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Saudi Arabia Seeks Development of Vegetation by Planting 10 Million Trees in 2020

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched several initiatives to develop vegetation in the Kingdom. (SPA)
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched several initiatives to develop vegetation in the Kingdom. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Seeks Development of Vegetation by Planting 10 Million Trees in 2020

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched several initiatives to develop vegetation in the Kingdom. (SPA)
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched several initiatives to develop vegetation in the Kingdom. (SPA)

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched on Monday several initiatives to develop vegetation in the Kingdom, including a project to develop tree locations and grow forests.

The aim is to plant 10 million trees and improve vegetation in 60,000 hectares by the end of 2020, said the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadle.

This initiative will use local plants and renewable water sources.

Fadle, meanwhile, revealed that the ministry has completed preparations for the national strategy on water, which includes a comprehensive assessment of environment components, such as forests, marine life, air quality and waste management.

The strategy was prepared by following global practices adopted by several developed countries, said the minister.

He made his remarks during the inauguration of a workshop on fighting deforestation and reaching innovative means to manage dry regions in Riyadh.

Fadle continued that the ministry prepared the “green kingdom program” that aims at building the required cognitive foundation and executive framework to develop vegetation and combat deforestation.

The minister said that his ministry completed a strategy on pastures, which aims at achieving sustainable management of pastoral resources. This includes introducing modern patterns in livestock breeding.

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Hilton to Quadruple Its Presence in Saudi Arabia amid Tourism Surge

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
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Hilton to Quadruple Its Presence in Saudi Arabia amid Tourism Surge

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa (Asharq Al-Awsat) 
Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa (Asharq Al-Awsat) 

Hilton, one of the world’s leading hotel groups, has announced plans to significantly expand its footprint in Saudi Arabia, aiming to reach 100 hotels by the end of 2025. This marks a fourfold increase from its current presence and would make the Kingdom Hilton’s largest market across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa, revealed that the group currently operates 20 hotels in Saudi Arabia with around 6,500 rooms. An additional 77 hotels are under development across 14 Hilton brands, expected to add over 21,000 rooms over the coming years.

Khneisser noted that two-thirds of these developments are already under construction. He emphasized that Hilton’s growth strategy is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and attract 150 million visitors annually by the end of the decade.

Saudi Arabia has already surpassed its previous goal of 100 million visitors, originally set for 2030. Khneisser attributed this success to major tourism projects like The Red Sea and Rua Al Madinah, as well as global events such as Riyadh Season and Formula 1. Religious tourism, entertainment, and business travel are all contributing to strong hotel demand.

According to Khneisser, Hilton recently launched its midscale brand “Spark by Hilton” in Makkah, offering 329 rooms near the holy sites. Other upcoming projects include three resorts in Al-Ahsa, a Waldorf Astoria in Diriyah, and openings in Medina and Riyadh’s “The Avenues” complex. These developments are expected to create over 15,000 jobs, with half reserved for Saudi nationals. Current Saudization rates at Hilton properties exceed 55%.

He added that the company is also prioritizing training and hiring local talent through partnerships with institutions like Bunyan Academy, ZADK, and the Human Resources Development Fund. More than 55 people with disabilities have been employed across Hilton hotels in cooperation with the Ministry of Human Resources.

Sustainability and digital innovation are also key areas of focus. Hilton has reduced energy use in its Saudi properties by 42% and water consumption by 64%. Digital check-in and room key technologies are now in place at over 90% of its hotels, with AI tools being used to enhance guest experience in real time.

Khneisser concluded by highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing reputation as a global destination for major conferences and events, saying the Kingdom led regional hotel revenue growth in early 2025.