Citrus farming in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia has flourished over the past several years and has become a hallmark of the area, passed down through generations of enthusiasts passionate about agriculture. The agricultural significance of Hail lies in its moderate climate, fertile soil, and high-quality water, making it suitable for growing citrus fruits and other varieties, alongside the accumulated expertise of local farmers.
Every year, Hail organizes several agricultural festivals, including the "Hail Citrus Festival," organized by the Cooperative Agricultural Association in the region. The festival aims to showcase the types of citrus commonly found in the area, facilitate the exchange of agricultural knowledge and experiences among farmers and stakeholders to enhance their agricultural products, boost economic activity, and open marketing channels for farmers, targeting new internal and external markets. Additionally, citrus fruits offer nutritional and medicinal benefits and have the ability to combat viral diseases due to their richness in essential vitamins and dietary fiber, particularly Vitamin C.
Engineer Khalid bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Bat'ee, Chairman of the Board of the Cooperative Agricultural Association in the Hail region, explained that the ongoing third edition of the Citrus Festival showcases various distinctive citrus products for farmers, investors, and visitors. It serves to illustrate the Hail region's high relative advantages in the agricultural sector. He noted that citrus farms in the area produce more than 10,000 tons annually across about 1,400 hectares, which accounts for 30 percent of local consumption, and represented 46 percent of the total citrus exports from the Kingdom in 2022, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture statistics. Furthermore, the area has witnessed an annual increase in the area planted with citrus exceeding 5 percent, reflecting a growing interest in citrus cultivation and expansion in the region.
