In brief
On 2 November 2026, 5,000 ghada seedlings were planted in Al‑Jouf National Park near Dumat Al‑Jandal Lake by 120 volunteers, including students and agency representatives. Supervised by the local branch of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, the planting continues through the planting and rainy seasons to further the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.
On 2 November 2026, a planting drive began in Al‑Jouf National Park near Dumat Al‑Jandal Lake, the first major phase of Saudi Arabia’s National Greening Program in the region.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the event marked the official start of the greening effort in Al‑Jouf, where five thousand ghada seedlings — a type of hardy shrub adapted to the desert climate — were planted by a volunteer force of 120 individuals. The volunteers included school students from local schools and representatives from relevant government agencies.
The planting was overseen by the Al‑Jouf regional branch of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, the agency responsible for executing the National Greening Program across the kingdom. The center’s director emphasized that the initiative is part of the broader Saudi Green Initiative, a national campaign to increase vegetation cover and mitigate desertification.
Speaking at the ceremony, the park’s director confirmed that the plantation would continue throughout the planting and rainy seasons, with follow‑up care scheduled to ensure the seedlings thrive. He noted that the seedlings would eventually form new habitats for local wildlife and contribute to the region’s ecological resilience.
In addition to planting, the program includes soil preparation work, the installation of irrigation systems, and educational workshops for the volunteers. Local teachers were present to explain the ecological benefits of ghada and to encourage students to become lifelong advocates for environmental stewardship.
Officials in Al‑Jouf emphasize that community involvement is crucial to the success of the greening program. By engaging schoolchildren and agency staff in hands‑on activities, the project hopes to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents.
The Saudi Green Initiative, launched more than a decade ago, aims to create 10 million hectares of new vegetation across the kingdom and to further reduce carbon emissions. The Al‑Jouf pilot is a tangible demonstration of how the initiative can be implemented at the local level with direct participation from citizens.
Following the planting, the regional branch plans to monitor growth rates and water usage, adjusting strategies as necessary to contend with the harsh desert climate. Volunteers will receive training on how to identify early signs of stress in the seedlings and report any issues to the center’s staff.
While the initial planting event was well attended, the project’s long‑term success hinges on sustained support from both public and private partners. The national program already enjoys backing from several ministries, and the governor of Al‑Jouf Region has recently highlighted the importance of expanding the planting initiatives across other districts.
As the seedlings begin to take root, the Al‑Jouf National Park will serve both as a living laboratory for future greening projects and as a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s broader commitment to environmental renewal. The community’s active role signals a promising start, setting the stage for continued growth and ecological restoration in the region.
