Environment / Jubail Industrial City: A Pioneering Afforestation System to Lower Temperatures and Enhance Quality of Life

Jubail, Muharram 27, 1448 AH, corresponding to July 12, 2026, SPA — Jubail Industrial City is a pioneering model in afforestation and environmental sustainability. Afforestation there is no longer merely an aesthetic option, but a fundamental pillar for building sustainable cities that enhance quality of life in the face of climate challenges and rising temperatures. In this context, Senior Afforestation Engineer at the Afforestation and Irrigation Department of the Royal Commission for Jubail, Engineer Ali Al-Shammari, told SPA that the Royal Commission continues to implement qualitative programs and initiatives to expand afforestation efforts and increase vegetation cover in Jubail Industrial City according to precise scientific foundations. This aims to create a sustainable urban environment, in line with the targets of the Saudi Green Initiative, which culminated in the city winning first place in the "Greening Arab Cities" Award, confirming the success of its pioneering experience.

Al-Shammari explained that vegetation cover plays a pivotal role in improving the urban environment by lowering summer temperatures, absorbing carbon dioxide, improving air quality, reducing dust and particulate matter, in addition to enhancing ecological balance and providing an ideal environment for outdoor activities. He noted that the density of vegetation cover in Jubail Industrial City contributes to lowering temperatures by (5) degrees Celsius compared to areas with lower vegetation cover rates.

He stated that performance indicators reflect the scale of efforts expended in developing vegetation cover, with the per capita afforestation index reaching (88.30) square meters, and the per capita rate of public and open spaces enhancing quality of life reaching (76.08) square meters. Additionally, the city is distinguished by its great plant diversity. To ensure the sustainability of this urban landscape, the Royal Commission has adopted more than (100) species of local and adapted plants, distributed across vertical and horizontal vegetation cover formations, thus contributing to enhancing the urban landscape and raising the quality of life for residents and visitors.

The experience of Jubail Industrial City in achieving environmental sustainability through vegetation cover development embodies a long-term strategic investment in human and environmental health. Each tree planted in the city is a brick in the edifice of sustainable environmental legacy for future generations, thereby strengthening Jubail Industrial City's position as a leading global destination for living and working according to sustainability standards.