Riyadh takes a decisive step towards sustainability as His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar inaugurates 82 environmental, water, and agricultural projects worth over 9.8 billion Saudi Riyals, while laying the foundation for 99 more exceeding 28.3 billion. From enhancing water and sanitation networks to advancing agricultural capacity and securing the North Riyadh Geopark’s UNESCO recognition, these initiatives chart a bold course for the region’s environmental stewardship and align directly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Scope and impact of current projects
Upon arrival at the ceremony, HRH Prince Faisal was welcomed by Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, alongside senior ministry officials. The Emir highlighted that these projects reflect the ongoing support from the Kingdom’s leadership to the environment, water, and agriculture sectors, a commitment that directly benefits citizens and residents. “These projects represent a qualitative leap towards achieving environmental, water, and agricultural sustainability,” he stated, noting their role in preserving natural resources and providing a safe, healthy environment.Minister Al-Fadhli outlined the extensive scope of the initiatives. The National Water Company (NWC) has executed 61 projects to improve drinking water and sanitation services at a cost exceeding 4.5 billion Saudi Riyals. These projects establish drinking water networks and wastewater services across multiple urban and rural districts. The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) has implemented three projects enhancing desalinated water production, water security, and sustainability at over 5.1 billion Saudi Riyals.The Saudi Irrigation Organisation (SIO) has modernised irrigation infrastructure to increase water-use efficiency at a cost exceeding 58 million Riyals. Additional ministry projects, valued at more than 40 million Riyals, have strengthened water supply to desalination plants in the capital and surrounding governorates.Environmental projects have also been substantial. The National Center for Vegetation Development and Desertification Control (NCVC) has implemented ten initiatives costing over 61.2 million Riyals. These include rehabilitating 4,000 hectares in Al-Zulfi governorate, developing national parks in Al-Ghat, Al-Zulfi, Harimla, and Wathilan, and planting 520,000 seedlings across reserves and parks. Projects also focus on rehabilitating pastoral seed centres and protecting designated reserve sites, supporting biodiversity, green spaces, and sustainable land use.
Future projects and investment
The 99 projects for which the foundation stone has been laid carry a total value exceeding 28.3 billion Saudi Riyals. Of these, 91 are designed to enhance drinking water and sanitation services. Implementation is distributed as follows: 11 projects by SWA at over 21.4 billion Riyals; 67 by NWC at over 4.6 billion; one by the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) at 1.8 billion; 11 by the Ministry at 99 million; and one by SIO at 33 million Riyals.Eight additional projects focus on strengthening the region’s agricultural capacity, costing over 254 million Riyals. These include three projects by the Ministry at 183 million; three by the National Center for Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa) at approximately 46 million; and two by the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program “Saudi Reef” at 24 million.Minister Al-Fadhli emphasised that these initiatives reflect the Kingdom’s unwavering support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. They underscore the Environment, Water, and Agriculture System’s commitment to delivering development services across the Kingdom in line with Vision 2030.
North Riyadh Geopark: Heritage and sustainability
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation on the North Riyadh Geopark, now officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Covering more than 3,000 square kilometres, the park spans Thadig Governorate, Al-Qasab centre, and surrounding villages. It functions as an open-air natural museum, documenting the Earth’s history and geological evolution over hundreds of millions of years. The site features the Tuwaiq Mountains, Jurassic-era rock formations rich in fossils, and a landscape of valleys, caves, and plateaus, illustrating the region’s geological and ecological diversity.Saudi Arabia has become the first country in the Middle East to register two global geoparks in under two years, a distinction of international significance. This achievement reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to resource conservation, sustainable development, quality of life improvements, and the advancement of environmental and heritage initiatives in line with Vision 2030 objectives.At the conclusion of the event, HRH Prince Faisal received a certificate from Minister Al-Fadhli confirming the North Riyadh Geopark’s inclusion on the UNESCO list, marking a historic milestone for the Kingdom’s environmental and heritage efforts.
