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Saudi Arabia launched the first phase of a sustainable agricultural-parks initiative on 20 October, with projects intended to use degraded vegetation areas near reclaimed-water sources for native fruit-bearing plants. The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification said the approach is intended to generate economic returns while supporting restoration.
At the launch, the environment minister sponsored the signing of seven investment contracts covering Madinah, Tabuk and Makkah regions. The center said contract terms could extend to 15 years, the projects were expected to generate a cumulative SAR6 billion contribution to GDP over that period, and more than 700 direct jobs were anticipated. These are forward-looking estimates attached to contracts, not measured results.