Experiencing a sand or dust storm is common in the Middle East and North Africa, where climate change and desertification have caused more frequent storms.

Human activities, like deforestation, overgrazing, and the overuse of water, are spreading deserts and increasing the likelihood of sand and dust storms. This poses significant challenges to public health, agriculture, and infrastructure across the Gulf region and beyond.

Saudi Arabia is combating dust storms by protecting fragile topsoils and increasing vegetation cover, including planting native shrubs and trees.

According to the Sand and Dust Storm Warning Regional Center, Saudi Arabia’s environmental efforts to combat dust storms are showing signs of success, as dust storms have decreased noticeably.

The center’s Executive Director, Jamaan Saad Al-Qahtani, said dust storms are declining due to the country’s environmental initiatives, especially the Saudi Green Initiative, an ambitious national program of planting 10 billion trees within the kingdom. The natural reserves also prevent desertification, and recent favorable weather patterns have further aided vegetation growth.

These initiatives, combined with investments in research, technology, and regional collaboration, helped to develop effective strategies for combating dust storms.