The Najran heritage festival is showcasing traditional crafts, heritage clothing, locally produced honey, and agricultural products, drawing attention to the region's cultural identity and rural economy. Organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch near the Historical Palace of the Emirate, the event features a dedicated handicrafts pavilion with woven mats, baskets, fans, brooms, and traditional oil presses. Artisans noted that these heritage products remain popular locally and across the region for their durability and craftsmanship, and that the festival provides valuable opportunities to market their work.
Traditional Clothing Pavilion Attracts Visitors
The traditional clothing pavilion has become a major draw, with a key attraction being the display by Ali bin Mohammed Al-Abdullah, Najran's oldest traditional tailor with more than 65 years of experience. His exhibit features heritage garments commonly worn at national occasions. Al-Abdullah emphasized that preserving these traditional garments and encouraging children to wear them at social events strengthens the younger generation's connection to their cultural heritage and national identity.
Honey Sector Emerges as Economic Resource
Honey and its byproducts have emerged as a promising economic resource in Najran. The region produces a variety of natural honey, including sidr, talh, samar, salam, and qardh, as well as value-added products such as soaps, creams, royal jelly, and propolis. Honey prices range from SR100 to SR400 ($26.7 to $107) per kilogram, depending on type, quality, and packaging. Growing demand for processed products is helping diversify beekeepers' income and boost the sector's economic value.
Awards and Government Support
Najran beekeepers have won gold and platinum awards at international competitions, reflecting the high quality and global competitiveness of local honey. Supported by initiatives from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the sector has advanced through modern beekeeping practices, higher production, and the preservation of local bee strains. These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable agriculture, empowering rural beekeepers, and enhancing honey production quality and growth.
The festival continues to attract growing crowds across its pavilions, which also feature local dates, citrus fruits, and family-run agricultural products, further highlighting the region's rich cultural and economic heritage.
