Taif roses: 500 million roses perfume local and global markets
The Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, “Reef Saudi Arabia,” announced exceptional achievements in the cultivation and production of Taif roses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This vital sector has witnessed unprecedented leaps in production volumes, coinciding with a significant increase in global demand. This tangible development has directly contributed to the revitalization of the rose trade, with the sector recording annual production growth exceeding 15%. This translates into substantial economic returns for small farmers and producers in the Taif region, contributing to raising their standard of living in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Deep historical roots for the cultivation of Taif roses
Interest in cultivating Taif roses is not a recent phenomenon; it stretches back centuries. The city of Taif is known as the "City of Roses" thanks to its high mountainous terrain and temperate climate, which provide an ideal environment for this rare and fragrant plant. Historically, Taif roses have been intertwined with authentic Saudi culture and were, and still are, used to perfume the Holy Kaaba, imbuing them with a unique spiritual and cultural significance. The secrets of rose cultivation and distillation have been passed down through generations in Taif, transforming it from a traditional agricultural practice into a professional industry that contributes to the national economy and attracts tourists from around the world to witness the harvest seasons, which are cultural and economic festivals in themselves.
Record figures reflect the scale of agricultural investment
In this context, Majid Al-Buraikan, the official spokesperson for the "Saudi Countryside" program, explained that Taif Governorate is the leading rose-producing region in the Kingdom. Rose farms are spread across several strategic locations, including Al-Hada, Al-Shafa, Al-Hasba, Al-Qadirin, Wadi Mahram, south of Taif, Al-Hawiyah, and Al-Sail. The total cultivated area covers approximately 700 hectares, encompassing nearly 1,300 farms. These farms produce approximately 500 million roses annually, which are processed and their oils extracted in 36 specialized perfumery and manufacturing facilities. The market value of this production reaches approximately 52 million Saudi Riyals.
Economic impact and rising global demand
The economic impact of the rose sector extends beyond local borders, establishing a clear regional and international presence. Al-Buraikan noted that the environmental and climatic conditions in Taif support the efficient growth of more than 20 types of aromatic plants with low water consumption. This unique characteristic has led to increased domestic demand, in parallel with a 10% to 15% annual rise in global demand. These products have diverse applications, including the manufacture of luxury perfumes, pharmaceuticals and therapeutics, and food products such as hot and cold beverages. This expansion opens new export opportunities for the Kingdom and strengthens the position of Saudi products in global markets.
Development efforts and overcoming future challenges
To ensure the sustainability of this growth, the Saudi Countryside Development Program provides comprehensive support, including agricultural extension services, technical assistance, and project financing from planting to marketing. The Taif Rose Producers Association was also established to unify efforts. Internationally, close cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is evident in the implementation of initiatives supporting the sector. Despite these successes, the sector still faces challenges that stakeholders are striving to overcome. The most prominent of these is the need to intensify scientific research to develop plant varieties and to strengthen the role of agricultural cooperatives to facilitate financing and increase the productivity of small farmers, thus ensuring a brighter future for this long-established national industry.
