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RIYADH: A research team from Abha’s King Khalid University has obtained a patent for an advanced method that uses peels of prickly pears for water purification.

Head of the research team from the university’s chemistry department, Prof. Fatimah Al-Zahrani, said that the idea behind the study was to make use of agricultural waste by converting it into an active material that can be used for treating industrial and chemical pollutants.

According to the professor, the developed technology is capable of removing 98 percent of pollutants and has economic and sustainable benefits as it allows the peels to be reused several times without notable loss of efficiency.

The distinguishing factor is an innovative mechanism that exposes the peels to ultrasonic waves and alcohol-based solutions to enhance porosity and absorption capacity in different environments.

Prickly pears are a plant native to the Kingdom and are especially abundant in the Baha region, with 26 farms producing between 40 and 70 tonnes annually.

Farmers have diversified their production to include prickly pear juice, ice cream, soap and other products.

Researchers and agricultural planners are also studying the plant’s health benefits, noting its vitamins, minerals, fiber and potential in skincare.

Fahd Al-Zahrani, director general of the Baha branch of the ministry of environment, water and agriculture, has previously hinted at the development of an integrated “prickly pear city,” in partnership with the region’s Prickly Pear Association.

Prof. Al-Zahrani said that the team was able to secure the patent from the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property thanks to a collaboration with Prof. Badriyah Al-Shehri from the College of Science, and Prof. Reda El-Sheshtawy from the department of chemistry.

The study reveals that powder from prickly pear peels was flagged as a possible cationic dye absorbent based on thermodynamic and kinetic data. Cationic dyes are positively charged synthetic dyes commonly used in textiles, paper, plastic and cosmetics.

Their strong bonds to negatively charged particles such as organic matter and sediments make them stubborn to remove.

Cationic dyes can be toxic to aquatic life and damaging to cell membranes. Many are carcinogenic or mutagenic, risking human health, and they also reduce water quality in aquatic ecosystems by blocking sunlight penetration.

Al-Zahrani said that in addition to contributing to water treatment processes, this energy-efficient technology also sets an example for recycling agricultural waste into high-value environmental solutions applicable for use in industrial and community settings.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia recently took part in the G20 Tourism Ministerial Meeting and Tourism Investment Summit in South Africa.

Vice Minister of Tourism Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al-Saud represented the Kingdom at the meeting, highlighting the country’s role in shaping the future of the global industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“Saudi Arabia shares and celebrates the G20’s commitment to advancing tourism growth and placing sustainability at the heart of our efforts,” she told delegates from the world’s top 20 industrialized and emerging-market nations.

“The lesson from South Africa and Saudi Arabia is clear: Lasting transformation happens when we share ideas and build together. This is why we created Tourise, the first global platform for action, year-round collaboration and meaningful impact. We invite the world to join us this November to design and deliver the future of tourism in partnership.

“Tourism has the power to change lives, transform economies and bring the world closer together. Through Saudi Vision 2030 we are showing that tourism is not only a driver of economic prosperity but also a catalyst for inclusive social progress. But this potential can only be realized if we act boldly and collaboratively.”

As a permanent member of the G20, Saudi Arabia helped shape the final ministerial declaration, ensuring that sustainability, digital transformation, inclusivity and skills development remain priorities in global tourism policy, the report said.

Princess Haifa also hosted a ministerial dinner on behalf of Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb, inviting guests to Tourise — a gathering of public- and private-sector leaders, innovators and investors — to design a global tourism agenda for the future.

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is among the fastest growing in the world. Last year the number of domestic and inbound visitors rose 6 percent from 2023 to 116 million, according to the SPA.

The growth was fueled by investment in destinations, flight routes, airport capacity and infrastructure, including giga-projects such as Neom, Qiddiya and Diriyah.