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Status of land degradation, desertification and sand encroachment in Saudi Arabia

Copyright licence

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ;

Pages 98 p.

Author Dawelbait, M.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

Category Handbook

ISBN 978-92-5-140351-8

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd6841en

Synopsis (short abstract) Status of land degradation, desertification and sand encroachment in Saudi Arabia has been prepared under the FAO–Saudi Arabia Technical Cooperation Programme “UTF/SAU/051/SAU – Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme (SRAD)”. It provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of the biophysical and socioeconomic factors shaping land degradation across the Kingdom. The report brings together detailed analyses of topography, climate, soils, water resources, evapotranspiration trends, and land tenure systems. It also presents a national-scale evaluation of land degradation status and trends, including ground-level assessments and remote sensing-based analyses using Trends.Earth datasets. A dedicated section examines the patterns, causes, and impacts of sand encroachment in the eastern, western, southern, and northern regions, highlighting the significant economic and environmental implications for agriculture, infrastructure, and communities. The report further reviews the institutional, policy, and legislative frameworks governing desertification control, situating national efforts within regional and international initiatives and Saudi Arabia’s commitments under multilateral environmental agreements. Finally, a forward-looking benchmarking and situation analysis identifies key gaps and opportunities, followed by practical recommendations to support sustainable land and drought management across the Kingdom.

Cite this content as:

Dawelbait, M. 2025. Status of land degradation, desertification and sand encroachment in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh. 



https://doi.org/10.4060/cd6841en

Language English

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