Environment and Habitat

Water scarcity is one of the main environmental issues in the Middle East. About ten countries in the region are water-stressed countries.

Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday, its strategy for the 'Riyadh Vision'. The plan was revealed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and it aims to make Riyadh among the world's top 10 economic cities in order to drive forward the country’s economic, industrial and tourism growth in the upcoming years. 

Saudi Arabia has pledged to build a car-free, zero-emissions city. The construction of the city, dubbed 'The Line', is the first major step in developing its futuristic NEOM business zone. The construction is set to start within months. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of the city in a televised presentation on Sunday.

Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have held multiple rounds of talks since Ethiopia broke ground on the project in 2011 but they have so far failed to produce an agreement on the filling and operation of the vast reservoir behind the 145-meter tall dam.

The Jordanian Ministry of Environment announced on Sunday that it would work to create a marine reserve in the Red sea. The reserve in the port city of Aqaba will be Jordan's first marine reserve with the object of preserving coral reefs and marine ecosystems as well as promoting sustainable development.

ICRC and the British Red Cross impliment projects with communities of Aghdam, Terter and Fuzuli regions.