For travelers lost in the desert, the ordeal of finding safe ground and water often leads to unfortunate situations that get worse before they get better. But a new Saudi initiative aims to create a beacon and safe haven for the lost and wary. The vast Nafud desert in the north of the kingdom is known for its scarce water sources. People with more or less outdoor experience can get lost in large, arid deserts. Even with strong survival skills, this is still a cold and dangerous place.
Suhayman, an environmental activist and explorer, came up with the initiative to place laser beacons near desert water sources after many rescue attempts in the northern region of Hail. "Many people die in the desert near water resources because they don't know that water resources are close to them," he told Arab News.
He added that he came up with the idea when he realised the stranded were in a state of distress, even if they were experienced outdoorsmen who could easily miss the water source. With the help of a specialist company under the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Water Regulation, the first of 11 solar lighthouses was lit last week and the rest will be lit in the coming weeks. Night laser beacons are used so that anyone lost in the desert can see lights at night and know where to find water. His initiative has caught the attention of a top businessman in the region, who will invest enough cash to build 100 beacons between Haile and Jouf.