The 10th Honey Festival kicks off in Al-Ardiyat: 30 exhibitors and government support
In a move reflecting the growing interest in the agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia, the Governor of Al-Ardiyat, Ali Al-Mahdawi, inaugurated the 10th Honey Festival in the province, with the active participation of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. The opening ceremony witnessed a remarkable turnout of visitors and those interested in the field, along with extensive media coverage including Saudi television channels, Al-Ekhbariya, and MBC FM radio, highlighting the increasing importance of this annual event on the national festival calendar.
The geographical context and historical importance of honey in the Ardiyat region
Al-Ardiyat Governorate, in the Makkah Region, boasts a unique geographical and climatic environment that makes it ideal for beekeeping and honey production. The region is historically renowned for producing some of the finest honeys, such as Sidr, Samar, and Talh honey, thanks to the diverse vegetation found in its mountains and valleys. This festival is a continuation of a long tradition of beekeeping, passed down through generations in the region, where honey is an integral part of the cultural and social heritage of the governorate's inhabitants, not merely a commercial commodity.
Details of the tenth edition and community engagement
The tenth edition of the festival features over 30 exhibitors, including leading beekeepers and producers of natural honey, showcasing a wide array of high-quality products. The festival's pavilions have successfully attracted the attention of specialists and visitors from both within and outside the province, creating an interactive platform for exchanging expertise between producers and consumers. This high turnout reflects the growing awareness within the community of the importance of natural honey and its nutritional and therapeutic benefits, as well as the trust the Al-Ardiyat Festival has earned as a reliable destination for genuine honey.
Official praise and ongoing government support
Commenting on the event, Ahmed Al-Faqih, Director of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture office in Al-Ardiyat Governorate, expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the exhibitors and supporting entities, emphasizing that the large turnout proves the festival's success as a leading marketing platform. For his part, Engineer Waleed Al-Daghis, Director General of the Ministry's branch in the Makkah Region, praised the excellent organization and fruitful cooperation between the Ministry office, local associations, and the North Al-Ardiyat Municipality. Al-Daghis affirmed that such events play a pivotal role in raising awareness of the value of local products and enhancing their competitiveness.
Economic impact and alignment of the event with the national vision
The Honey Festival in Al-Ardiyat is not merely a celebratory event; it also carries significant economic and developmental dimensions that align with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in enhancing food security and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. The festival directly contributes to stimulating economic activity in the governorate and opening new marketing outlets for beekeepers, encouraging them to continue production and develop their tools to ensure agricultural sustainability. Furthermore, the festival serves as a catalyst for rural tourism, attracting visitors to enjoy the region's natural beauty and discover its local products, thus promoting comprehensive development in the governorate.
