National Water Company Plants More Than 2 Million Trees in Madinah

Saudi Arabia’s National Water Company has planted more than 2.1 million trees in the Madinah region as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, using treated wastewater to expand vegetation cover and combat desertification. The company stated that the effort is aimed at improving environmental sustainability while optimising water resources for greening projects in the northwest sector.

The company added more than 472,000 trees in 2025, keeping the programme on track with strategic plans to increase vegetation and enhance quality of life. More than 200,000 trees — about 10% of the total — have reached a maturity level that allows them to thrive without additional irrigation or specialised care, indicating early self-sufficiency within parts of the planted areas. Treated water from the company’s wastewater treatment plants is being used to sustain the plantings, turning a non-potable resource into a consistent supply for afforestation work.

Work is being coordinated with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, with plans to scale planting during upcoming agricultural seasons. The effort is designed to help improve air quality and oxygen levels, reduce harmful emissions, support local biodiversity and increase overall vegetation rates. The initiative is presented as part of a broader national approach to environmental targets that include emissions reduction and land rehabilitation through large-scale tree planting.

The Saudi Green Initiative was launched in 2021 and supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reach net zero emissions by 2060 through the Circular Carbon Economy approach. Its overarching targets cover emissions reduction, afforestation and the protection of land and sea areas nationwide.