The 10th edition of the Citrus Festival kicks off in Al-Hariq under the patronage of the Prince of Riyadh
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh Region, the Governor of Al-Hariq, Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Jarba, inaugurated the 10th edition of the Al-Hariq Citrus Festival on Thursday. The festival, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, is a prominent annual event and part of a comprehensive strategy to support the agricultural sector in the Kingdom and highlight the economic and tourism potential of the region.
The agricultural and historical importance of Al-Hariq Governorate
Al-Hariq Governorate holds special importance on the agricultural map of Saudi Arabia, historically known for its fertile soil and fresh groundwater, making it an ideal environment for cultivating various types of citrus fruits and dates. Al-Hariq's farms are a major source of high-quality oranges, tangerines, and lemons for the capital, Riyadh, and surrounding areas, rivaling imported products in quality. The festival's continuation for the tenth consecutive year reflects the depth of the region's agricultural heritage and the farmers' commitment to developing their production methods.
Economic dimensions and their alignment with Vision 2030
The festival is more than just a seasonal market; it serves as a vital economic driver, contributing to food security, a key objective of Saudi Vision 2030. By empowering local farmers and providing them with direct marketing channels, the festival promotes self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on imports. The event also aims to encourage investment in agricultural processing industries, creating new job opportunities for young men and women in the region.
Diverse events and unique tourist destinations
The festival runs for 10 days, featuring a large exhibition that brings together leading farmers and agricultural companies to showcase citrus fruits, dates, and the local honey for which the region is renowned. In addition to its agricultural focus, the festival emphasizes promoting agricultural and rural tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to explore prominent tourist attractions in Al-Hariq, such as the Ibex Reserve, one of the most important wildlife reserves in the Kingdom, and the heritage village of Al-Mufajir, as well as the lush farms that welcome visitors to experience fruit picking and enjoy the rural atmosphere.
Government support and continuous development
In this context, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Mansour, Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in the Riyadh region, affirmed that the festival serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise among farmers and other stakeholders. He noted that the Ministry is offering specialized workshops during the festival on the latest smart farming technologies and pest control methods, with the aim of enhancing production efficiency and sustainability. The Ministry invited all citizens and residents to visit the festival, enjoy the accompanying entertainment and cultural activities, and support local products, which have proven their quality and high competitiveness.
