Al-Ahsa governorate is preparing to host the first International Forum for "Rural Saudi," organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture from December 16 to 18, 2024, under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province. The forum, which draws broad international participation, aims to boost the prosperity and sustainability of rural communities through modern technology and innovation.

Advancing rural development through "Rural Saudi"

According to Dr. Maha bint Mohammed Al-Dhahi, chair of the forum's preparatory committee, the event aims to showcase the Kingdom's leading experience with the "Rural Saudi" rural development program, one of the most important government support programs for achieving sustainability in rural areas. The program focuses on empowering smallholder farmers and promoting innovative agricultural practices in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Forum activities

The forum includes a range of activities such as dialogue sessions and workshops led by local and international experts, alongside field visits to model farms and tourist sites. It will also see the launch of the Rural Saudi Academy in partnership with the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, along with the opening of agricultural marketing service centers.

Notable side activities include the Land Culture Exhibition and a sports marathon for participants. The forum will dedicate space to discussing important issues such as rural-to-urban migration, presenting a number of practical solutions to ensure the development and economic sustainability of rural areas.

Attracting investment and strengthening partnerships

The forum will work to attract local and international investment in the rural sector, strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors, and localize modern technologies. It will also provide an opportunity to exchange expertise among participating countries and develop innovative strategies in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship, contributing to food security and economic development.

Achievements of the "Rural Saudi" program

The "Rural Saudi" program, which has earned recognition from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is the largest development program of its kind in the world. It has supported more than 77,000 agricultural projects and exceeded 65% of its targets, helping create extensive job opportunities in rural communities.