in others.

“Climate change is essentially throwing the whole system out of balance,” said Beck. “The result is more extremes — wetter wet seasons, drier dry seasons, and more unpredictable weather generally.”

Beck added that organizations like World Weather Attribution do crucial work in the field of climate monitoring by analyzing how climate change influences extreme events and how human activities shape the Earth’s water cycle.
 

 


Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags

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Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags

  • Focus on pop culture, nature, childhood joys, they tell Arab News
  • Old cassette tapes, coins, watches and K-pop photos are collected

Riyadh: From cassette tapes and coins to K-pop photocards and fallen flowers, Generation Z collectors in Saudi Arabia spoke to Arab News about how they value sentiment and storytelling over price tags and prestige.

Unlike traditional antique collecting, which often centers on ornate heirlooms and museum-worthy artifacts, this younger generation is finding nostalgia and meaning in items that speak to their own lives: pop culture, nature, and childhood joys.

Many of these collections begin as simple interests and evolve into deeply personal archives of memory and identity.

For Hawazen Mohammed, collecting starts with focusing on items that others might overlook.

“I collect things from nature because I see them as treasures — I can’t imagine walking past them and leaving them behind,” she said.

Alongside pressed leaves, rose petals, and interesting twigs, Mohammed’s love of small details also finds expression in sticker collecting — something she has done since childhood.

“As for the stickers, I’ve loved collecting them since I was a kid. I grew up and became an otaku fan,” she said, referencing her passion for Japanese anime and its visual culture.

This desire to preserve moments is not limited to organic materials. Others, like Htoon Saeed, turn to objects rich in historical context.

“My hobby of collecting coins came from my interest in history and vintage things,” she explained. “I noticed that coins are the ideal way to commemorate a particular era in history.”

Her collection includes both paper money and coins from countries around the world, laid out and organized with care. Each piece, regardless of value, holds significance as a snapshot of its time and place.

Abdulaziz Al-Yamani found his archive not in a museum or market — but in a cassette box filled with the voice of Talal Maddah.

The singer “shaped the sound of Saudi music and the soundtrack of my childhood and hometown,” said Al-Yamani.

“These tapes may be rare now, but to me, they’re pieces of history — and keeping them safe feels like a way to honor that legacy.”

K-pop collector Jana Al-Harbi started her journey with a single card.

“What started as a simple joy in buying a rare photocard of an idol I love quickly grew into a three-year journey of collecting, connecting, and sharing moments with people who understand the same excitement,” she said.

“It’s slightly more than just a hobby — it’s something I truly loved, no matter the effort or cost. It brought me closer to a community and a passion that meant so much to me. And introduced me to a caring and loving side of myself I had never noticed before.”

In a world where digital interactions often feel fleeting, the tangible joy of collecting serves as a grounding ritual. Al-Harbi’s collection eventually led to an extraordinary moment.

“Collecting photocards also gives fans a big opportunity: a chance to win a one-to-one video call with their favorite idol. And that’s what happened to me — it gave me a sense of fulfillment and brought a beautiful closure to the journey.”

Collector Naif Al-Zahrani looks to vintage watches to mark not just the passing of time, but the stories tied to it.

“I collect money and coins, old and new from different countries, but what I love to collect mostly is vintage watches,” he said.

“For me, I believe watches represent the time you spend, and the memories you make. Watches (are) something that I collect because I see (them) as an art piece that you can have for life.

“It represents the personality of the wearer with the different designs, colors, and shape. As a person who is interested in history, everything collectible has its own story and value.”

His most cherished timepieces include a 1945 Heloisa with a black leather strap he describes as “the oldest watch that I adore.”

In addition, he has a 1970s Philippe Moraly with a mother-of-pearl dial which is his “favorite design,” and a 1980s West End Watch he calls “my everyday watch.”

While these collections vary in shape, theme and age, what unites them is the deep emotional and personal connection each collector has with their items.


Saudi Arabia, UK sign pact on marine biodiversity protection

Updated 18 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia, UK sign pact on marine biodiversity protection

  • Sea animals, mangroves to be studied, monitored regularly
  • Data generated will be used to determine vital interventions

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife has signed a pact with the UK’s National Oceanography Center to collaborate on marine biodiversity projects, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Signed in Riyadh, the collaboration between the NCW and NOC includes monitoring the health of sharks, whales, dolphins, turtles, dugongs, mangroves, seagrass, and other species.

Studies will be undertaken to determine the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems, and the use of advanced technologies to track these activities and mitigate their potential harm.
 

The NCW’s CEO Mohammed Qurban said the agreement would help protect wildlife, conserve ecosystems, and restore ecological balance.

The NOC’s Deputy Director Alex Rogers welcomed the partnership. “Global collaboration is essential to achieve NOC’s vision of gaining a deeper knowledge of the ocean to help every living thing on our planet flourish.”

“The seas around Saudi Arabia host a wealth of biodiversity, from rich tropical coral reefs and seagrass beds to deep-sea ecosystems that have barely been explored.

“The collaboration between NCW and NOC will generate critical data on the distribution of species and their ecosystem functioning,” Rogers told Oceanographic magazine.

Britain’s NOC is a research and technology institution specializing in marine science, with facilities in Southampton and Liverpool. It is the UK’s largest organization dedicated to sea-level science and the research and development of coastal and deep-sea technologies.

Saudi Arabia’s NCW, established in 2019 in place of the National Wildlife Authority, is tasked with “preserving wildlife and biodiversity and protecting ecosystems.”

The NWC also “prioritizes research and innovation in wildlife conservation, drawing on national and international expertise.”


Saudi students win 4 awards at European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad

Updated 18 April 2025
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Saudi students win 4 awards at European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad

  • Prizes include silver, bronze, 2 honorable mentions
  • 217 female students from 56 countries participated

PRISTINA: Saudi Arabia’s math team won four awards in the recently concluded 2025 European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad.

The EGMO competition in Pristina, Kosovo, from April 11 to 17, featured 217 female students from 56 countries.

All four Saudi contestants won awards, with Fatimah Buali capturing a silver medal and Sarah Aljughayman winning a bronze.

Retaj Alsaleh and Albatool Alaidarous both garnered an honorable mention, according to the EGMO site.

 

The Kingdom’s tally in the annual competition now stands at 36 awards, two gold medals, seven silver, 15 bronze, and 12 certificates of appreciation.

The Kingdom was represented by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, which prepares Saudi Arabia children for international scientific competitions and Olympiads.

Saudi Arabia is among the non-European countries that have regularly participated in the annual EGMO event, which started in 2012.

The other regular participants are Japan, China, Australia, Brazil and the US.

 

 


Saudi AI researcher designs system to help people understand sign language

Updated 18 April 2025
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Saudi AI researcher designs system to help people understand sign language

  • ‘Using my background in computer engineering and the power of AI, I realized we could create a smart system that recognizes sign language in real time and translates it,’ says Bader Alsharif
  • Though his initial version translates signs into English, he says it can be adapted to all languages and his next goal is to create a version for Saudi Sign Language

CHICAGO: Working as a teacher with members of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community helped a Saudi artificial intelligence scholar realize that technology held the potential to help improve the way they communicate with the world.

After working with people with hearing impairments for more than a decade-and-a-half, Bader Alsharif said he has come to understand that one of the greatest challenges they face is the public’s lack of understanding of sign language. He realized that if this barrier could be overcome, it would not only improve this community’s ability to communicate but also help the wider public better understand the lives of those who rely on signing.

“I decided to focus on sign language and AI because of my close work with students over the past 16 years,” the 39-year-old told Arab News. “I saw the challenges they face when it comes to communication, especially in situations where people around them don’t understand sign language.

“That really touched me and made me want to help. So, using my background in computer engineering and the power of artificial intelligence, I realized we could create a smart system that recognizes sign language in real time and translates it into words.

“This can help bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing community. In simple terms, a camera captures the person making a hand gesture and then AI models analyze those gestures using deep learning and hand tracking. Then the system matches the gesture to letters and words, and displays the meaning of the particular words.”

As Alsharif became more immersed in his academic research, he quickly identified the potential for AI to be a transformative tool in support of deaf students. He personally understands about 30 percent of sign language gestures but the AI-powered program he is developing is designed to interpret the full range of signs, which would help to bridge the communication gap.

The computer engineering scholar has spent several months working with a team to build a dataset that includes every aspect of each sign language gesture and its English translation. The dataset contains nearly 130,000 images of hand gestures, each of which is assigned 21 data points to help the system correctly identify and translate the sign.

Though the initial version is for English translation, Alsharif said datasets can be created for all languages, and his next goal is to create a version that interprets Saudi Sign Language.

“As soon as we have a good dataset, we can implement any sign language translation system into any language,” he added.

Right now, the system is one-way, translating sign language into English, with some limitations. The next challenge, he said, is to reverse the process and expand the system to translate speech, in any language, into sign language.

Originally from Makkah, Alsharif graduated with bachelor’s degree from the College of Technology in Riyadh in 2008 and began working for the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation in Riyadh. In 2017 he received a master’s degree in computer engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology.

His work aims to combine technological innovation with social impact, a goal that positions him as a forward-thinking leader in the use of computer engineering in healthcare.

Alsharif has been studying for a doctorate since 2021 at Florida Atlantic University, where his research focuses on various aspects of sign language-recognition systems, and the use of AI and the internet in the provision of medical services.

He also works as a teaching assistant, guiding and evaluating more than 30 students who are carrying out engineering-design projects. He also assists more than 200 students with advice about technical questions, design principles and project development.

“All these studies use artificial intelligence to help solve real-world problems and support people who have special needs,” Alsharif said.

Alsharif, who lives in Boca Raton, Florida, with his wife and four children, said he is grateful to the government of Saudi Arabia, which made all of his achievements possible. Other innovative projects he has led or been involved with include the opening of digital communications technology company CISCO’s first office in Saudi Arabia, and he has has managed the optimization of performance and security for more than 300 devices.

He has also published more than 10 peer-reviewed papers, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity and the Internet of Things, particularly as they relate to healthcare. He says he has a particular commitment to advancing technology and fostering inclusivity, particularly through his work with individuals with special needs.


How AI is decoding multi-omics data to boost health and longevity in Saudi Arabia

Updated 18 April 2025
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How AI is decoding multi-omics data to boost health and longevity in Saudi Arabia

  • The Kingdom is investing heavily in AI, genomics, and biotech to build a future where healthcare is predictive — not just reactive
  • Saudi firm Rewind is leading the country’s shift to AI-powered omics diagnostics, transforming how diseases are prevented

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is embracing the future of healthcare by integrating artificial intelligence and omics-based diagnostics to deliver personalized, preventive care. This is part of a broader transformation that frames longevity not just as an individual aspiration but a national priority.

Central to this transformation is the integration of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics disciplines into clinical practice — powered by AI. Leading the charge is Rewind, a Saudi Arabia-based company using the technology to pioneer proactive, individualized care.

“At Rewind, we harness the power of AI and omics technologies to shift healthcare from a generalized, reactive model to one that is deeply personalized and proactive,” Dr. Walid Zaher, the founder of Rewind, told Arab News.

“AI is the engine that makes this vast data actionable. It identifies patterns, predicts health risks, and recommends the most effective interventions for each individual.”

He said that “such a dynamic, data-driven approach” enables healthcare to be “as unique as the patient it serves.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• Integrating AI with omics-based diagnostics supports early disease detection and predicts health risks.

• In cancer care, AI and genomics are used together to match patients with the most effective targeted therapies.

• Saudi Arabia, the US, and the UK are making major investments in the integration of AI and omics.

Omics refers to a group of biological fields ending with the suffix “-omics,” each examining a different layer of biological data on a system-wide scale. Together, they offer a comprehensive view of how the body functions.

Transitioning from this broad understanding to actionable insights requires AI’s ability to analyze trillions of variables across DNA, protein expression, metabolic changes, and epigenetic shifts. This capability allows practitioners to intervene earlier and more accurately than ever.

Dr. Walid Zaher, the founder of Rewind. (Supplied)

“Omics-based diagnostics have already begun to make a profound impact on patient outcomes,” said Zaher.

“The precision enabled by genomics and multi-omics technologies allows us to detect diseases at their earliest molecular stages — often well before any clinical symptoms appear.

“Beyond disease detection, multi-omics approaches help in monitoring disease progression and response to treatments. The result has been an increase in patient satisfaction, as they experience better health outcomes and more personalized care.”

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to health innovation is evident in both its infrastructure and ambition. National initiatives like the Saudi Genome Program and investments through the Hevolution Foundation are driving the development of a knowledge-based healthcare system aligned with Vision 2030.

“Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has made healthcare innovation a strategic priority,” said Zaher. “The government has invested heavily in infrastructure that supports cutting-edge research, particularly in AI, genomics, and biotechnology.”

This focus is positioning Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global longevity economy, according to Dmitry Kaminskiy, a co-founder and managing partner of Deep Knowledge Group.

Dmitry Kaminskiy, a co-founder and managing partner of Deep Knowledge Group, speaking about longevity in Spain in June 2022. (Supplied)

“Saudi Arabia and its GCC counterparts are strategically positioned to be not just participants but global pioneers in the longevity economy,” Kaminskiy told Arab News.

“With Vision 2030, the Kingdom has set the foundation for integrating economic diversification, healthcare innovation, and AI governance — all key components of a national longevity strategy.”

Kaminskiy, who has authored multiple books on AI and healthspan, believes that AI has shifted from a supporting role to something far more central to the field.

“We are now witnessing a paradigm shift where AI is not just an assistant but the architect of next-generation healthcare platforms,” he said. “Just as fintech redefined personal finance, AI will redefine personal health.”

Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain in mainstreaming AI and omics-based care into national systems. Zaher of Rewind noted that overcoming these hurdles will require both technological and cultural shifts.

“Integrating AI and precision medicine into a national healthcare system comes with several challenges, the most pressing of which is the need for a robust data infrastructure,” he said.

“Healthcare data is often fragmented or siloed, making it difficult to create a cohesive system that AI can utilize effectively.”

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Another critical challenge is training healthcare providers to engage with this new era of medicine.

Zaher said the integration of AI and precision medicine into clinical practice demands “a level of technological literacy that has yet to become widespread across the healthcare workforce.

“We need targeted training programs that equip providers with the skills to interpret AI-generated insights and translate them into actionable, patient-centered care,” he added.

Looking ahead, Kaminskiy said establishing ethical data governance will be vital to ensuring progress.

“Data is the lifeblood of AI-powered longevity,” he said. “But it is not just the amount of data that matters — it is the ownership, security, and ethical governance of that data that will define the winners in this domain.”

The Hevolution Foundation is playing a key role in funding and shaping the longevity research agenda in the region.

According to Zaher, it is “poised to play a pivotal role in accelerating global healthspan science by providing the funding and resources necessary to drive innovation in aging research.

“Through supporting projects that focus on extending healthspan and preventing age-related diseases, Hevolution is helping to set a global standard for longevity science,” he added.

As Saudi Arabia expands its investment in AI-driven healthcare and global collaborations deepen, the boundaries between technology, biology, and medicine are blurring — bringing the goal of healthy aging closer to reality.