Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Embraces Agritourism Growth With Taibah University Event Empowering Farmers To Capitalize On Palm Grove Tourism And Boost Local Economic Activity

Published on November 9, 2025

Saudi Arabia is making strides in agritourism, with AlUla’s rich agricultural heritage at the forefront. Taibah University’s event encourages local farmers to diversify their income by transforming their palm groves into attractive tourist destinations. This initiative not only boosts the local economy but also enhances the tourism experience in a region known for its natural beauty and historical significance. By blending sustainable farming practices with tourism, Saudi Arabia is creating new opportunities for both farmers and visitors while preserving its agricultural identity.

Taibah University Event Promotes Agritourism in Saudi Arabia’s Palm Groves, Encourages Farmers to Diversify Income Sources

In an effort to boost agritourism and help farmers tap into new sources of revenue, Taibah University in Madinah hosted an informative event titled “Transform Your Farm into a Tourist Destination” at the Al-Manshiyah Farmers Market in AlUla. The initiative, part of the ongoing AlUla Dates Festival, encourages farmers to diversify their operations by turning their palm groves into attractive spots for visitors, blending the Kingdom’s rich agricultural heritage with tourism.

The event serves as a platform to raise awareness of the economic benefits of agritourism, focusing on the role date palms play in AlUla’s agricultural identity. Saudi Arabia’s natural, historical, and cultural attractions make it an ideal location for such an endeavor, and the initiative aims to expand the economic opportunities available to local farmers. The collaboration between Taibah University and the farmers is designed to enhance the tourist experience while increasing income diversification for the region’s agricultural community.

AlUla, one of the largest date-producing regions in Saudi Arabia, has long been known for its farming practices, which are now evolving to cater to the growing tourism sector. The date palm, often regarded as a symbol of the region’s agricultural history, is central to this initiative. The Saudi government, through the Royal Commission for AlUla, has committed to supporting this industry by encouraging sustainable farming practices and facilitating the growth of agritourism.

The AlUla Dates Festival, running until November 15, has become a key event that highlights the importance of date palms to the local culture and economy. Not only does the festival honor the traditional farming methods that have been passed down through generations, but it also promotes a more modern, sustainable approach to date production, aiming to balance agricultural traditions with innovations in tourism and business.

AlUla’s agriculture sector spans over 15,000 hectares of palm farms, housing more than 4.1 million palm trees that produce around 170,000 tons of dates annually. The harvest season, which runs from August to October, is a peak period for the local economy, especially with the popularity of Barni dates, the most well-known variety from the region, which makes up 80 percent of the annual production.

The local economy benefits not only from direct sales during the harvest but also through events like the AlUla Dates Auction. In 2023, the auction generated over SR12.8 million ($3.4 million) in sales, in addition to SR400,000 from the accompanying marketplace. The auction attracted more than 15,000 visitors, contributing to both regional and international marketing efforts for AlUla’s agricultural products. With each year, sales continue to grow, as evidenced by the 2024 season, where around 1.7 million kilograms of dates were sold, bringing in a total revenue of SR8.8 million. The 2025 season is expected to exceed these figures, marking another significant step forward in the region’s agricultural and tourism development.

One of the key developments in AlUla’s agriculture has been the strong emphasis on training and support for local farmers. The Royal Commission for AlUla has worked diligently to support this sector, providing training to more than 2,500 people, including over 95 farmers and 250 students. Additionally, the Commission has accredited 250 farms under the Saudi Dates Program, helping to improve production standards and ensure sustainable practices. More than 120,000 palm trees have also been treated to enhance their health, ensuring long-term success for farmers in the region.

The opening of local markets such as Al-Manshiyah has been instrumental in connecting farmers directly with consumers and visitors, enhancing the sales of local produce. These markets are not only a hub for the sale of dates but also a space for cultural exchange. They host interactive sessions with renowned chefs who explore the diverse ways dates can be incorporated into new culinary products, showcasing AlUla’s agricultural heritage in innovative ways. These activities contribute to developing agricultural value chains and expanding the economic potential of AlUla’s farms.

The growing focus on agritourism in AlUla aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to diversify the economy and promote sustainable tourism. By transforming palm groves into tourist destinations, farmers can create new revenue streams, and visitors gain a deeper connection to the region’s agricultural traditions. The potential for agritourism in AlUla is immense, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and sustainable farming practices offering a unique experience for travelers.

In addition to promoting agritourism, the event at Taibah University emphasized the importance of integrating modern, sustainable farming techniques with traditional practices to ensure the long-term viability of AlUla’s agricultural sector. With the strong support of the Royal Commission for AlUla and Taibah University, these efforts are helping to transform the region into a model of sustainable agritourism. By encouraging farmers to invest in their land and diversify their income sources, Saudi Arabia is fostering a dynamic, future-focused agricultural economy that can attract both domestic and international visitors.

With the continued success of initiatives like the AlUla Dates Festival and the expanding role of agritourism, AlUla’s agricultural sector is set to become a major player in Saudi Arabia’s tourism and economic landscape. This transformation is not only beneficial for farmers but also for the tourism industry as a whole, offering new opportunities for sustainable development and growth. As the region moves toward a more diversified and robust economy, the legacy of its date palms remains a vital symbol of the rich agricultural heritage that continues to shape its future.