São Paulo – Citrus fruit production will be celebrated for its heritage and tradition in Saudi Arabia. The Gulf country will host a festival focused on citrus fruits at AlMahkar Farm in the region of AlUla. Arab News reported that growers from across the region are gearing up to show off their produce.
The event will be held on January 7-8 and 14-15. On display will be Jaffa, Baladi and Abo Surra oranges, torounge, clementines, mandarins, sweet lemons, limes, grapefruits, pomelos, kumquats and citrons picked from 200,000 trees across AlUla.
The festival is part of the Royal Commission for AlUla’s efforts to boost economic growth through community initiatives and development projects.
Arab News talked with farmers like eighty-year-old Wedad Shuqair, who grows citrus fruits in the area. According to Shuqair, while AlUla produces many types of citrus fruits, the area is the only place in Saudi Arabia where sweet lemons are grown.
Citrus fruits are a vital part of people’s diets in many Arabian communities due to their health benefits, like being rich in vitamin C. They are also a key ingredient in popular dishes like Kabsa.
The citrus harvest season is an important cultural and economic event for AlUla, with local people enjoying the new crops and growers shipping their produce to buyers in neighboring cities like Medina, Al Wajh, Hail and Tabouk.
As well as the fruit on offer, visitors to the festival will be able to enjoy a range of family-friendly activities and interactive experiences, including cooking with local citrus fruits. French chef Keiko Nagae, who is known for creating healthy fruit-based desserts, will also be giving live demonstrations at the event.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
