In the last five months, there has been an incredible 600% increase in greenery in Saudi Arabia, especially in the Makkah region. This transformation is mainly because there has been a lot of rainfall, reaching up to 200 mm in some areas, turning the once dry landscapes of Makkah into greenery.
The Saudi National Center for Vegetation Cover Development used advanced technologies like remote sensing and artificial intelligence to study this change. In August, they found a small green area covering 2.3% of Makkah’s total area.
However, by December 2023, after the monsoon season, this green area expanded to cover 17.1% of the region. The growth was particularly notable in mountainous zones along the Red Sea coast.
This positive change aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to taking care of the environment and being sustainable, part of initiatives like the Saudi Green Initiative.
Using advanced tools helps them keep a close eye on land changes, rainfall levels, and plant health, all contributing to the country’s efforts to fight desertification and improve its natural landscapes.