The Rural Beauty of Saudi Arabia Showcased through “Our Winter is Rural” Initiative
The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, “Reef Saudi,” has unveiled the “Our Winter is Rural” initiative at the “Rural Village Agricultural Fair – Ghee and Honey” event held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh from January 6 to 10, 2025. This program falls under the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and is dedicated to promoting sustainable development.
Embracing the Richness of Saudi Rural Life
The “Our Winter is Rural” initiative aims to highlight the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia, showcasing rural regions as unique tourist destinations that embody the local heritage and offer economic opportunities. It emphasizes iconic local products like ghee and honey, which play a vital role in Saudi rural life and contribute to the national economy.
Empowering Rural Communities for Sustainable Development
Engineer Ghassan Bakri, Secretary General of the Reef Saudi Program, expressed excitement about the initiative, stating that it provides a platform to showcase the exceptional tourism experiences available in Saudi rural areas. The goal is to empower rural communities and enhance their contribution to sustainable development in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Exploring Saudi Rural Tourism at the Agricultural Fair
The “Rural Village Agricultural Fair – Ghee and Honey” event offers visitors the chance to explore success stories from Saudi rural communities, discover unique local products, and engage in authentic rural tourism experiences. Saudi Arabia has become a global hub for rural tourism, attracting visitors with its diverse climates and landscapes.
Recognition for the Reef Saudi Program
The Reef Saudi Program has garnered recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as the largest global development program in its sector. With over 77,000 supported agricultural projects and significant job creation in rural communities, the program has achieved more than 65% of its targets, contributing to the growth of rural economies.
