‘We are protecting nature, improving quality of life’: Head of Saudi Arabia’s new environmental security force

Brig. Gen. Saher Al-Harbi, head of the Saudi Special Forces for Environmental Security (SFES). (Supplied)
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Updated 27 December 2020
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‘We are protecting nature, improving quality of life’: Head of Saudi Arabia’s new environmental security force

  • The commander of the Special Forces for Environmental Security gave an exclusive interview to Arab News
  • Brig. Gen. Saher Al-Harbi explained how the SFES is protecting the Kingdom’s environment, wildlife and biodiversity

JEDDAH: In a speech on Nov. 12, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced that the proportion of Saudi Arabia’s protected areas and nature reserves has increased from 4 percent in 2016 to about 14 percent today. The crown prince’s address to the Shoura Council touched on the issue of conservation, the projects that the Kingdom was implementing for environmental protection and the role of the new dedicated unit, the Special Forces for Environmental Security (SFES).

The SFES currently has 1,100 employees, but this number will grow to 10,000 in the course of the next four years to enable it to protect the environment, wildlife and biodiversity across the Kingdom and to enforce laws and regulations in conservation areas.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, SFES Commander Brig. Gen. Saher bin Muhammad Al-Harbi confirmed that the force was already operating in several natural reserves. He made it clear that the SFES’s role is not limited to protecting wildlife and biodiversity, but goes beyond that. It penalizes activities that harm the environment such as illegal poaching and logging; prevents air, water and soil pollution; and prevents activities that could harm the natural ecosystems of mountainous, land and coastal areas.

Q: How many nature reserves fall within the ambit of the SFES?

A: The SFES has been entrusted with the protection of several natural reserves. They are Imam Saud bin Abdul Aziz Royal Reserve, Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, King Abdul Aziz Royal Reserve, King Khalid Royal Reserve, King Salman Royal Reserve and Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. The SFES uses modern technologies and advanced techniques for control, protection and monitoring of the areas where it is operating.

 

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Q. How is the SFES working to achieve the objective aimed at improving the quality of life, a key objective of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision strategy?

A. Environmental safety is one of the indicators of sustainable development and an important element of the quality of life as stipulated in the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision. It will contribute to the enforcement of environmental regulations in the Kingdom in order to reduce the pressure of violations that ecological systems are facing, restore their balance, achieve their sustainability and contribute to the improvement of quality of life and establishment of a society where all its members benefit from healthy lifestyles and surroundings that allow them to live in a positive, attractive environment.

The SFES was established to take on comprehensive tasks and responsibilities and enforce environmental regulations in all the protected regions across the Kingdom. Its duties include environmental security monitoring; environmental security investigation; detaining and arresting offenders; seizing objects used for committing offenses and issuing violation tickets; referring violators to competent authorities; and providing security back-up and support.

Its duties also cover receiving and following up on complaints, taking part in environmental emergencies, and participating in environmental awareness-raising efforts in cooperation with relevant bodies. The force also contributes to the development of policies, strategies and plans related to environmental enforcement, again in partnership with the relevant bodies.




The SFES' function includes preventing activities that alter topographical features in conservation areas. (Supplied)

Q. Do you have a role in protecting conservation areas from activities such as alteration of topographical features, leveling of mountains or arbitrary dredging of sand for use in construction?

A. The SFES works for the protection of conservation areas against all harmful influences such as illegal poaching and logging; air, water and soil pollution; and activities that could harm the ecosystems of mountainous, land and coastal areas.

It also works to prevent any tampering with the vegetation in Makkah and Madinah regions, limit the spread of such activities, and enforce regulations against violators, while also cooperating with Public Security and other relevant bodies that have jurisdiction over these areas, to prevent their occurrence.




The SFES’s role is not limited to protecting wildlife and biodiversity but goes beyond that. (Supplied)

Q. The Kingdom’s land area is vast, with diverse terrain that is home to many species. How do you intend to cover a country of this size?

A. As part of its deployment plan, the SFES intends to focus on those parts of the country that hold special significance from an environmental standpoint. It will make use of the latest modern equipment and advanced technologies to cover the vast land area that falls within its scope, including regions that have rough terrain. The SFES cooperates with other security and environmental bodies and benefits from their support in doing its job.

The SFES has responsibility for all the environmentally significant areas of the Kingdom. They include royal reserves, forests, grasslands, parks, coastal stretches, bird sanctuaries, urban areas, suburbs, industrial zones, water resources, roads and their surrounding areas, land-border areas and marine protected areas.




In addition to the SFES, allied groups are also watching over nature reserves such as the Sharaan Nature Reserve near the town of al-Ula in northwestern province of Tabuk (Photo by Fayez Nureldine / AFP)

This means that it covers a geographical area of almost 800,000 square kilometers across the Kingdom through a main center located in Riyadh, six headquarters in the regions and 21 departments in cities and provinces, encompassing all the environmentally significant regions.

Work will also be initiated to establish additional departments in the provinces in a way that ensures that all the environmentally significant regions of the Kingdom are covered. The forces will be deployed geographically in stages over a period of four years.

Q. Poaching, which has led to the extinction to many wildlife species, is a problem in the Kingdom. What are you doing to bring it under control?

A. In its areas of operations, the SFES monitors all hunting activities and areas of importance for birds, arrests poachers, issues violation tickets against them and refers them to the competent authorities for the remaining procedures to be completed. We have noticed a significant decrease in hunting in the areas where the SFES has a presence. Wild animals and birds will hopefully find safe havens, leading to the recovery and flourishing of the Kingdom’s wildlife.




SFES patrols routinely check the cargo of passing motorists to ensure against violations of the Kingdom's environmental laws. (Supplied)

Q. What are the penalties for hunting with firearms? Will new environmental security violation regulations be issued?

A. Those who hunt without a license using any method are arrested and referred to the competent authorities to be meted out punishment in accordance with the relevant regulations, keeping in mind that hunting with firearms is prohibited in any situation.

As for poaching penalties, they consist of a fine of up to SR 50,000 ($13,333) or imprisonment for a period of up to 30 days, along with the confiscation of any vehicles or equipment used to commit the violation.

Regarding protection of wildlife, there exist regulations and penalties for violations, and new regulations will be issued in the near future in accordance with the environmental protection regime stipulated in Royal Decree no. m/165.




Hunting of certain wildlife may be allowed during specific seasons but the use of firearms is forbidden. (Supplied)
 

Q. There are specific hunting seasons, but what are they? How will you prevent hunting beyond these seasons?

A. The specific hunting seasons are identified by the relevant authorities of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, while licenses are issued to those interested in hunting activities in accordance with the regulations.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, represented by the National Center for Wildlife Development, recently announced that hunting will be allowed between Nov. 1, 2020, and Jan. 15, 2021. It will be permitted subject to clear controls and regulations as announced by the ministry, which cover the species that can be hunted, the equipment that can be used, and the areas where hunting can happen.

The SFES will be in charge of arresting all those who violate the regulations. All forms of hunting are prohibited outside these seasons. The SFES will enforce regulations in its areas of operations through environmental security monitoring and investigation.




Part of the SFES' responsibility is to fight illegal logging across the Kingdom. (Supplied)

Q. Environmental awareness is of vital importance. What are your most plans for advancing this objective?

A. Taking part in environmental awareness-raising campaigns in cooperation with the relevant authorities is one of the most important tasks of the SFES.

It uses its media division and communication channels to increase awareness and to educate society on the importance of environmental conservation, community involvement through cooperation with the relevant public and private sectors; and participation in local and international events that promote environmental protection.

We believe that citizens and residents are partners when it comes to raising environmental awareness.

The SFES has developed programs to encourage community participation by partnering with civil society institutions and environmental associations and reaching out to the largest number of people possible. The SFES is also keen to take part in local and international festivals, exhibitions, conferences and activities related to environment and environmental security.

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Twitter: @md_sulami


Women work to redefine leadership strategies in Middle East entertainment industry

Updated 7 sec ago
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Women work to redefine leadership strategies in Middle East entertainment industry

  • Women increasingly taking on leadership roles
  • Rapidly expanding industry offers new opportunities  

RIYADH: Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the region’s entertainment industry, in operations, strategy and risk management.

At the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2025 in Riyadh on Tuesday, female executives shared how they are adapting leadership strategies to meet the sector’s rapid evolution.

For many professionals in the region, careers in entertainment were not an obvious choice. Nada Radwan, business development manager at Adirondack Studios, spoke about her transition from interior design to themed entertainment.

“In the Arab world, family plays a big role in career choices, and medicine and engineering are often seen as the safest options,” she said. “For me, I knew that math and chemistry were not for me, so I chose interior design — something creative yet practical.”

She described how her fascination with how spaces evoke emotions led her into the entertainment industry. “I had no plan of becoming anywhere close to this industry. I just followed what excited me,” she said. “My advice to those considering a career shift? Go for it. Build on what sparks joy for you, be open to learning, and move forward with no regrets.”

With the industry rapidly expanding, a new challenge has emerged — managing a younger workforce with different priorities. Hind Galadari, deputy general manager at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, highlighted the evolving expectations of Gen Z employees.

“They don’t care about job security the way previous generations did,” she said. “They care about their well-being, their purpose, and what they can contribute to the world.”

Moderated by author and development coach Maya Mattar, the session, “Women Transforming the Middle East’s Entertainment Industry,” set a bold tone.

“This is not your typical women’s empowerment session,” Mattar said. “We are not here to preach or hand out badges of honor. In this room, we have a seat at the table, and let’s be honest — it’s a pretty good seat.”

Lina El-Deek, partner at PwC Middle East, emphasized that the success of entertainment projects depends on balancing customer experience, financial sustainability and data security.

“We have an existential risk in driving the right customer experience,” she said. “It’s all about how people feel when they visit our attractions. Will they come back? Will they recommend it to others? If we don’t get this right, we fail.”

She also stressed the importance of building inclusive workplaces. “This business is all about diversity. We bring people from across the world, and we need to manage that properly,” she said. “Leadership must set the right tone, create clear cultural policies, and engage employees through active inclusion.”

Galadari emphasized the need for adaptability when improving workforce culture. “The culture doesn’t change overnight,” she said. “The park opens in an instant, but the team takes time to transition. That’s why hiring the right mindset, not just skills, is essential.”


Digital economy must include all communities, says Digital Cooperation Organization’s secretary-general

Updated 19 February 2025
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Digital economy must include all communities, says Digital Cooperation Organization’s secretary-general

  • Over a third of world lacks access to internet, says Deemah Al-Yahya
  • Tech leaders must develop ‘responsibly, transparently’ for ‘everyone’

AMMAN:More than one third of the world’s population still lacks access to the internet, said Deemah Al-Yahya, secretary-general of the Digital Cooperation Organization, who stressed that underserved communities must be included in the digital economy.

Al-Yahya highlighted the current status of digital transformation during the multilateral organization’s 4th General Assembly meeting in Amman on Wednesday.

Although the digital economy is expected to hit $16.5 trillion by 2028, accounting for 17 percent of the globe’s gross domestic product, the divide in digital exclusivity remains deep despite this rapid progress, Al-Yahya said.

“This gathering is the beginning of a new era for a global collaboration … in today’s world digital transformation is no longer a choice, it is imperative.”

Speaking on artificial intelligence, Al-Yahya said the global market value of AI is expected to exceed $800 billion by 2030, yet it is available in only a handful of countries.

Al-Yahya asked the question: “Will AI (deepen) existing divides or will it be a force for inclusion and prosperity?”

“Leaders in technology must ensure that AI and developing technologies are developed responsibly, transparently, and for the benefit for everyone and all.

“The voices of young people, women, and underserved communities must not just be included, but must be given the power to shape policies, lead initiatives and build the digital economy of the future.”

As a part of the event, a Digital Prosperity Awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of international and regional companies.

This included Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development which won an award for “Digital Transformation: Decision Making” and Tuwaiq Academy for “Digital Transformation: Cooperation.”

Sami Smeirat, Jordan’s minister of digital economy and entrepreneurship, spoke about the power of the event: “Together we can shape the future where digital cooperation unlocks new opportunities and creates lasting prosperity for all.”

The event features panels and discussions with leading experts from across the world.

The DCO was founded in November 2020 and currently has 16 nations as members including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh and Oman. It also has 39 observer partner organizations.

The DCO member states have a collective GDP of $3.5 trillion and serve a combined market of nearly 800 million people, more than 70 percent of whom are under the age of 35.


Saudi, Japan officials discuss relations in Tokyo

Updated 19 February 2025
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Saudi, Japan officials discuss relations in Tokyo

TOKYO: Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto met with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Ghazi Faisal S. Binzagr on Wednesday to discuss various issues, including the two nations’ recently launched Strategic Partnership Council.

Matsumoto highlighted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and expressed hope relations would continue to develop in various fields.

Binzagr echoed Matsumoto’s sentiments and thanked him for attending the recent Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 Ministerial Roundtable in Riyadh.


KSrelief organizes training in Aden on cholera, infection controls

Updated 19 February 2025
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KSrelief organizes training in Aden on cholera, infection controls

  • 170 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers from across Yemen receive training

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief recently held a training course in Aden governorate for healthcare personnel to treat cholera patients and institute infection controls, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The course was held in partnership with the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health, as a part of the cholera-prevention project in Yemen.

A total of 170 doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers from across Yemen received training on Feb. 12 and 13.

The course covered epidemiological definitions, transmission methods, risk factors, clinical manifestations, dehydration assessment, cholera management during pregnancy, and treatment of malnourished children.

The initiative is a part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts, through KSrelief, to enhance Yemen’s healthcare system, particularly the management of infectious diseases.


MWL hosts forum to foster dialogue, promote Islamic unity

MWL will host second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects in March
Updated 19 February 2025
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MWL hosts forum to foster dialogue, promote Islamic unity

  • Makkah conference will feature senior figures from various sects, denominations
  • Guide to common Islamic principles to be launched during forum

RIYADH: The Muslim World League will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects on March 6-7 in Makkah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The conference will bring together leading muftis, scholars, intellectuals, and representatives from senior Islamic councils, jurisprudential academies, and religious institutions across different sects and denominations.

It will serve as a unified platform for fostering constructive dialogue among diverse Islamic traditions as well as coordinating efforts and resources to strengthen Islamic unity, while ensuring mutual respect for doctrinal diversity.

The forum also aims to overcome sectarian disputes that have historically led to division and conflict, and promote fraternity and cohesion through practical initiatives.

This year’s conference marks a critical step in transforming the principles outlined in the inaugural conference into actionable programs, SPA said.

Discussions will address issues such as enhancing intra-Islamic dialogue and cooperation.

A highlight of the conference will be the launch of the encyclopedia of Islamic intellectual convergence, prepared by the Center for Safeguarding Intellect.

The encyclopedia, developed with contributions from 60 Islamic scholars and thinkers, aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to common Islamic principles.