Saudi Arabia Leads Global Efforts Against Desertification at COP16

Saudi Arabia establishes principles for combating desertification and drought (SPA)
Saudi Arabia establishes principles for combating desertification and drought (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Leads Global Efforts Against Desertification at COP16

Saudi Arabia establishes principles for combating desertification and drought (SPA)
Saudi Arabia establishes principles for combating desertification and drought (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is leading international efforts to address desertification and its negative impacts on economies, societies, and environments worldwide. This initiative comes as the Kingdom prepares to host the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP16).

To support sustainable development goals, Saudi Arabia sent a high-level delegation to the 79th United Nations General Assembly, led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

This delegation launched a significant initiative involving the upcoming three COP conferences on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.

The aim is to create comprehensive solutions that enhance the outcomes of these agreements, which have been working for 30 years to improve life on Earth and ensure the sustainability of natural resources.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Dr. Osama Ibrahim Faqeeha, Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in Saudi Arabia and advisor to COP16, emphasized that recent meetings are part of ongoing efforts that began when Saudi Arabia announced it would host one of the largest global environmental conferences.

This decision highlights the international community’s trust in the Kingdom’s leadership on these critical issues, according to Faqeeha.

The deputy minister also mentioned Saudi Arabia’s recent call to governments at the United Nations General Assembly, urging them to take decisive action at COP16 of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which will be held in Riyadh in early December.

Saudi Arabia’s Preparations for COP16

As COP16 approaches, Saudi Arabia is taking on a crucial role at both regional and international levels to host the conference.

Faqeeha noted that the Kingdom has launched the “Middle East Green Initiative,” a unique coalition designed to address climate change through regional cooperation.

This initiative aims to create a sustainable future by diversifying the economy, generating jobs, and attracting private sector investments.

It focuses on two main goals: increasing tree planting and reducing carbon emissions in the region.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia is establishing regional centers and programs to help achieve these objectives and promote investments in the circular carbon economy and reforestation efforts.

Faqeeha highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s efforts have earned global trust, making it the ideal host for COP16.

He pointed out that during its G20 presidency, the Kingdom launched an initiative, aiming to unify global efforts for innovative solutions in land restoration and drought resilience.

This initiative is vital for food and water security, especially as a quarter of the world's population faces drought conditions, with projections suggesting that three out of four people may experience water scarcity by 2050.

In terms of preparations for COP16, Faqeeha noted that the conference will showcase Saudi Arabia’s dedication to tackling climate change and finding effective solutions for land degradation.

The Kingdom has implemented proactive measures and revised environmental laws to reaffirm its commitment to international agreements.

“We have worked hard to bring together the world’s best minds and resources in Riyadh to pave the way for a sustainable future,” Faqeeha told Asharq Al-Awsat.

As part of the preparations for this 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Faqeeha said: “We will present evidence to delegations showing that significant financial returns are possible for the global community, along with real benefits for society, in line with global development goals.”



Riyadh Real Estate Awaits Impact of Measures to Curb Price Surge

Residential and commercial properties in the Saudi capital Riyadh (Reuters)
Residential and commercial properties in the Saudi capital Riyadh (Reuters)
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Riyadh Real Estate Awaits Impact of Measures to Curb Price Surge

Residential and commercial properties in the Saudi capital Riyadh (Reuters)
Residential and commercial properties in the Saudi capital Riyadh (Reuters)

The Saudi real estate market is currently in a state of cautious anticipation, driven by unprecedented decisions and measures announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

These steps aim to increase the supply of properties and restore balance in the market to address the rising costs of land and rental prices.

Data from the market shows a stagnation in property purchases by citizens, as they await the impact of these measures, hoping they will bring stability to property prices in Riyadh and lower costs.

In March, the Crown Prince directed the implementation of a series of regulatory measures, including lifting restrictions on the development of over 81 square kilometers of land north of Riyadh.

This move is expected to deliver tens of thousands of affordable residential plots annually to citizens, following a significant rise in property prices in Riyadh.

According to Saudi Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majid Al-Hogail, these measures will add between 10,000 and 40,000 plots of land annually in the northern region of Riyadh, ensuring a better balance between supply and demand in the market.

The Crown Prince has already donated 1 billion riyals to the National Developmental Housing Foundation (Sakan), represented by Jood Eskan, to support home ownership for eligible families across Saudi Arabia.

The housing projects funded by this donation are to be completed within 12 months and executed by national companies.

The Crown Prince also ordered monthly progress reports to ensure that all residential units are delivered within one year.

Real estate market experts told Asharq Al-Awsat that current market data reveals a stagnation in property purchases by citizens, as they await the impact of recent policy changes and their potential to restore balance to the market.

Many real estate companies and agencies have observed a decline in sales activity, with property marketers facing difficulties in encouraging buyers who prefer to delay decisions until the effects of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s directives take shape.

Real estate expert and marketer Abdullah Al-Mousa told Asharq Al-Awsat that the current stagnation in property prices in Riyadh is a direct result of the Crown Prince’s initiatives to increase property supply, which aim to restore price equilibrium following the recent surge in real estate costs.

He views the decline as a positive step toward balancing supply and demand, contributing to a more sustainable and fair market for all stakeholders.

Al-Mousa anticipates that this stagnation will persist until all government directives are fully implemented in the coming months.

He noted that, with plans to increase the property supply, the market could experience gradual recovery in the long term, especially given Riyadh’s continued population and economic growth.

The expert highlighted that several factors may sustain the current stagnation, including high interest rates, which reduce citizens’ purchasing power, the oversupply of properties relative to demand, and global economic fluctuations that could affect investments.

However, he emphasized that Riyadh’s ongoing population growth, improving national economy, rising per capita income, large-scale infrastructure projects like the Riyadh Metro, and continued government support for housing programs are expected to drive the recovery of the real estate market.

Al-Mousa also predicted further improvement in the sector as policies are implemented and market conditions are monitored.