The Royal Commission for AlUla has officially launched the Khayrat AlUla agricultural season, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the region's agricultural sector, enhance production efficiency, and empower local farmers. This move aligns with the governorate's broader sustainable development goals and builds on the commission's ongoing efforts to create a more efficient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem through digital governance, stronger value chains, and the promotion of local produce.
Digital Transformation and Registration of Palm Trees
As part of these efforts, the commission has surveyed and registered more than 4.2 million palm trees, with over 1.5 million enrolled in a smart QR code tracking system. This technology aims to improve quality control and support marketing and export activities. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), AlUla boasts over 20,500 hectares of cultivated land, producing approximately 130,000 tonnes of dates and 14,000 tonnes of citrus fruits annually from more than 400,000 citrus trees.
Ambitious 2035 Targets
These achievements support the commission's 2035 targets, which include increasing agricultural output to SR1.8 billion ($480 million) and date sales to SR1.507 billion, with SR1.226 billion coming from exports. The commission provides advisory, technical, and veterinary services to more than 7,100 farmers, along with specialized training to build skills, increase the number of farms earning the Saudi Dates Mark, and improve the quality and competitiveness of local produce.
Sustainability and Circular Economy Initiatives
As part of its sustainability efforts, the commission is implementing circular economy initiatives and natural resource management measures. These include converting agricultural by-products into more than 334,000 cubic meters of organic compost and reducing water consumption by 47 percent by 2035. The initiatives also feature modern irrigation systems and monitoring tools covering more than 4,000 hectares in Fadla, Hegra, Al-Munshiyah, and Dadan.
Enhancing Visitor Experience and Economic Opportunities
The Khayrat AlUla season enhances the visitor experience through a seasonal program that links local produce with AlUla’s identity as a sustainable destination, showcasing the oasis’s diverse crops and harvest seasons in a cultural and economic setting. The season also provides marketing and business platforms that bring together farmers, cottage industry families, entrepreneurs, local businesses, visitors, and investors. These platforms promote local produce, create new economic opportunities, and link agriculture with AlUla’s growing cultural and economic appeal.
