Riyadh: Forty-two public and private sector entities achieved record performance during a large-scale emergency response exercise simulating the spill of 20,000 barrels of oil into Saudi territorial waters within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, with the hypothetical pollution reaching the coastline of Duba Governorate in southwestern Tabuk Region.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Event Commander at the National Center for Environmental Compliance, Nafel Al-Rashidi, stated that the 'Response 24' exercise tested the capabilities of more than 500 young men and women in responding to a complex pollution scenario under highly demanding conditions, with the aim of assessing operational readiness and strengthening response capabilities.

He added that the participating entities activated the regional operations center in Tabuk to evaluate the region's preparedness for combating marine and coastal pollution. More than 330 land and maritime assets were deployed to simulate a pollution incident covering an area exceeding two square nautical miles offshore.

Al-Rashidi emphasized that all participating entities practically assessed their ability to respond to similar environmental emergencies while enhancing the proficiency of their personnel in using advanced technologies, ranging from satellite monitoring and smart buoys to site cleanup and environmental rehabilitation.

He noted that media organizations also participated to test the relevant entities' ability to manage environmental crises through the media and to promote the concept of environmental media among local media outlets.