A Saudi woman excels in producing essential oils from Taif roses
Saudi woman Hafiza Al-Suwaidi embodies an inspiring model of an ambitious woman. Her remarkable journey began with extracting essential oils from Taif roses some 16 years ago. She started by relying entirely on manual labor, from meticulously picking the roses in Taif's farms to the traditional distillation process. Despite the physical effort and time commitment required, her deep passion and love for her work drove her to master and develop the craft, ultimately leading to the establishment of a distinctive brand offering luxurious cosmetics and natural products that compete strongly in the market.
The historical legacy of producing essential oils from Taif roses
For centuries, Taif has been known as the “City of Roses,” its name synonymous with the cultivation of this unique variety of rose, renowned for its exquisite and penetrating fragrance. Historically, the extraction of essential oils from Taif roses relied on traditional methods passed down through generations, using copper vessels known locally as “karka.” This cultural and agricultural heritage was not merely a source of income, but also shaped the identity of the entire region. Ms. Hafiza’s efforts are a continuation of this rich history, as she has preserved the authenticity of the product while introducing modern technologies that ensure higher quality and production volumes to meet growing demand, thus reinforcing Taif’s position as the capital of natural perfumes in the Middle East.
Turning point and government support through the Riff program
Hafiza Al-Suwaidi recounts that the pivotal turning point in her career came when she discovered the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Program, “Reef Saudi Arabia.” The program provided her with generous support, including guidance, mentorship, and specialized training. Thanks to this support, she was able to transition from manual labor to purchasing modern, state-of-the-art distillation equipment. Her ambition didn't stop there; she expanded into developing other processing industries based on rose extracts, such as the production of natural soaps, body oils, and skin scrubs. This product diversification contributed to expanding her customer base and significantly increasing her brand's visibility.
Economic impact and access to global markets
Ms. Hafiza's success wasn't limited to personal profit; it extended to a tangible economic and social impact. She became the first Saudi woman to professionally distill Taif roses, paving the way for many other women to enter this field. Thanks to the quality of her products, she was able to penetrate regional markets, beginning to export to Gulf countries such as the United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai, and the Sultanate of Oman. Internationally, her efforts culminated in receiving a certificate of appreciation from UNESCO. Furthermore, she provides specialized training courses both within the Kingdom and abroad to pass on her expertise to future generations, thus strengthening the Saudi presence in the global perfume industry.
Empowering the agricultural sector in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030
The success story of Ms. Hafiza Al-Suwaidi is a true reflection of the ongoing efforts of the “Reef Saudi Arabia” program to support the rose cultivation sector. The program works diligently to improve agricultural practices in production areas and provide farmers with the latest technologies to increase productivity. It also offers demonstration plots aimed at boosting production and achieving profitable economic returns for farmers and investors. These efforts are fully aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify national income sources, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and empower Saudi women to be active partners in sustainable economic development.
