The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has officially inaugurated the 2026–2027 Khairat AlUla agricultural season, positioning the region as a key player in the agricultural landscape of Saudi Arabia. With an impressive annual output of 130,000 tonnes of dates and 14,000 tonnes of citrus fruits, the initiative seeks to elevate the competitiveness of AlUla's agricultural sector. Spanning over 20,500 hectares, the cultivated land is home to more than 4.2 million palm trees, with over 1.5 million palms now integrated into a smart traceability system designed to enhance product quality and market readiness for both local and export markets.
The commission's ambitious goals include increasing the agricultural sector's gross output to SR1.8 billion by 2035, with date sales projected to reach SR1.507 billion, including SR1.226 billion in exports. To support these objectives, RCU is providing a range of advisory, technical, and veterinary services to over 7,100 farmers, along with specialized training programs aimed at building local expertise. This focus on capacity building is critical as the region seeks to improve the quality of its agricultural products and expand its market presence.
In line with its sustainability initiatives, the commission is advancing circular economy practices by recycling agricultural waste into organic compost and is working towards a 47 percent reduction in water consumption by 2035. Modern irrigation systems and monitoring technologies have been designed for more than 4,000 hectares across key areas, including Fadla and Al-Hijr. The Khairat AlUla season not only enhances agricultural productivity but also enriches the visitor experience, showcasing AlUla's diverse crops and harvest cycles while connecting local products to the region's identity as a sustainable destination.
Seasonal events will serve as marketing platforms, bringing together farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors, thereby expanding opportunities for local agricultural products. This initiative aligns with broader economic diversification efforts in Saudi Arabia, positioning AlUla as a significant player in the agricultural sector and enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination.
The commission's ambitious goals include increasing the agricultural sector's gross output to SR1.8 billion by 2035, with date sales projected to reach SR1.507 billion, including SR1.226 billion in exports. To support these objectives, RCU is providing a range of advisory, technical, and veterinary services to over 7,100 farmers, along with specialized training programs aimed at building local expertise. This focus on capacity building is critical as the region seeks to improve the quality of its agricultural products and expand its market presence.
In line with its sustainability initiatives, the commission is advancing circular economy practices by recycling agricultural waste into organic compost and is working towards a 47 percent reduction in water consumption by 2035. Modern irrigation systems and monitoring technologies have been designed for more than 4,000 hectares across key areas, including Fadla and Al-Hijr. The Khairat AlUla season not only enhances agricultural productivity but also enriches the visitor experience, showcasing AlUla's diverse crops and harvest cycles while connecting local products to the region's identity as a sustainable destination.
Seasonal events will serve as marketing platforms, bringing together farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors, thereby expanding opportunities for local agricultural products. This initiative aligns with broader economic diversification efforts in Saudi Arabia, positioning AlUla as a significant player in the agricultural sector and enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination.
Source: Saudi Gazette
