The Kingdom is seeking to exploit solar energy in desalination by establishing research collaborations with universities and research centers.
Abdul Rahman Al-Badri, member of the Research Committee at the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), pointed out that the first scientific communication to achieve this was a collaboration between the King Abdulaziz City and the US company IBM in 2009. This project included the development of solar cells to be used in the desalination of water as part of the King Abdullah Initiative for solar-powered desalination.
The project aims to achieve the supply of low-cost energy in order for it to be competitive with petroleum energy. A research team from KACST participated in the development of manufactured solar cells made from silicon and gallium arsenic. These cells used in two different projects — the Al-Khafji project for desalination and the Rabigh project — as an initial step to generalize the experience in different areas in the Kingdom in the east and west coasts to provide potable water.
In addition to the use of solar energy in desalination, the larger aim is to take advantage of the locally developed solar cells as an important energy-generating source to produce electricity in the areas where it is most needed.
Observers say that the research team is producing good results in creating efficient solar cells with globally competitive prices meeting Saudi and international specifications. Hossam Khunkar, member of the Research Committee at KACST, said that the team has provided many high-quality patents and inventions in this field, having already developed three-link solar cells with a higher efficiency than the high concentration solar complexes manufactured commercially around the world. He added that it is in fact possible to locally produce 95 percent of solar collectors in the Kingdom.
Abd Al-Edaibi, professor of solar energy research at the Institute of Energy Research in KACST, said that the Kingdom has achieved milestones in the area of alternative energy and the localization of manufacturing, production and developing solar PV panels.
The Kingdom’s future plan includes investing in this area to secure half of the country’s electricity needs during the next 20 years. The Kingdom is also increasingly moving toward developing sources of energy that do not depend on fossil fuels, such as solar, wind and nuclear energy.
KSA plans to use solar energy for desalination
KSA plans to use solar energy for desalination
How private Christmas celebrations in Saudi Arabia offer moments of cultural exchange
RIYADH: As the days get colder and the year comes to an end, people across Saudi Arabia are looking to their families for warmth and their faith for comfort. For the Kingdom’s Christian residents, the holiday cheer has never been louder.
The Christmas spirit in major cities is growing as Saudi Arabia continues to embrace its religious diversity. One of Riyadh’s decorations was held privately in a residential compound.
The compound’s general manager, Jean Noujaim, told Arab News: “Christmas is being celebrated more and more … things that were frowned upon are now becoming less so.”
Guests were wrapped in fake snow while shopping around the Christmas market, admiring the illustrious decorations, enjoying the live choir, and entertaining their children with a host of games and activities.
The event also included a few very special guest stars including elves, the Grinch, and the season’s hero, Santa Claus.
The compound’s largest event thus far, approximately 1,500 residents and 2,000 visitors were in attendance.
“It showed how much people were missing these types of events,” Noujaim said.
Breaking records in “every way,” the event also saw its highest number of Saudi attendees for a Christmas celebration, having hosted similar festivities on an annual basis.
Noujaim wanted those of all faiths to feel welcome, emphasizing that it was a celebration centered around children and joy.
“Everyone who came told me they had goosebumps during the event. They felt it was magical … their children were very happy.”
The Vives Compound Christmas celebration was held on Nov. 20 and will be held annually.
While celebrations in the Kingdom remain low-key and largely private, they are increasingly shaped by a sense of community, cultural exchange, and shared hospitality, often extending to Saudi friends and colleagues.
For many expats, Christmas in Saudi Arabia is marked by intimate gatherings at home or within residential compounds. Decorations are modest, featuring Christmas trees, lights, and small festive touches that recreate a sense of home far from home.
Jazmin Soledad Huanca, a Peruvian expatriate working in Saudi Arabia, described Christmas as one of the most anticipated moments of the year for foreigners living in the Kingdom.
“Christmas represents unity and family,” she said. “The first thing many of us do is decorate our space, whether with a tree, lights, or a small reminder of Christmas. We prepare to visit close friends or family, exchange secret gifts, and share food together.”
Food, she added, plays a central role in the celebrations, ranging from cookies and hot chocolate to baked turkey served with salads. For many expats who arrived in Saudi Arabia alone, the occasion carries an added emotional weight.
“Here, many of us came individually, which makes Christmas different but equally beautiful,” Huanca said. “In some compounds, activities are organized for children, families, and single people. On that day, we all become one community.”
Inviting Saudi friends to join the celebrations has become increasingly common. “Yes, we invite Saudis,” Huanca said. “For us, Christmas is about unity and family. We want them to feel that.”
She added that hosting Saudi guests brings a special sense of joy. “It feels like having an important guest at home. You want them to feel comfortable, like this is their home too.”
International schools across Saudi Arabia have also been embracing the festive season with inclusive and joyful Christmas celebrations.
At the American International School of Jeddah the campus has been filled with holiday cheer through festive bazaars, extensive decorations including seven Christmas trees, daily morning musical performances by students and teachers, and even a surprise visit from Santa Claus.
Superintendent Robert Rinaldo said: “With more than 1,500 students representing 68 nationalities, we see Christmas celebrations as a true reflection of our diverse community. The festive atmosphere on campus, from holiday-themed decorations to daily musical performances, highlights that diversity and helps create an environment where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging and can come together to share in the joy of the season.”
Raza Ali, headmaster of Jeddah Prep and Grammar School, said: “As a British school overseas, we appropriately acknowledge Christmas during this time of year through school decorations, a winter musical, and references within certain class lessons, while always ensuring that we respect all cultural backgrounds within our community.”
Parents also value this balance. AISJ parent Victoria Joseph said: “Even though we are far from our home in California, my son is able to experience and understand the holiday season just as he would in the United States. It’s wonderful to see how the school embraces the festivities while showing such respect and adaptability toward the celebration in the Kingdom.”
As Saudi Arabia continues to grow as a multicultural society, these understated celebrations reflect a broader story of coexistence, where traditions are preserved, shared, and respectfully experienced across cultures.
