How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 

Special How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 
A large accumulation of plastic waste floating in the ocean. Researchers are now turning to AI-designed biodegradable peptides to tackle microplastic buildup in marine environments. (Getty Images)
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Updated 28 March 2025
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How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 

How researchers in Saudi Arabia leveraged AI in the fight against plastic pollution 
  • Researchers at King Saud University used artificial intelligence to design peptides that bind to plastic particles
  • Microplastics can persist in the environment for centuries, posing risks to ecosystems and human health

RIYADH: In a groundbreaking scientific effort, researchers have leveraged artificial intelligence to unlock a powerful new tool in the fight against microplastic pollution — microscopic protein fragments known as peptides.

These AI-engineered peptides can bind to plastic particles, making it possible to remove microplastics from water more efficiently.




A large accumulation of plastic waste floating in the ocean. Researchers are now turning to AI-designed biodegradable peptides to tackle microplastic buildup in marine environments. (Getty Images)

Microplastics — tiny plastic fragments smaller than five millimeters — are now alarmingly widespread in oceans, rivers, soil, and even human bodies. These particles persist in the environment for centuries, threatening ecosystems and public health.

Traditional cleanup methods have struggled to address this growing crisis. Now, a team of scientists from Saudi Arabia, the US and beyond has unveiled a revolutionary solution: biodegradable peptides that latch onto microplastic particles with impressive precision.

Discovered using advanced deep learning models, these peptides could mark a turning point in the global fight against plastic pollution.

“We combined advanced biophysical simulations, which show how short proteins behave on plastic surfaces, with deep learning or AI to spot hidden patterns in those simulations,” Abdulelah Al-Shehri, assistant professor of chemical engineering at King Saud University and the study’s co-author, told Arab News.

“This allowed us to pinpoint specific peptides that latch onto microplastics up to 34 percent more effectively than older methods.”

Unlike conventional filtration methods, these AI-guided peptides offer a scalable, biodegradable alternative that could transform microplastic remediation.




This photo taken on October 14, 2021 shows researchers taking samples collected by a funnel-shaped net nicknamed "the sock" during a joint project of the French Tara Ocean Japan. (AFP)

“Essentially, AI guided us to protein sequences that traditional approaches might miss, leading to stronger and more efficient cleanup capabilities,” Al-Shehri added.

While this discovery was initially made in a computational setting, laboratory tests have confirmed the peptides’ real-world potential.

“We recently ran experiments to evaluate how strongly the AI-designed peptides bind to plastic,” Michael Bergman, a PhD candidate at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at North Carolina State University, told Arab News

“No one has designed plastic-binding peptides before, and we relied solely on computational predictions for peptide design, so we were curious to see how our computational predictions bear out in experiment.

“Excitingly, the AI-designed peptides did very well. The peptides had much higher affinity for plastic compared to random sequences of amino acids and performed as well as our best biophysical designs.

“This work will hopefully be published in the coming months. Having checked this box, the next step is to apply the peptides to remediate microplastic pollution.”




Infographic courtesy of King Saud University website
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Bringing these peptides from the lab to real-world applications presents a major challenge: scalability.

“A major obstacle is producing these specialized peptides on a large scale while ensuring they remain stable and effective in different aquatic environments, whether in fresh, salt or even grey water,” Al-Shehri said.

“Beyond manufacturing, there needs to be close collaboration among researchers, policymakers and industry to streamline regulations, secure funding and ensure safe, cost-effective deployment where pollution is most critical.”




Abdulelah Al-Shehri, assistant professor of chemical engineering at KSU. (Supplied)

Bergman agrees, highlighting the vast potential applications of these peptides.

“We see many possible applications, such as detecting (and perhaps quantifying) microplastic pollution in water using a biosensor, removing microplastics either through filtration or by inducing aggregation, and aiding the adhesion of plastic-degrading organisms to microplastics,” he said.

This breakthrough is particularly relevant for Saudi Arabia, which is balancing its ambitious sustainability goals with its role as a global petrochemical leader.

Key milestones in AI-driven environmental cleanup

2022 Initial AI experiments in peptide-based plastic binding begin.

2023 AI-enhanced biophysical modeling predicts plastic-binding peptides with greater precision.

2024 AI-designed peptides successfully tested using extensive molecular dynamics simulations, outperforming previous solutions.

2025 Researchers at King Saud University, North Carolina State, and Cornell publish findings on biodegradable peptides with record-breaking plastic adhesion.

FUTURE AI-driven peptide research expands to augment capture and detection technologies and broader environmental remediation efforts.

Maher Al-Rashed, associate professor in plastics science at King Saud University, sees this dual role as an opportunity rather than a conflict.

“Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transition toward sustainability, particularly through Vision 2030, offers a fertile ground for the integration of AI-driven biodegradable peptides as part of a multifaceted strategy to combat plastic pollution,” he told Arab News.

“A practical application could involve incorporating these peptides into wastewater treatment plants in cities like Riyadh and Jeddah, where microplastic contamination in water sources has been documented.”

He also referenced international benchmarks such as France’s Carbios and Japan’s Ideonella sakaiensis as models for Saudi Arabia to adapt and lead in this space.

“Saudi Arabia could adopt similar AI-engineered enzymatic solutions, particularly in industrial zones like Jubail and Yanbu, where high plastic waste output necessitates sustainable disposal methods,” he said.

While peptides offer a powerful new tool for microplastic cleanup, experts stress that they are not a replacement for reducing plastic waste at its source. “Reducing plastic use is crucial to stem the flow of new pollutants,” said Al-Shehri.




Small fragments of plastic and debris floating in contaminated seawater. Experts warn that microplastics can persist in ecosystems for centuries and pose risks to human health. (Getty Images)

“However, we already have a staggering amount of microplastics in circulation, some of which may persist for centuries. AI-powered strategies like our peptide designs serve as a necessary complement to source reduction, actively targeting and removing existing contaminants while broader efforts to improve recycling continue.”

Al-Rashed agrees but adds that for these peptides to be effective long term, they must be optimized for various types of plastics and environmental conditions.

“One fundamental challenge is ensuring that these peptides exhibit substrate specificity… meaning they must effectively degrade a variety of plastic polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET without harming natural organic matter,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring environmental safety.




Infographic courtesy of King Saud University website

“AI-driven peptides must degrade into environmentally safe byproducts. Research conducted by Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology is exploring how peptide-mediated polymer degradation can be designed for maximum ecological safety.”

Bringing these peptides from theory to widespread use requires clear regulatory frameworks. Al-Rashed stressed the need for biosafety and industrial scalability.

“From a regulatory perspective, Saudi Arabia would need to establish stringent biosafety and environmental risk assessment protocols before approving the environmental release of AI-engineered peptides,” he said, referencing the role of the Saudi National Center for Environmental Compliance.

On an industrial level, he pointed out that cost efficiency and integration with existing waste management systems would be key factors in success.

“Saudi Arabia’s municipal waste collection and processing facilities are currently optimized for mechanical and chemical recycling, meaning that transitioning to bioenzymatic plastic degradation would require significant infrastructure modifications,” he said.




A photo taken on December 8, 2022, in Vaasa, Finland, shows plastic pieces in frozen water. (AFP)

As Saudi Arabia explores this innovation, researchers like Al-Shehri emphasize the importance of framing the message carefully — especially in a country where the plastics industry is economically significant.

“In essence, microplastic research is as critical as the plastics industry itself,” Al-Shehri said. “We must balance the lifesaving benefits of plastic with urgent research to eliminate and remove these tiny particles from our environment.

“Propelled by innovative academic efforts, short peptides now shine as a new technology in the global effort to combat microplastic pollution. Yet forging true progress — and preserving the plastics industry’s long-term viability — demands concerted efforts and research among governments, industries, academic institutions, and communities alike.”




South Korean environmental activists hold placards reading "I will protect the sea from microplastics" during a campaign to mark World Water Day at a park along the Han River in Seoul on March 22, 2022. (AFP)

As researchers worldwide explore how AI can revolutionize science and sustainability, the development of microplastic-binding peptides stands out as a clear example of how data, biology, and innovation intersect.

“There are almost endless possibilities in combining AI with biophysics,” said Bergman. “Of particular relevance to plastic and microplastic pollution is the development of enzymes that break down plastics.

“In recent years, biophysics-guided AI helped optimize an enzyme that rapidly breaks down the plastic PET. Other researchers are looking to optimize similar enzymes for other common plastics like polystyrene and polyethylene.”

From the lab benches of Riyadh to simulation labs in North Carolina, one message rings clear: AI has the potential to reshape how we approach one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges — and Saudi Arabia is ready to lead the charge.



 


King Salman issues royal decrees to relieve senior officials of duties

King Salman issues royal decrees to relieve senior officials of duties
Updated 37 sec ago
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King Salman issues royal decrees to relieve senior officials of duties

King Salman issues royal decrees to relieve senior officials of duties

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman issued royal decrees on Sunday that included relieving several senior officials of their duties, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The orders relieved Mohammed Al-Madi from his position as head of the Military Industries Corporation, Ghassan Al-Shibl from his role as advisor to the Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, and Talal Al-Otaibi from his post as assistant minister of defense.


Snow escapes bring winter fun to Riyadh’s summer

Snow-themed attractions in Riyadh are offering residents and visitors a refreshing alternative to the summer heat. (SPA)
Snow-themed attractions in Riyadh are offering residents and visitors a refreshing alternative to the summer heat. (SPA)
Updated 2 min 27 sec ago
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Snow escapes bring winter fun to Riyadh’s summer

Snow-themed attractions in Riyadh are offering residents and visitors a refreshing alternative to the summer heat. (SPA)
  • With sub-zero temperatures and fully immersive polar settings, these wintry venues have quickly become popular family destinations

RIYADH: Snow-themed attractions in Riyadh, including Snow City in Al-Othaim Mall, are offering residents and visitors a refreshing alternative to the summer heat.

With sub-zero temperatures and fully immersive polar settings, these wintry venues have quickly become popular family destinations, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

With strict safety measures in place, activities range from ice skating and sliding down ice slopes to riding mini snowmobiles, exploring icy trails, and enjoying spinning tubes.

Open play areas and snow cabins inspired by polar life add to the sense of adventure.

The experience is rounded out with cafes, souvenir shops and event spaces, making the destinations a year-round entertainment choice.

Part of the Kingdom’s evolving entertainment sector, these snow-themed venues provide new climatic escapes that enrich quality of life, encourage domestic tourism, and reflect ongoing investment in diverse leisure experiences.


Study to document 12,000 species in Saudi Arabia will improve quality of life, says wildlife CEO

Decade Land Expedition for Terrestrial Ecosystem Exploration is one of largest projects to explore biodiversity in Kingdom.
Decade Land Expedition for Terrestrial Ecosystem Exploration is one of largest projects to explore biodiversity in Kingdom.
Updated 17 August 2025
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Study to document 12,000 species in Saudi Arabia will improve quality of life, says wildlife CEO

Decade Land Expedition for Terrestrial Ecosystem Exploration is one of largest projects to explore biodiversity in Kingdom.
  • The Decade Land Expedition for Terrestrial Ecosystem Exploration is one of the largest national projects to explore biodiversity in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: A new study to document biodiversity in Saudi Arabia will “positively impact” the environment, society and quality of life, according to National Center for Wildlife CEO Mohammad Qurban.

Qurban spoke to Arab News about how the Decade Land Expedition for Terrestrial Ecosystem Exploration “reflects national efforts to restore ecosystems and enhance ecological balance, in line with the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.”

Qurban told Arab News: “The expeditions provide an updated and accurate database that constitutes a baseline for integrated and sustainable management, which benefits the sustainability of our natural resources and the balance of our environment.

“This positively impacts environmental, social, and economic development and raises the quality of life.”

The expedition is scheduled to provide a comprehensive inventory of biodiversity in all study areas, identifying breeding and distribution sites.

It will also create a national database and interactive maps of recorded sites and species, he added.

The Decade Land Expedition for Terrestrial Ecosystem Exploration is one of the largest national projects to explore biodiversity in the Kingdom, according to a recent statement issued by the center.

The project will help to document the significant biological wealth of Saudi Arabia, he added, and strengthen the Kingdom’s role in regional and international environmental agreements.

“The Kingdom boasts 65 ecosystems and more than 12,000 species of wild plants and animals,” Qurban said.

“The Kingdom will have a unique database of its terrestrial and marine ecosystems, a starting point for sustainable management and a reliable reference for researchers and scientists,” Qurban said.

The expedition will involve experts and researchers from the Kingdom and beyond, in collaboration with national universities, research centers, royal reserves and other international organizations.

It will identify endemic, threatened and restricted-range species, assessing the threats they face, and developing plans to mitigate those threats and create a safe and sustainable environment.

The program also involves updating the national wetland plan in the Kingdom.


Historic Jeddah’s wooden doors exemplify traditional Hijazi architecture

Historic Jeddah’s wooden doors exemplify traditional Hijazi architecture
Updated 17 August 2025
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Historic Jeddah’s wooden doors exemplify traditional Hijazi architecture

Historic Jeddah’s wooden doors exemplify traditional Hijazi architecture

RIYADH: Ancient wooden doors scattered across the alleys of Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad neighborhood exemplify the traditional architecture of the Hijaz region.

Their beauty has been preserved for centuries, and they have become symbolic of the architectural identity that led to the area joining the UNESCO World Heritage List.

These doors are crafted from teak and walnut wood imported from India and East Africa, renowned for their durability and weatherproof quality.

They are reinforced with large iron nails and adorned with arabesque, geometric, and botanical engravings, reflecting the creativity of local craftspeople in Jeddah who developed this craft generation after generation.

The wooden doors serve multiple architectural functions, according to the Saudi Press Agency, most notably protecting homes from summer heat and providing ventilation through finely decorated openings, in addition to their aesthetic appeal.

Some doors feature double layers: a large outer one for visitors and a smaller one allowing easy entry and exit without opening the main door.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030 efforts to preserve historic Jeddah, dozens of wooden doors have undergone meticulous restoration by specialized artisans using the same original wood, with careful documentation of engravings and decorations to ensure their preservation.

These are testimonies to the evolution of Hijazi society and its adaptation to the environment.

They carry in their engravings stories of trade and seafaring, showing how architecture preserves the identity of a place and the spirit of its people.

Al-Balad is believed to have been inhabited since the era before Islam, according to Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage sources.

Some of the buildings that stand there today were built around 400 years ago. 

Old Jeddah includes a number of monuments and heritage buildings such as the Old Jeddah wall and its historical open squares such as Al-Mazloom, Al-Sham, Al-Yemen and Al-Bahr Haras. 

The Old Jeddah wall was built to fortify the city from attacks initiated by the Portuguese coming in from the Red Sea, but it was torn down in the 1940s due to urbanization. 


Saudi team aims for podium at international astrophysics olympiad in Mumbai

Saudi team aims for podium at international astrophysics olympiad in Mumbai
Updated 17 August 2025
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Saudi team aims for podium at international astrophysics olympiad in Mumbai

Saudi team aims for podium at international astrophysics olympiad in Mumbai
  • 5 Saudi students compete at 2025 International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Saudi Arabia won 3 bronze medals at the olympiad’s 2024 edition in Rio de Janeiro Sanjay Kumar

NEW DELHI: Saudi students are aiming for the podium at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics held in India’s Mumbai this week, building on their team’s successful debut last year.

The IOAA is a worldwide annual competition to recognize talented high school students in astronomy and astrophysics through a series of theoretical, practical and experimental tests.

This year, the event featuring 320 students from 64 countries is organized by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education — a national center of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research — in Mumbai from Aug. 11-21.

The Saudi team has been trained by Mawhiba — the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, a non-profit endowment dedicated to nurturing young talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — with support from the Ministry of Education, the Saudi Space Agency, and NEO Space Group.

“This year, five talented students were nominated to be part of the Saudi national team after highly competitive and rigorous qualification stages that spanned almost a year,” Talal Al-Dawood, supervisor of the astronomy and space program at Mawhiba, told Arab News.

“It goes without saying that they are extremely proud and excited to represent the Kingdom in such a prestigious international event.”

Saudi Arabia’s national team at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics pose for a photo with their team leaders in Mumbai on Aug. 12, 2025. (Mawhiba)

The IOAA was first held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2007. Saudi Arabia debuted in the competition at its 2024 edition in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with its three-member team winning three bronze medals.

“Given this remarkable success in our debut year, our students are now setting their goals on even higher achievements. With more experience and a larger team, we have every reason to be optimistic about surpassing last year’s performance,” Al-Dawood said.

“In the Kingdom, scientific olympiads hold tremendous significance for our high school students. Thousands compete annually for the honor of raising the Saudi flag on the winners’ podium.”

Besides examinations, students will also take part in several excursions in and around Mumbai.

“Since the announcement of the IOAA 2025 host last year, everyone has been looking forward to this opportunity. India has long established itself as one of the most exceptional hosts for scientific olympiads … Our students were absolutely thrilled to be here,” Al-Dawood said.

“For them, this represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their talents on a global stage and bring honor to their nation.”