The Eastern Region Municipality has planted 2,089,888 trees of various types between 2025 and June 2026, with plans to plant an additional 1.5 million trees during 2026, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The initiative aims to develop vegetation cover, expand green spaces, support the Saudi Green Initiative, and improve the urban landscape and quality of life, in line with the strategies of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing.
Context and Background
The announcement was made during a meeting held in Dammam, where officials reviewed the progress of vegetation development in the Dammam metropolitan area. The meeting was attended by Mahmoud bin Hassan Al-Ratouei, Deputy Mayor for Services; Eng. Yousef Al-Badr, Director of the Eastern Region Center for Vegetation Cover; and Eng. Sultan Al-Shtaiwi, the municipality’s Director General of Parks and Environmental Architecture. The discussion focused on targets for expanding green spaces and enhancing the region’s environmental infrastructure.
This effort is part of the broader Saudi Green Initiative, launched by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021, which aims to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom and increase vegetation cover. The Eastern Region’s progress reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the goals of Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life and build sustainable cities.
Key Details
The 2,089,888 trees planted from 2025 through June 2026 include a variety of species suitable for the region’s climate. The municipality plans to plant an additional 1.5 million trees during the remainder of 2026, bringing the total to over 3.5 million trees in just two years. The meeting also reviewed initiatives to expand the planting of trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers, as well as the development of landscaped green areas across the Dammam metropolitan area.
These efforts are aligned with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing’s strategies to improve urban environments and promote sustainable development. The municipality’s work supports the Saudi Green Initiative’s targets to reduce carbon emissions, combat desertification, and enhance air quality.
Implications and Impact
The expansion of vegetation cover in the Eastern Region is expected to have significant environmental and social benefits. Increased greenery will help lower temperatures, reduce dust, and improve air quality, contributing to healthier living conditions for residents. The initiative also supports biodiversity by providing habitats for native wildlife and plants.
On a broader scale, the Eastern Region’s progress serves as a model for other regions in the Kingdom. It demonstrates how local municipalities can contribute to national environmental goals while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban areas. The project also aligns with global sustainability efforts, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s role in addressing climate change and land degradation.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This initiative directly supports Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s comprehensive plan to diversify the economy and improve public services. By enhancing the urban landscape and quality of life, the Eastern Region Municipality is contributing to the Vision’s objectives of creating vibrant communities and sustainable cities. The project also reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental stewardship, a key pillar of the Saudi Green Initiative. As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its environmental agenda, efforts like these will play a crucial role in achieving a greener, more sustainable future for all.
20 Questions
Q1. How many trees did the Eastern Region Municipality plant from 2025 through June 2026?
A1. The Eastern Region Municipality planted 2,089,888 trees of various types from 2025 through June 2026, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Q2. How many additional trees does the municipality plan to plant during 2026?
A2. The municipality aims to plant an additional 1.5 million trees during 2026, further expanding vegetation cover in the region.
Q3. What is the main goal of the Eastern Region Municipality’s tree-planting initiative?
A3. The initiative seeks to develop vegetation cover, expand green spaces, support the Saudi Green Initiative, and improve the urban landscape and quality of life.
Q4. Which national initiative does this tree-planting effort support?
A4. The effort supports the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom and increase vegetation cover.
Q5. Who attended the meeting in Dammam to discuss the vegetation development targets?
A5. The meeting was attended by Deputy Mayor for Services Mahmoud bin Hassan Al-Ratouei, Eng. Yousef Al-Badr, and Eng. Sultan Al-Shtaiwi.
Q6. What is the role of Eng. Yousef Al-Badr in this initiative?
A6. Eng. Yousef Al-Badr is the Director of the Eastern Region Center for Vegetation Cover, overseeing efforts to expand greenery in the region.
Q7. What did the meeting review regarding vegetation cover in the Dammam metropolitan area?
A7. The meeting reviewed targets for developing vegetation cover, tree-planting efforts, and initiatives to expand green spaces and landscaped areas.
Q8. Which ministry’s strategies guide the Eastern Region Municipality’s efforts?
A8. The efforts are in line with the strategies of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, which oversees urban development and environmental initiatives.
Q9. What types of plants are included in the initiative besides trees?
A9. The initiative includes planting trees, shrubs, ground cover, and flowers, as well as developing landscaped green areas.
Q10. How does the tree-planting initiative benefit the environment?
A10. It helps lower temperatures, reduce dust, improve air quality, and support biodiversity by providing habitats for native wildlife.
Q11. When was the Saudi Green Initiative launched?
A11. The Saudi Green Initiative was launched in 2021 by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Q12. What is the ultimate tree-planting goal of the Saudi Green Initiative?
A12. The initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees across the Kingdom to combat desertification and enhance vegetation cover.
Q13. How does this initiative align with Vision 2030?
A13. It supports Vision 2030 goals of enhancing quality of life, creating sustainable cities, and promoting environmental stewardship.
Q14. What is the expected total number of trees planted by the end of 2026?
A14. With the additional 1.5 million trees planned for 2026, the total will exceed 3.5 million trees since 2025.
Q15. Which agency reported the tree-planting figures?
A15. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported the figures, citing the Eastern Region Municipality.
Q16. What is the role of Eng. Sultan Al-Shtaiwi in the municipality?
A16. Eng. Sultan Al-Shtaiwi is the Director General of Parks and Environmental Architecture, overseeing green space development.
Q17. How will the expanded green spaces impact residents of the Eastern Region?
A17. They will enjoy improved air quality, cooler temperatures, and more recreational areas, enhancing overall quality of life.
Q18. What broader environmental challenges does this initiative address?
A18. It addresses desertification, carbon emissions, and urban heat, aligning with global sustainability efforts.
Q19. Can other regions in Saudi Arabia replicate this model?
A19. Yes, the Eastern Region’s approach serves as a model for other municipalities to contribute to national environmental goals.
Q20. What future steps are planned for vegetation development in the Eastern Region?
A20. The municipality will continue expanding green spaces, planting diverse species, and developing landscaped areas in line with Vision 2030.
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