Opening of the first Saudi countryside exhibition and the Tree Initiative in Riyadh
In a move aimed at highlighting the agricultural and tourism potential of the Kingdom's regions, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mashiti, inaugurated the first Saudi Countryside Exhibition . This event serves as a strategic platform to showcase the beauty of Saudi Arabia's rural areas and introduce promising opportunities in sectors supported by the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, "Reef Saudi Arabia."
A window into authentic rural identity
The event was attended by a select group of ministry leaders and those interested in agricultural affairs. Attendees toured the various sections of the exhibition, which was designed to offer a unique visual and hands-on experience. The exhibition aims to take visitors on an exploratory journey into rural identity from innovative and previously unexplored perspectives, showcasing the success stories of farmers and productive families who have transformed natural resources into products of high economic value.
The official spokesperson for the “Saudi Countryside” program, Majid Al-Buraikan, explained that the exhibition represents a live window that allows the public to closely learn about the details of rural life, noting that the program’s role is not limited to material support only, but extends to enhancing the mental image of the countryside as an integrated tourist, cultural and economic destination, which contributes to improving the quality of life in those areas.
Launch of the “Tree” initiative: Integration with Green Saudi Arabia
On the sidelines of the exhibition, Engineer Al-Mashiti launched the “Tree” initiative, a pivotal step in enhancing vegetation cover in the Kingdom. This initiative is fully integrated with the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative , which aims to combat desertification and achieve environmental sustainability.
The initiative adopts a broad participatory strategy, aiming to plant tens of thousands of native seedlings adapted to the climates of different regions this year. To ensure the initiative's success, plans have been developed to collaborate with municipalities, educational institutions (schools and universities), and environmental associations, in addition to involving farmers benefiting from the program's support in the planting and ongoing care processes.
The strategic importance of the Saudi Rural Development Program
This event is particularly significant given the vital role played by the Saudi Rural Development Program in achieving food security and supporting the national economy. Since its inception, the program has worked to develop vital sectors such as coffee cultivation, honey production, fruits, flowers, and rainfed crops, contributing to raising the income levels of small farmers and reducing migration from rural to urban areas.
In this context, Al-Buraikan emphasized that the “Tree” initiative is an extension of the program’s environmental achievements, as “Reef Saudi Arabia” has successfully planted more than 15 million trees over the past years. The initiative’s slogan, “Planting Today… Shade for Tomorrow,” embodies the program’s future vision of connecting citizens with their environment and encouraging active community participation in protecting natural resources for future generations.
