Middle East Green Initiative Secretariat Riyadh Reviews Saudi Arabia’s 35.4 Billion Trees Plan

Saudi Arabia – (Spcial Correspondent/Web Desk) – Saudi Arabia is aiming to plant 35.4 billion trees as part of a bigger regional push led by the Middle East Green Initiative secretariat in Riyadh. The goal is part of a wider plan to cool cities, clean the air, and restore damaged land across the region. Officials say trees are one of the simplest and most natural tools we have against rising temperatures.

The Kingdom’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recently spoke about the many benefits of planting more trees. According to the ministry, trees give shade and stop sidewalks and buildings from soaking up too much heat. This helps keep cities cooler, even during the hottest months of the year.

Trees also release water vapor into the air. This natural process helps lower the temperature around parks, streets, and open spaces. As a result, people living in cities can enjoy better air quality and a more comfortable outdoor environment.

The ministry added that green spaces encourage people to spend more time outdoors. More shaded parks and walkways can lead to healthier habits, like walking or exercising outside. On top of that, a single tree can soak up close to 150 kilograms of carbon dioxide every year, which adds up quickly across billions of trees.

Officials are also asking residents to choose trees that are native to Saudi Arabia’s climate. These trees usually need less water and are better suited to survive the region’s dry, hot conditions. This approach helps save water while keeping planting projects successful in the long run.

The ministry also stressed the need for proper care during summer, since young trees are especially sensitive to extreme heat. Good watering habits and basic maintenance can make a big difference in how well new trees survive their first year.

These efforts tie directly into Saudi Vision 2030, which places a strong focus on sustainability and improving quality of life across the country.

The news comes after the 20th meeting of the Middle East Green Initiative’s Executive Committee, held online. Leaders from member countries met to check progress on decisions made during the initiative’s ministerial council meeting, which took place in Jeddah back in January 2026.

MGI Secretary-General Ibrahim Alturki shared updates on the group’s work so far this year. This included training programs, stronger partnerships with international organizations, and progress on the initiative’s development plans.

The committee also talked about a new communication plan, including a fresh website and social media presence to help share updates with the public. Plans for the second half of the year were also discussed during the meeting.

Beyond trees, the Middle East Green Initiative has a much bigger mission. Its broader goals include planting 50 billion trees across the wider region, restoring 200 million hectares of degraded land, and cutting carbon emissions from oil and gas production by more than 60 percent.

Launched in 2021 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the initiative continues to grow as a major regional effort to fight desertification, reduce pollution, and support a greener future for the Middle East.