Al-Hariq governorate, Saudi Arabia – January 3, 2025:
The ninth Al-Hariq Citrus Festival got off to a strong start, with striking public turnout: visitor numbers over the festival's first two days exceeded 23,000. That total was split between 8,000 visitors on the first day and 15,000 visitors on the second, pointing to new records ahead during the remaining days of the 10-day festival.

The festival, organized by the National Agricultural Services Company, offers a unique experience blending agriculture, entertainment and culture. Its events have hosted numerous activities appealing to different age groups, including:

  • 36 corners for productive families showcasing a variety of traditional foods.
  • 15 food trucks offering inventive meals to suit every taste.
  • 53 pavilions dedicated to citrus products, 28 honey pavilions, and 22 pavilions for the finest dates and date products.

Visitors also enjoyed a unique experience through a guided field simulating the citrus production journey "from seed to fruit," along with agricultural nurseries displaying different types of citrus trees and offering the chance to learn about cultivation methods.

As part of enhancing the tourism experience, 12 private citrus farms opened their doors to visitors, who enjoyed warm hospitality, Saudi coffee and traditional foods while learning about the citrus varieties grown in the governorate. Tourism trips also included visits to heritage villages such as the Al-Mubaijer Center and the Ibex Reserve, in addition to the Al-Hariq Overlook, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the Tuwaiq mountain range and the entire governorate.

Festival Goals:

  • Supporting and marketing local products, especially citrus, dates, and local honey.
  • Boosting agricultural and heritage tourism in Al-Hariq governorate.
  • Highlighting the quality of agricultural products and sustainable farming practices in the region.

The festival serves as an important platform for farmers and local business owners, drawing visitors from across the Kingdom and the Gulf states, and helping to strengthen Al-Hariq governorate's standing as a prominent tourism and economic destination.