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eISSN: 2083-5906
ISSN: 1230-1485
ISSN: 1230-1485
REVIEW PAPER
Wetlands in Saudi Arabia: Review and Assessment
of the Environmental Hazards in Al-Asfar Lake
1
Water and Environmental Study Centre, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Submission date: 2025-06-27
Final revision date: 2025-07-23
Acceptance date: 2025-08-23
Online publication date: 2025-09-25
Corresponding author
Khalid Guma Biro Turk
Water and Environmental Study Centre, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Water and Environmental Study Centre, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Wetlands are among the most significant ecosystems on the planet. Therefore, this review paper
aims to provide a comprehensive overview of wetlands in Saudi Arabia’s arid climate, highlighting
the environmental risks that affect the ecosystem of Al-Asfar Lake. The majority of Saudi Arabia
is characterised by dry terrain. However, there are several tiny and large natural wetlands and
constructed wetlands located along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf coastlines. Al-Asfar Lake is situated
prominently in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. This article summarises the analytical aspects of the
available publications on wetlands in Saudi Arabia, particularly taking Al-Asfar Lake as a case study.
The review consequently revealed that water quality and environmental hazards were the main concerns
of Al-Asfar Lake’s ecosystem and biodiversity. This review also highlights the necessity of conducting
thorough investigations of wetlands in Saudi Arabia to describe and identify their locations, coverage
area, land-use system, and important flora and fauna. Such investigations can include evaluating
the lake’s hydrology, water quality, and the conditions of the flora and fauna. Modelling approaches
using wetland eco-hydrological models can be employed considering potential future climate scenarios.
The outcomes of such investigations may guarantee the wetland’s sustainability for a long time.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
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