Saudi Arabia is using lasers to save lives in the desert. By shooting lasers into the sky, they can point to locations where lost travelers can find water.
The project was created by Mohammad Fohaid Al-Sohaiman Al-Rammali, an explorer and environmental activist, who, during his own desert trips, realized how many people lost their lives along these routes.
According to Mohammad, many of these people died near water sources. “Many people lost their lives in the desert near water resources because they didn’t know there were water resources near them,” he told Arab News.
With this in mind, he created the project to clearly indicate survival locations to travelers. The laser towers are solar-powered, so they charge during the day and shine brightly at night.
The lasers are placed near water sources, such as wells and reservoirs. At night, the lights can be seen from far away, making it easier for the lost to access water. They are built to perform well in desert conditions and require minimal maintenance.
Eleven lasers have already been installed in the Nafud Desert, a vast area in northern Saudi Arabia. In 2021, they announced plans to install 100 more lasers in the region between Hail and Jouf.
Now, the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, and Water has also become involved. Dr. Abdulaziz Alshaibani, Deputy Minister for Water, said they are committed to the project.
“All water resources have been marked to coordinate water distribution. We have drilled wells in the area based on scientific studies,” he said.
The ministry is also ensuring that each beacon is monitored. Each location will have a guard, an operator, and regular inspections to ensure everything runs smoothly.
To guide the lost, @MEWA_KSA is placing 11 solar-powered laser lights near water resources along the desert of Nafud, north of Hail, and throughout Al Jouf Province. pic.twitter.com/FGZY8ZQmWm
— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) September 26, 2021
Photo and video: X @CICSaudi. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
