RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Regional Center for Sand and Dust Storms has identified six primary zones as the main sources of dust formation in the Kingdom, as part of its broader efforts to mitigate the impact of increasing sandstorms. The identified areas include: the Al-Jafurah region, Nafud Al-Thuwairat, the Hasma Plateau, the western fringes of the Empty Quarter (Rub' al Khali), the southwestern edge of the Tuwaiq Escarpment, and the southern Red Sea coastline. While satellite data indicates a slight decline in overall atmospheric dust levels, experts warn that sandstorm frequency and intensity could rise due to climate change. In response, Saudi Arabia is advancing environmental policies aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative. As part of its international environmental commitments, the Kingdom launched a five-year global initiative worth $10 million to strengthen early warning systems for sand and dust storms. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's climate adaptation framework and aims to bolster regional resilience. Dust storms pose a significant threat not only to infrastructure — damaging power lines, telecom networks, and industrial machinery — but also to sustainable development goals. The United Nations has classified sandstorms as a major obstacle to economic, environmental, and social stability. To address root causes, Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with its ambitious goal to plant 10 billion trees nationwide, a reforestation drive covering roughly 74 million hectares. The strategy aims to restore ecological functions, reduce desertification, and improve air quality across the Kingdom.
