RIYADH: A “Bee Basics” training program by the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority is offering qualifications and opportunities that will ultimately strengthen the local economy.

The program provides both theoretical and practical training on the best methods for beekeeping and honey production, reported Saudi Press Agency.

As well as boosting economic development and promoting local products, it empowers young people by developing their skills, introducing them to the latest beekeeping technologies and providing qualifications.

The training program is helping the authority achieve its strategic goals for community development, as well as building industrial leadership.

Once completed, trainees can obtain licenses from the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, and Water, allowing them to practice beekeeping and honey production on the royal reserve in accordance with environmental standards.

They are provided with items such as local beehives, beekeeping jackets and wax scrapers. The authority also provides technical support and consultations for a full year, as well as marketing services.

The royal reserve is well known for the quality of its honey varieties, such as sidr, talh, sayyal and shafallah honey. The authority provides places for beekeepers to set up hives in accordance with regulations that guarantee the preservation and sustainability of natural resources.

Since 2020, around 10,584 beneficiaries have shared honey industry funding of SR140 million ($37.3 million) from the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, also known as Saudi Reef.

Honey production in the Kingdom reached 3,120 tonnes in 2023, a 41 percent increase on 2021. The aim is to increase this to 7,500 tonnes by 2026.

JEDDAH: Soudah Development, a real estate company owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, has teamed up with Warner Bros. Discovery International to produce three short films to promote the beauty, culture and heritage of the Soudah region in the Kingdom’s southwest.

The partnership will focus on Soudah Peaks, a luxury mountain tourism destination in Abha region, set 3,000 meters above sea level.

The documentaries will air around the world this summer on WBD’s Discovery Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel, Eurosport 1 and 2, as well as on international social media platforms.

Eng. Saleh Al-Oraini, CEO of Soudah Development, said: “We are delighted to join forces with Warner Bros. Discovery to unveil the exceptional beauty and cultural significance of the Soudah region, along with Saudi Arabia, on a global scale.

“This collaboration marks a pivotal step in our endeavor to position Soudah as a unique luxury mountain tourism destination and we are confident that it will captivate travelers from around the world.”

The Soudah region’s diverse fauna and flora, landscapes and agricultural traditions, like beekeeping, will all feature in the films.

Mike Rich, head of sports and lifestyle international brand partnerships at Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “Partnering with Soudah Development presents an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the unique appeal of Soudah Peaks through our influential media platforms.

“We are thrilled to bring captivating stories of Soudah’s natural wonders and cultural heritage to our viewers. We eagerly anticipate a successful collaboration.”

The partnership comes after Saudi property developer Red Sea Global in April teamed up with Warner Bros. Discovery to produce a 45-minute documentary titled “Beneath the Surface: The Fight for Corals.”

Released on Earth Day, the film chronicles the work of Saudi free diver and environmentalist Salma Shaker and illuminates the remarkable resilience of Red Sea corals and their pivotal role in bolstering global coral health.

“Soudah is not merely a tourist spot, it’s a sanctuary of tranquility and natural marvels,” Saudi environmentalist Hussain Asiri told Arab News.

“With this newfound exposure, I’m sure we will see a concerted effort toward responsible tourism, one that cherishes and conserves our environment while showcasing its magnificence to the world.”

Mohammed Al-Malky, a local tour guide, said: “Soudah’s beauty isn’t just for us to enjoy, it’s a treasure that deserves global recognition. Hopefully, these documentaries will inspire more people to visit and experience the magic of our mountains and valleys.”