Saudi Women at the Forefront of Desert Restoration and Sustainability
Saudi women are not just part of this change—they are actively shaping the Kingdom’s environmental future, turning sand into soil.
In the heart of the Kingdom’s vast deserts, an extraordinary transformation is taking place. Once barren stretches of sand are now being turned into fertile soil, and leading this revolutionary effort are Saudi women.
Saudi Arabia is undergoing a defining moment in its sustainability journey. Under Vision 2030’s Green Saudi Initiative, the nation is making bold strides toward reforestation, food security, and climate-resilient agriculture. However, what often goes unrecognized is that Saudi women are at the forefront of these efforts, driving groundbreaking scientific advancements to combat desertification and ensure a greener future.
With women now constituting 40 percent of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Saudi Arabia has surpassed many Western nations in gender diversity in these critical fields. But their impact extends far beyond the classroom—they are actively leading research, pioneering innovative environmental solutions, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices.
Orn Supaphol, Chief Technical Officer at Saudi Desert Control, highlights the critical role women play in environmental restoration. “In my work, I witness firsthand how Saudi women are leading projects that transform deserts into fertile land, improve water conservation, and develop long-term sustainability solutions,” she said.
One of Saudi Arabia’s most pressing environmental challenges is desertification—the loss of arable land due to climate conditions and soil degradation. Tackling this issue demands scientific breakthroughs, innovation, and long-term commitment. Across the Kingdom, Saudi women are rising to this challenge.
At Saudi Desert Control, researchers employ cutting-edge Liquid Natural Clay technology to enhance the water retention capacity of desert sand, making sustainable food production possible in one of the world’s most arid climates. Women scientists and engineers are spearheading the deployment of this technology, ensuring its success on the ground.
Beyond this, female researchers and agricultural engineers are leading efforts to reduce water consumption, implement regenerative farming techniques, and introduce climate-resilient crops. Their work is essential in ensuring food security and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Science and sustainability thrive on diverse perspectives, and the contributions of women in these fields lead to more effective decision-making, innovative solutions, and long-term resilience. Many of the most forward-thinking environmental advancements in Saudi Arabia today can be traced back to the efforts of female scientists and engineers.
“Saudi Arabia’s transformation is often spoken of as something coming in the future,” said Supaphol. “But working alongside incredible female colleagues, I can confidently say the future is already here.”
Saudi women are not just part of this change—they are actively shaping the Kingdom’s environmental future, turning sand into soil, conserving resources, and making sustainability a reality.
As the nation accelerates its sustainability drive, young Saudi women pursuing careers in science and environmental conservation will play a decisive role. Their contributions will define the next chapter in Saudi Arabia’s history, proving that the future of sustainability is not just coming—it is happening now.
