Sustainability practices in Saudi Arabia

In the first episode of the Beyond Bounds podcast, the topic of discussion is sustainability in Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea Project, which includes 90 islands, is highlighted as a sustainable initiative. Plastic usage has been eliminated and eco-friendly practices are implemented, such as using glass bottles and wood-based cutlery. The Saudi government is also focusing on electric cars and acquiring the company Lucid. The importance of individual adoption of sustainable practices is emphasized, and efforts to raise awareness and educate locals are mentioned. Al-Ula is described as a sustainable destination with efforts to protect historical sites and use green power. The increase in tourism has led to stricter regulations and security measures. Thank you for joining us today at Beyond Bounds, our first episode in this podcast, we're going to be talking about the sustainability in Saudi Arabia. I'm your host, Abdelaziz Wadu. I have Mohammed Fathaldin, our tour guide, Mohammed Al-Ali and Abdullah Islam, our entrepreneurs, and we have Abdullah Sherbini, who's interested in the culture of Saudi Arabia, and lastly, we have our chef, Chef Najla. Thank you for joining everyone. Thank you. It's a pleasure. So, today will be, our first topic will be our The Red Sea Project in Saudi Arabia. The Red Sea Project was announced in 2016 as part of the 2030 Vision. It's a project including islands, we have 90 islands in that area. So as part of the sustainable practices in Saudi Arabia, we have excluded some islands. We have discovered an endangered species of turtles. So in order to preserve and protect these turtles, we are taking care of them and leaving the islands untouched. So part of our practices is we have eliminated plastic. In the Saudi Red Sea Project, you won't see any plastic usage. Mr. Mohammed, I've heard that you visited the Red Sea Project. Can you tell me some sustainable practices? Yes, actually I have stayed in Turtle Bay Hotel. It's a private hotel by Red Sea Global Company, a local hotel. I have stayed there for one week. So it was a long time ago. Actually, at that time, my sustainability lifestyle and practices were first tested. I knew about sustainability more. Actually, I saw many sustainable practices and at that moment, it was in the beginning of the project. I saw many new things to me, like staying in a normal hotel in Jeddah or Riyadh and the difference between it and staying in the Red Sea Islands, sustainable islands or resorts. A small example, I have never seen any plastic bottles or any plastic actually, even the water bottles. I saw glass bottles either in the room or the bathroom. I saw the amenities, not like the normal amenities in other hotels. For example, the bath amenities, shampoos, conditioners. It was a big bottle. We can use it many times, not only once for only one guest. Also, when I am having my morning coffee, there was no sugar packets, sugar cubes. Exactly, Mohamed, as you said, in Turtle Bay, I have noticed that as I worked in the housekeeping department, they were using green chemicals which are environmentally friendly. These chemicals are substances that are produced and used in a way that minimizes harm to the environment. Yes, also in the kitchen in Turtle Bay, I remember the hotel actually was applying the use of eco-friendly takeaway packaging. It was amazing, even the straws and cutlery was from wood. In addition, I have met with some of the directors over there. I was exchanging the business cards. They also used, at first, 100% recyclable cartons for their business cards. The business cards? The business cards. After, let's say, maybe two years from that meeting, they cancelled the business cards and made it electric business cards. Electric? Yes. Oh, that's perfect. Yes, that's a really amazing thing to hear. I've also noticed one of the sustainable practices that the Saudi government is using is right now that we acquired a company, a car company that's called Lucid. So, what I've heard is that we are planning to go all electrical and all environmental safety. So, Lucid basically is a car company. It's an electric car company. So, when we are acquiring an electric car, there won't be any more usage of oil. Actually, one of my dream cars is Lucid. I have visited their industry or place to make these cars in King Abdullah, Karmak City. I was surprised. My goal is to have an electric car. I was surprised. Actually, when I hear about the feedback in the media for Tesla cars or any electric car, I was a bit, like, hesitating to get one. I even didn't see myself driving one of the electric cars. Mr. Mohammed, I think it's going to be a great move to adapt new activities and new lifestyle to have an electric car. Sure, it's a must, actually, by the time. For you guys who work at Turtle Bay, do you think it's easy to adopt the sustainability practices in our life? Well, in a way or other, this is the right lifestyle, the ecosystem, which we should go through it and to be friendly. As Saudi Arabia took the initiative to do the Green Initiative, we have to follow up with new technology and a new ecosystem. I think, also, in regard to my colleague's question, I think it's a little bit challenging to adapt a new, different lifestyle. It will be hard, but it's better for us and for the environment. What do you think is the steps or the method for the individual to adapt a new lifestyle or a sustainable lifestyle? Well, it will start with their own home, their own lifestyle, their private life, their private practices. Actually, these practices, by the time it will be normal. For example, in the beginning, I'm a coffee man, so I really like drinking coffee every morning. So, I always take my coffee, morning coffee, from Starbucks. Suddenly, they changed the straws to a cartoon straws. It was really a bad taste at the beginning, but by the time I recognized that, okay, it's not that big difference. So, it's challenging, but by the time, it was a normal thing to me. It's in my normal lifestyle that I have my coffee with a cartoon straw. That's amazing. I think, from my perspective, the sustainability practices will be specifically in some destinations. I think it can be hard to adapt it in the entire country or with the whole population of the country. So, it's easy to deal with. It's difficult to deal with. It's very good that you pointed out about the sustainability in our culture. I personally believe that this is a new step to us, but I would like to also mention that the Saudi government has taken huge awareness step and initiatives. For example, us, as IHM students, we have been studying about hospitality and the importance of us. It's one of the main visions and goals of our sponsors, Dertzi Development Company. Another thing that I would like to mention, for example, people that are near Dertzi project, you know, tribes and villages, nomads, locals. The locals there, yeah. Yeah, exactly. People who have been living there for years. So, the Saudi government came up with the educational program. For example, if you work there in fishing, the Saudis are creating new ways for you to fish and continue to do your business, but as well as taking care of the environment. So, yes, so I think they are taking huge steps to make sure that everyone is aware. Actually, also when I visited Dertzi, talking about fishing, we had a fishing trip. So, I saw something really different that the boat or the boat engine was eco-friendly, not only by fuel or something that can harm the plants under the sea or the fish or the turtles there. So, it was a really amazing experience that going to a fishing trip without harming the nature of the sea. Excellent, excellent points, Mr. Mohamed. I've heard that you are a tour guide in Al-Ula. Actually, I'm planning to get the certificate of being a tour guide, but at the moment I'm a tour coordinator. So, I plan and do some trips for people visiting Saudi Arabia. I just want to highlight an amazing thing that when I can see the stars in their eyes about seeing how Saudi Arabia is trying to be sustainable more than the countries that they are living in. For example, in Al-Ula, when we are walking in the old town, they can see how we are protecting the buildings, the old buildings that we used to live in a long, long time ago and how we are protecting this area, how we are using the recycle bins, how we are using the sustainability in the restaurants and also the golf cars there. It's electric. So, they really see how Saudi Arabia is working in the sustainability destination. Totally agree, Mohamed. As we can see in Al-Ula, the Royal Commission of Al-Ula, they are doing a big effort to maintain and take care of the historical places and develop the historical area. Actually, I want to add another point to what my colleague said. The government is focusing more on different sources and projects, and most of those projects are mainly focused on sustainable. For example, we can see the PIF having some shares in different companies that run the new destination or run the project by 100% green power. For example, there is a company called Aqua Power that collaborates with most of the Giga projects in Saudi, and most of those destinations are 100% run by the green power. As a result of what you have said, Abdullah, I would like to highlight this. Al-Ula New has been described as the largest green infrastructure project worldwide. Okay, I have a question for people who do visit Al-Ula from time to time basis. What do you think is the major change that happened, the difference of change that happened when we were only locally motivated, and the difference now that we have tourists from all over the world? Because you all know that Al-Ula is one of the faces of tourist attractions in the region. So, I am an Al-Ula lover, actually. I am planning my honeymoon to be in Al-Ula. So, I visited Al-Ula many times when I was young and now. So, going back, for example, 10 years, I remember that I went to Al-Hijr. It's a historical place approved by UNESCO. I remember at that time, everyone can go with his car, everyone can go under the caves, can draw on the mountains, can do actually miserable things. It was allowed because there is no security or anything or tour guides actually there. So, anyone, either the locals or people from around the world, can just take their cars, go to there without any security, without any terms and conditions. So, after a while, I am going to Al-Hijr, Al-Hajra trips now. We can say it's a big difference by taking, you must take a bus and park a bit away from these historical places. There are terms and conditions, there are securities. For example, you are not allowed to enter these caves. You are not allowed to touch these mountains. You can just see it from a bit distance, taking pictures. But you can't engage more with or harm these historical places. Yeah, Mohammed, as we see nowadays, the level of awareness, let's say, of the local people in Al-Ula has been increasing nowadays. The social responsibility becomes very high nowadays. And it's becoming like a trend in our society that how important is the sustainable lifestyle and how to adapt to sustainable activities. Yes, also with young people in the school, they are learning how to be sustainable, but only with school courses. It's also becoming a lifestyle. For example, as I mentioned before, the coffee thing and the Starbucks straws, it was a bit different for me because I have tried normal coffee or the normal straws for a long time. But the new generation, they will try the new sustainable practices, that it will be normal for them. So it's not only with the school courses. It will become by the time it's a lifestyle, normal lifestyle. So do you think, Mohammed, in the near future, the number of the people who are adapting to a sustainable lifestyle will increase? Sure, sure. Actually, as you can see in the reports, the humans or the people in Saudi Arabia, you can see a big percentage of young people. These young people, I'm sure that they will see these sustainable practices as a normal lifestyle. I believe also the government has a main goal of that to happen because when you see the government adapting this new way of lifestyle, it's going to be like encouraging the society and they will influence the individuals. So it's not only the government, we can say the government, the schools, the family and parents also. Yes, I truly believe that the government has showed us light in order to be more sustainable and even the people have reacted to being more sustainable and being more eco-friendly and cleaner to the environment. It was a very positive formation in us. Also, going back to Al Ula and the young kids, I once saw an Al Ula oasis. It's a place, a big sized destination that's all with nature. They can plant in it and how they are planting the orange, making a nature oasis. So once I saw a school trip with the young kids planting there some flowers, some plants and... By the way, Mr. Mohamed, have you heard about the collaboration that's happening with some of the European companies regarding the vertical farming? I know actually, but I think it's an interesting... Yes, they already made a collaboration with Holland companies and German companies. They started? Yes, they already started. And nowadays there are also locals already made vertical farming in Jeddah. I have visited by myself. You have visited? Yes, I was so astonished and amazed. Okay, Chef Nizla. So I have some questions regarding the local flavors and traditions since we are talking about our society and our culture. How do you think that we are reflected and how we are seeing our flavors and traditions? Okay, thank you for having me. Actually, the Saudi Arabian food market is a vibrant and diverse landscape that showcases the rich culinary traditions and local flavors of the region. Embracing sustainability also in agriculture, the country has witnessed a rise in farm-to-table initiatives reducing by that food waste and promoting conscious consumption. Okay, can you tell me one of the actions that you have seen regarding taking care of sustainability in the food and beverage market? Additionally, sustainable fishing practices have been implemented to preserve marine life and ensure a steady supply of seafood. Okay, let me highlight something about the Saudi culture and traditions. The people or the local population here in Saudi Arabia are in love with their culture. For example, we have many traditional dances, Saudi dances. For example, in Riyadh, we have Al-Arda dance. In Medina and Jeddah, we have Al-Mizmar dance. Also, the government is encouraging the local people to celebrate in the formal celebrations like the National Day of Saudi Arabia. Also, the Foundation Day of Saudi Arabia with the dress code of Saudi which is wearing the full Saudi dress, Taub and Shumab. Actually, these dances are not only a form of entertainment but also a way to preserve the heritage of Saudi Arabia and the history of the country. Regarding the music and instruments, also we have that related to our culture and traditions as well as instruments such as Al-Oud and Qanoon. Also, the country is focusing more nowadays on the cultural tourism destinations. For example, like what we have in Riyadh, Al-Dariya Gate. It's a huge area under the development with the using of the old design homes or houses. I went there for the opening ceremony and I saw the Al-Arda dance in the opening ceremony. It shows the visitors that the cultural and the heritage. Also, it shows how the old people of the country used to live. For example, their home, their designs of houses. Also, how they were living in the past with using the tradition dance. You are right, Abdullah. I've seen the diversify of the Saudi culture and instruments in New York. The Saudi orchestra have participated in New York and it was amazing, actually. Yes, actually. The main point of this is to show the world to show the world of our culture. Also, the educational program and government nowadays they are supporting to teaching the instruments and the music in the university. Adding the melodies and the touch of the music of Arabic culture to express and to adapt these new studies. Incredible points, to be honest. I believe that we are not only preserving our culture but we are at the same time showing the world what we stand for and what is the Saudi Arabian culture with our music and our flavors and our activities. Also, I joined MSC Cruise Bellissima. It conducted trips in the Red Sea coast starting from Jeddah, Yumba and other Saudi cities. I was surprised that there are some events or parties with local instruments and songs with local singers. I think also Mohamed, I saw him once dancing there. Tell us about your experience, Mr. Mohamed. Well, it was an amazing experience. I recommend you guys to try it. I explored the Eastern culture with the Saudi culture. It was amazing, actually. That's great. Also, the food in the cruise was amazing. I remember Chef Najla made me a great plate of egg. Yes, actually, I was responsible for cooking breakfast for the whole visitors there. Wow, amazing. Actually, the community is actively involved in preserving traditional cooking methods and cultural practices through food. Also, educational programs are being developed to raise awareness about sustainable practices and healthy eating habits. The government has also implemented regulations to promote sustainability and ensure food safety. There is also a success story of individuals and businesses implementing sustainable practices in the food industry that are inspiring others to follow suit. Looking ahead to the future, trends in the Saudi Arabian food market are expected to focus on furthering sustainability efforts and incorporating listener engagement through interactive experiences such as cooking classes and food festivals. Yes, actually, once I joined one of the cooking classes. It was amazing. Conducted by the Ministry of Tourism. Yes, of course, it's very amazing to have a cooking class in Saudi Arabia. This is a new thing to adopt. Overall, the Saudi Arabian food market is evolving towards a more sustainable and conscious approach. So, just to summarize Ms. Najla's point, this is amazing that we have also entered sustainability about food and at the same time preserving our food. This seems as if it's a pledge for a sustainable tomorrow. Yes, that is. In the past, Saudi Arabia has been heavily relying on oil and faced environmental challenges. However, with the launch of the Vision 2030, the country has made significant strides towards a more sustainable future. Under the Vision 2030, there is a strong focus on diversifying the economy, reducing dependence on oil, and embracing renewable energy sources. The goal is to transition to a greener and more sustainable society. That's true, Mr. Mohamed. As we can see nowadays, the government is focusing more on sustainable projects. For example, we can see the difference between what happened in the past and nowadays in the tourism industry. In the past, there were only... Religions. Yes, exactly. Most of the visitors were pilgrims. But nowadays, we can see the diversity of visitors. This is happening because of all the new projects that have been developed in our country. Education and awareness play a crucial role in this transformation. Saudi Arabia is working on educational reports to raise awareness about sustainability and environmental issues. Do you want to check? Yes, that's right. Do you think, guys, will it be possible to provide some courses related to the sustainability practices, for example, in the high schools or in education? Of course. Apart from that, you can see nowadays the Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia is sending entrepreneurs and people in Saudi Arabia, local people, to abroad countries to have courses about sustainability and hospitality in general. This will result in a great awareness in the Saudi generation. Interesting. Do you remember Mohamed El-Ali and Mohamed El-Haddine when we practiced a sustainability course in Turtle Bay? Yes, actually. This was a great moment in my life. It was the first time learning what is actually sustainability. Hearing about it, but never applied it or know what is even sustainability. But sustainability is around all our life and day usage. For example, I was doing the recycling. I care about the recycling, but I didn't know that recycling is a part of sustainability, for example. Honestly, it's there already in our life, but we didn't give much attention or much care about the sustainability part. It's very simple and all of us can do it easily. Yes, I think it's easy to adapt. It's a simple lifestyle which will help the earth and the environment to be better. I think it will be difficult to deal or to adapt to sustainability practices everywhere in the country. I think it will be more specific in some destinations, maybe with some specific products. I think people will find some difficulty to deal with the sustainable practices in general. Let's say it's not hard, but challenging. We can say it will be step by step. It's hard doing it once, a hundred percent, but let's do it step by step until we reach a sustainable and green life and a green earth. We can say, it's a social responsibility. This is something we have to teach our next generation from the beginning to do these practices and the right practices for a good future and a good environment. I totally agree with your point, Mr. Mohamed. It is a social responsibility. Excellent, excellent point, Mr. Mohamed, that it's a social responsibility. So, to come to a summarizing point to this podcast, I believe that the Saudi government has taken huge initiatives in order for us to become more greener and more eco-friendly environment. So, I would like to thank all viewers and all listeners. I hope that you had an amazing time with us and hopefully we are going to hear from you soon. Thank you, Abdulaziz. Thank you so much. Thank you, everyone.