Saudi Arabia has launched one of the world’s most ambitious environmental experiments: an effort to green its largely desert landscape by planting 10 billion trees. In a country where nearly 95 per cent of the land is arid, the initiative marks a significant shift in how the Kingdom views its environment, economic future and long-term resilience.
The idea is rooted in history as much as climate science. Long before oil transformed the region, parts of the Arabian Peninsula were far greener, receiving higher rainfall and supporting vegetation and wildlife. Scientists refer to this period as “Green Arabia.” Saudi Arabia’s current push does not aim to recreate that past, but it draws inspiration from it, seeking to make today’s harsh landscape more stable and livable.
The Saudi Green Initiative, launched in 2021 under the patronage of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, lies at the centre of this transformation. The plan aims to plant 10 billion trees, rehabilitate nearly 74.8 million hectares of degraded land, combat desertification and strengthen ecosystems across the Kingdom. Officials say the programme is not symbolic but strategic, designed to reduce environmental risks and prepare the country for a future in which oil revenues alone cannot ensure stability.
The challenge is enormous. Saudi Arabia is home to the Rub’ al Khali, the world’s largest continuous sand desert, spanning around 650,000 square kilometres. Rainfall is scarce, soils are fragile and temperatures regularly reach extreme highs. These conditions make large-scale afforestation far more complex than in temperate regions.
Despite this, progress has been steady. By mid-2025, more than 151 million trees had been planted and about 500,000 hectares of land rehabilitated. The government has said that greening efforts began even before the formal launch of the initiative, with around 41 million trees planted between 2017 and 2023. The near-term goal is to plant over 600 million trees by 2030, with the longer-term ambition of reaching 10 billion over several decades.
To ensure survival rather than short-lived greenery, the initiative is grounded in scientific planning. Before announcing the target, Saudi authorities conducted a two-year feasibility study involving over 1,150 field surveys across the country. Using geospatial analysis, experts assessed soil quality, water availability, temperature, wind patterns and elevation to determine where trees could realistically thrive. Native plant species were prioritised to minimise water use and restore ecological balance.
Implementation has been divided into phases. Until 2030, the focus is on nature-based restoration in cities, along highways, in rangelands, valleys and protected areas, supported by treated wastewater, rainwater harvesting and sustainable irrigation. After 2030, more intensive and managed interventions are planned. The expected benefits include lower urban temperatures by at least 2.2 degrees Celsius, improved air quality and reduced heat-related health risks.
Tree planting is only one pillar of the Saudi Green Initiative. The broader framework also includes cutting emissions, protecting biodiversity and transitioning energy systems. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to protect more than 30 per cent of its land and marine areas, reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually and generate half of its electricity from renewable sources. The Kingdom has also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through a Circular Carbon Economy approach.
Water remains the most critical constraint. Saudi Arabia is now the world’s largest producer of desalinated water, with daily capacity reaching 16.6 million cubic metres. Reused water accounts for nearly a third of total consumption. Cloud-seeding flights, rainwater-harvesting dams and expanded storage infrastructure are being used to support vegetation and groundwater recharge. These efforts have earned Saudi Arabia recognition from the UN as a model for water sustainability.
The initiative is also positioned as an economic and social programme. Greening projects are expected to create jobs across nurseries, irrigation systems, land restoration and environmental technologies. In cities, increased green cover is expected to improve quality of life. Riyadh is a key focus, with plans to plant 7.5 million trees and expand green spaces through projects such as King Salman Park, set to become the world’s largest urban park. In Makkah, millions of trees are planned to improve thermal comfort for pilgrims.
With more than 77 projects and investments exceeding $186 billion, Saudi Arabia’s greening drive is among the largest environmental programmes ever attempted. The desert will not disappear, but through science-led restoration, large-scale water management and long-term planning, the Kingdom is attempting to make one of the world’s driest landscapes more resilient and sustainable for the future.