The Minister of Environment inaugurates a cloud seeding research aircraft and inspects projects in Mecca
In a significant step that enhances the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's capabilities in meteorology and scientific research, His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, inaugurated the world's most advanced cloud seeding research aircraft. This aircraft functions as a fully integrated atmospheric laboratory dedicated to measuring atmospheric elements with exceptional precision, representing a qualitative leap in supporting studies and research related to cloud seeding operations.
This launch comes as part of the ongoing efforts of the Regional Cloud Seeding Program, which is one of the outputs of the Saudi Green Initiative. Through these technologies, the Kingdom aims to increase rainfall rates, find new water sources, and intensify vegetation cover to combat desertification, which reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to adopting the latest global technologies to achieve water and environmental security.
Inspection tour of food and water security projects
During his visit to the Makkah region, Minister Al-Fadhli toured the projects and programs of the National Aquaculture Group (NAQWA). He was briefed on the latest technologies and scientific methods employed in developing the aquaculture sector, a cornerstone of the Kingdom's food security strategy under Vision 2030, as these projects contribute to meeting domestic demand and boosting national exports.
The tour also included a visit to the experimental farm project implemented by the National Center for Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development (Estidama). This visit aimed to assess efforts to improve water resource efficiency and implement modern irrigation systems, thereby ensuring the sustainability of agricultural production and reducing water waste in the agricultural sector, which is the largest consumer of water.
Preparations for Ramadan and Hajj season
In a related matter concerning services provided to pilgrims, Engineer Al-Fadhli conducted a field visit to the development projects being implemented by the National Water Company in Makkah and the Holy Sites. He held an extensive meeting with company officials to ensure operational readiness for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and the Hajj season. These projects aim to enhance operational efficiency, guarantee the sustainability of water distribution, and increase the reliability of supply and distribution control to serve millions of visitors, pilgrims, and Umrah performers.
Dam and water purification projects in Al-Lith
The minister's tour extended to Al-Lith Governorate, where he inspected the groundwater and surface water purification unit project being implemented by the Saudi Water Authority to enhance water resources in the governorate. He also reviewed the progress of the Wadi Al-Lith Dam project and viewed a presentation from the General Irrigation Authority outlining the completion rates according to the approved plan. These dams are of major strategic importance, not only in providing water but also in protecting lives and property from the dangers of flash floods and supporting the region's groundwater reserves.
His Excellency concluded the visit by chairing a meeting of the Environment, Water and Agriculture System in the region, where future plans and development project implementation programs were discussed, ensuring the integration of efforts among all sectors of the system to achieve sustainable development and the well-being of citizens and residents.
