As a resident of Saudi Arabia, I’m frequently met with puzzled looks when I express my passion for ocean conservation. People often wonder why someone living in a desert would be concerned about the health of the oceans. Similarly, despite being surrounded by endless stretches of sand, my father founded an ocean conservation foundation. But the truth is, the desert and the ocean are more connected than meets the eye. From influencing weather patterns to supporting biodiversity, the ocean’s impact extends far beyond coastal regions, reaching even the heart of the desert.

Living in the heart of Saudi Arabia, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the ocean. After all, our vast deserts dominate the landscape, covering about 95% of the country. But did you know that Saudi Arabia boasts a coastline stretching over 2,500 kilometers along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf? Despite the desert’s prominence, the health of our oceans directly impacts life in the desert and beyond.

While it may seem counterintuitive, changes in the sea profoundly affect desert environments worldwide. The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating weather patterns, influencing everything from temperature to precipitation. For those of us in arid regions, such as Saudi Arabia, alterations in oceanic conditions can exacerbate droughts or bring unexpected rainfall, impacting agriculture, water resources, and the livelihoods of our people.

But our actions in the desert also have far-reaching consequences for the oceans. From unsustainable agricultural practices leading to soil erosion and runoff, to industrial activities polluting waterways that eventually flow into the sea, what we do inland directly affects marine ecosystems. As desert inhabitants, we must recognize our interconnectedness with coastal communities and marine life.