At a recent high-level meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York, Saudi Arabia's efforts in combating sand and dust storms were recognized for their global significance.

The Saudi Press Agency reported that the Kingdom has pledged $10 million over five years to enhance early warning systems and assist countries affected by dust storms.

This initiative, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia with support from regional centers affiliated with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), has been lauded for improving forecasting and response capabilities across nations.

The deputy CEO of the National Center of Meteorology, Jumaan bin Saad Al-Qahtani, highlighted how these efforts are part of broader programs under Vision 2030, such as the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives.

A significant development has been the establishment of the Regional Center for Dust and Sand Storms in Jeddah, which serves as a key hub for coordination, data exchange, and capacity building in the region.

Saudi Arabia has also hosted major research events, including the First International Conference on Dust and Sand Storms in Riyadh.

Plans are underway to host a second conference in 2026, showcasing the Kingdom's commitment to leading international efforts against dust storms.

Additionally, through its environmental initiatives, Saudi Arabia has planted over 142 million trees and reclaimed more than 436,000 hectares of degraded land.

Al-Qahtani reaffirmed the Kingdom's dedication to expanding international partnerships aimed at reducing dust sources, protecting the environment, and enhancing resilience against climate change.

This approach reflects Saudi Arabia's proactive stance in addressing environmental challenges on a global scale.