The 10th Honey Festival kicks off in Al-Ardiyat with the participation of 30 beekeepers
The Governor of Al-Ardiyat, Ali Al-Mahdawi, inaugurated the 10th Honey Festival, with the active participation of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture's office in the governorate. The opening ceremony witnessed a remarkable turnout of visitors and those interested in the beekeeping sector, along with extensive media coverage including Saudi television channels, Al-Ekhbariya, and MBC FM radio, reflecting the growing importance of this annual event on the map of agricultural festivals in the Makkah region.
A marketing platform for more than 30 exhibitors
This year's festival features over 30 exhibitors, including professional beekeepers and producers of natural honey, showcasing the finest varieties of honey for which the region is renowned, such as Sidr, Samra, and Talh honey. The festival's pavilions have attracted the attention of beekeeping specialists, as well as visitors from within and outside the province, reflecting a growing public awareness of the importance of honey as a food and medicinal product, and the need to support related processing industries.
The Ardiyat region is an ideal environment for honey production
Al-Ardiyat Governorate has a long and distinguished history of honey production, thanks to its diverse geography, which combines mountains and valleys rich in lush vegetation and year-round flowering trees. This environment provides a safe and ideal habitat for beekeeping, resulting in honey produced in Al-Ardiyat that is distinguished by its high quality and unique taste, making it competitive in local and regional markets. The festival's continued success for ten consecutive years is a testament to the region's dedication to preserving and developing this agricultural heritage.
Government support and alignment with Vision 2030
The organization of this festival aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which prioritizes the agricultural sector, particularly supporting small farmers and livestock breeders in rural areas. Through these events, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture aims to enhance food security, encourage investment in the beekeeping sector, and transform it from a traditional hobby into a professional industry that contributes to the GDP and provides employment opportunities for the region's youth.
Widespread praise for the organization and turnout
In a related context, Ahmed Al-Faqih, Director of the Ministry's office in Al-Ardiyat Governorate, expressed his appreciation to the supporting entities and media outlets, noting that the festival's high turnout makes it a vital platform for boosting the local honey market. For his part, Engineer Waleed Al-Daghis, Director General of the Ministry's branch in the Makkah Region, commended the organizational efforts and fruitful cooperation between the Ministry's office, local associations, and the North Al-Ardiyat Municipality, emphasizing that these partnerships are the cornerstone of the success of events that enhance the economic value of national products.
Revitalizing tourism and the economy
The Honey Festival in Al-Ardiyat plays a role that extends beyond agriculture, serving as a major driver of economic and tourism activity in the governorate during its duration. The influx of visitors revitalizes local markets and supporting services, thus promoting the concept of agricultural and rural tourism and bolstering efforts toward environmental and economic sustainability in the region.
