The 18th Jouf International Olive Festival, held on January 8, 2025, saw the participation of 20 home-based businesses that offered attendees a rich experience exploring heritage crafts and popular dishes reflecting the deep-rooted cultural heritage of Jouf region and the Kingdom.

Heritage Crafts:

The home-based businesses shone by showcasing a variety of traditional handicrafts, foremost among them sadu weaving, one of the traditional Saudi arts. The artisans skillfully wove distinctive products such as household linens, women's clothing, and accessories reflecting an authentic character.

Support for Small Projects:

Organizers explained that the participation came with support from the Social Development Bank, which enabled the home-based businesses to display their products at the festival with the aim of making it easier for them to reach markets and develop their commercial skills. The products on display included perfumes, incense, natural soap, artistic figurines, cosmetics and personal care products, as well as distinctive clothing and handmade items.

Popular Dishes:

Visitors to the home-based businesses area enjoyed tasting traditional popular dishes from Jouf region and the Kingdom, such as fattah and kabsa, alongside the famous bakeelah dish made from samh plant flour mixed with sweet Jouf dates, milk and local ghee, adding a special touch that evoked traditional local flavors to the festival.

Continued Commitment to Heritage:

Festival CEO Omar Al-Hamwan said Jouf Municipality is committed to providing free spaces for home-based businesses at every edition of the festival, with the aim of enabling them to market their products and increase their income, while giving them the opportunity to showcase Saudi cultural heritage to visitors.

Future Vision:

The Jouf International Olive Festival continues to cement its standing as a leading platform for supporting heritage crafts and small projects, offering a unique tourism and cultural experience that combines a rich past with a bright present.