ALULA: The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has unveiled plans for the 2025 Citrus Season, scheduled from January 3 to 11, aligning with the peak citrus harvest period in the region. The initiative reflects the RCU's dedication to enhancing the agricultural sector and positioning AlUla as a top agritourism destination.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Citrus Season is designed to drive economic growth by fostering community-centric initiatives and promoting sustainable development. The event is a crucial platform for local farmers, enabling them to market their produce, which significantly contributes to the region's agricultural and economic landscape by yielding thousands of tons of fruit annually from November through February.
AlUla, with its over 5,000 farms, is home to 405,000 trees that produce 29 varieties of citrus fruits, including oranges, sweet lemons, bergamots, sugar oranges, mandarins, clementines, grapefruits, and kumquats. These farms cover an area of 701 hectares and generate 14,000 tons of citrus fruit yearly, making up a substantial part of Saudi Arabia's total annual citrus production of 160,000 tons. This positions AlUla as a key player in bolstering the national agricultural sector and aiding in economic diversification efforts.
The RCU is committed to advancing AlUla's agricultural industry, aiming to widen economic prospects, enhance producer competitiveness, and create opportunities for local residents. This dedication also extends to offering visitors unique experiences through interactive activities that emphasize agriculture's significance to the region's current and future development.
The 2025 Citrus Season will include exhibition spaces for local families and farmers, diverse events for residents and tourists, and a training course tailored for families and chefs. This course will focus on utilizing citrus fruits in various culinary creations, showcasing the versatility and importance of these fruits in local cuisine.