The 10th Al-Hariq Citrus Festival kicks off 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 10th annual Citrus Festival will commence on Wednesday in Al-Hariq Governorate. Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, this prominent annual event underscores the governorate's distinguished agricultural standing and aims primarily to support local farmers and market their produce, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives of enhancing food security and diversifying income sources.
Strategic importance and support for the local economy
The ten-day festival is more than just a marketplace for showcasing products; it serves as a strategic platform for empowering Saudi farmers. The festival aims to develop the technical and marketing capabilities of local producers, thereby contributing to raising the quality of national products and enhancing their competitiveness. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom's general direction towards self-sufficiency in several agricultural crops, with citrus fruits being a prime example due to the favorable climate and soil conditions in the central regions of the country.
Al-Hariq: A unique agricultural and tourist destination
Al-Hariq Governorate boasts a fertile agricultural environment and abundant fresh water, making it home to some of the finest citrus fruits and dates. The festival aims to showcase this rich agricultural heritage and integrate it with the tourism sector, offering a comprehensive "agritourism" experience. The Ministry explained that the tenth edition will feature significant diversity, with the exhibition hosting the largest gathering of farmers and companies specializing in local fruits, dates, and honey, along with extensive participation from restaurants and cafes that utilize local produce in their menus.
Diverse activities and modern technologies
This year's festival features innovative solutions for the agricultural sector, including a focus on digital marketing and smart farming. The Ministry invited visitors and those interested to take advantage of the accompanying educational programs and workshops showcasing the latest agricultural technologies. In addition to the agricultural aspect, the festival allows visitors to explore the governorate's prominent tourist attractions, such as:
- Ibex Reserve: which is one of the most important nature reserves in the region.
- Al-Mufajir Village: which reflects the architectural and social heritage of the governorate.
- The Green Farm: As a model for productive model farms.
It is worth noting that previous editions of the Al-Hariq Citrus Festival have achieved remarkable successes and record sales figures, making it a huge commercial engine that revitalizes the economic activity in the region and attracts visitors from all over the Kingdom and the Gulf countries.
