Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is the largest country on the Arabian Peninsula, covering an area of about 2.15 million square kilometers. It is bordered by Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north; Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain to the east; Oman and Yemen to the south; and the Red Sea to the west. The country’s geography is dominated by vast desert landscapes, including the Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), one of the largest continuous sand deserts in the world. Other major physical features include the Najd plateau in the center, rocky desert regions (hamadas), and coastal plains along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. Mountain ranges such as the Asir Mountains in the southwest are relatively cooler and receive higher rainfall compared to most of the country. The climate is predominantly hot and arid, with extremely high summer temperatures and very low, irregular rainfall.

Agriculture in Saudi Arabia is limited by water scarcity and harsh climatic conditions but has developed through large-scale investment, irrigation, and modern technology. Farming is concentrated in areas with groundwater resources and in irrigated agricultural projects. Major crops include dates, wheat (historically significant though reduced in recent years), barley, vegetables, and fruits such as citrus, grapes, and pomegranates, especially in the cooler southwestern highlands. Date palms are one of the most important agricultural resources and a key cultural and economic product. Modern farming techniques such as center-pivot irrigation, greenhouse production, and hydroponics are widely used to improve efficiency and reduce water consumption. Livestock production, including camels, goats, sheep, and poultry, is also important, though much feed is imported due to limited natural grazing land.

Forestry resources in Saudi Arabia are naturally very limited because of the desert environment. Vegetation mainly consists of drought-resistant shrubs, grasses, and scattered trees such as acacia and ghaf in certain regions. In the southwestern Asir region, higher rainfall supports more diverse plant life, including juniper woodlands. Mangrove forests are found along parts of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coasts, where they play an important role in coastal protection and marine ecosystems. Large-scale afforestation and “green belt” projects have been introduced to combat desertification, stabilize soils, and improve environmental conditions, especially around urban areas and deserts. However, these forests depend heavily on irrigation and managed water systems due to the natural aridity of the region.

The fishery sector is an important traditional activity in Saudi Arabia, particularly in coastal communities along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. These waters are rich in marine biodiversity, supporting species such as hamour (grouper), kingfish, sardines, tuna, shrimp, and cuttlefish. Fishing is mostly artisanal, though commercial fishing and aquaculture are expanding as part of food security strategies. Aquaculture projects, including fish and shrimp farming, are increasingly important in reducing pressure on wild fish stocks and supplying domestic markets. Historically, coastal economies also relied on pearl diving, which was once a major industry before the discovery of oil. Today, fisheries contribute to local employment and food supply but face challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, coastal development, and environmental changes affecting marine ecosystems.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s geography is defined by vast deserts, limited water resources, and scattered fertile zones in highland and coastal areas. These conditions strongly restrict natural agriculture and forestry, but technological innovation, irrigation systems, and aquaculture development have significantly expanded production. Fisheries remain an important but smaller sector compared to oil-based industries. Sustainable water management and environmental conservation are essential for ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and ecological stability in the country.

From 2007 to 2013, Gerold made several work trips to Saudi Arabia for GTZ/GIZ to support the development of organic farming, especially in animal husbandry. In 2007, he worked in Onaisa and Hofuf, running workshops with local farmers and meeting Siegfried Legel again after many years. The visits included media attention at date markets and discussions with the Agriculture Minister. In 2008, he visited large-scale farms, including a huge desert dairy operation, highlighting the contrast between industrial agriculture and organic approaches. In 2012, he led workshops across Quassim, Jizan, and Hofuf for around 100 farmers, visiting several farms and seeing major challenges like water waste and poor feeding practices. In 2013, during his fourth trip, he revisited multiple regions, attended the famous Onaisa date market, and again met officials and farmers. Across all visits, he found the work engaging and the people welcoming, but did not see Saudi Arabia as a place to live.