Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, the 10th annual Citrus Festival will commence on Wednesday in Al-Hariq Governorate. Organized and supervised by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, this prominent annual event aims to support local farmers and market their high-quality produce, directly contributing to food security and promoting tourism and leisure activities in the governorate, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Strategic importance and historical agricultural depth
Al-Hariq Governorate enjoys widespread renown and a prominent historical position on the agricultural map of Saudi Arabia. Its fertile soil and abundant groundwater make it an ideal environment for cultivating the finest citrus fruits and dates. The launch of the tenth edition of the festival further solidifies this rich agricultural heritage. The festival has evolved from a mere seasonal market into an economic and cultural platform reflecting the significant development of the agricultural sector in the Kingdom. The festival aims to highlight the productive capabilities of Saudi farms and bolster consumer confidence in locally produced goods, which now rival imported products in quality and taste.
Diverse activities and support for the local economy
The ministry explained that the ten-day festival includes a wide range of activities. The highlight is the large exhibition, the largest gathering of farmers and specialized companies in the region, showcasing a diverse selection of citrus fruits (oranges, tangerines, lemons) and seasonal produce, as well as dedicated sections for premium dates and natural honey. Several restaurants and cafes that support local content are also participating in the festival, creating promising investment opportunities for local producers and entrepreneurs.
In keeping with technological development, the festival includes innovative pathways and solutions to serve the agricultural sector, including workshops on digital marketing and smart agriculture, to enable farmers to develop their technical and marketing capabilities and increase production efficiency.
An integrated tourist destination and national objectives
The festival's role extends beyond agriculture, playing a pivotal part in boosting domestic tourism. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural and heritage landmarks of Al-Hariq Governorate, such as the Ibex Reserve, one of the most important wildlife reserves in the Kingdom, the Al-Mufajir Heritage Village, and the Green Farm. This integrated tourism experience aims to combine agritourism with ecotourism, enhancing the region's appeal as a preferred destination for visitors from within and outside Riyadh.
It is worth noting that previous editions of the Fire Festival achieved remarkable successes and record numbers in sales volume and visitor numbers, which confirms the positive economic impact of this event on the development of the governorates and the strengthening of the non-oil national economy.
