MADINAH: More than 7,000 visitors attended the “Countryside Winter” festival in Madinah, organized by Reef Saudi, the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, to highlight local agricultural and heritage products while boosting the rural economy.
The three-day event set out to promote rural tourism and show off the authentic rural charm of different regions in Saudi Arabia. It attracted families and individual visitors, with a significant turnout from locals and tourists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The festival reflects the growth of rural tourism in Madinah, according to Reef Saudi spokesperson Majed Al-Buraikan, who said that it had 22 program beneficiaries participating to present a range of products.
These included fresh fruit, natural honey, aromatic oils, and traditional handicrafts, all representing the region’s heritage.
Visitors enjoyed cultural performances, traditional games, and interactive displays of handicrafts and sustainable farming practices, providing an immersive experience for all age groups.
Al-Buraikan said that the strong turnout highlighted the community’s interest in supporting local products, contributing to the economic sustainability of rural communities and enhancing the quality of local production.
He added that each booth at the festival showed a success story, reflecting Reef Saudi’s ongoing efforts to empower small farmers and artisans through training in modern agricultural techniques.
Reef Saudi continues to strengthen the rural economy by supporting small-scale farmers and producers while providing marketing platforms to increase awareness and expand opportunities for local products, he said.
The event is part of wider efforts to boost the local economy and improve living standards in Madinah under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
On Wednesday, officials from the Madinah Region Development Authority said that quality of life, the economy and culture were improving, and that they aim to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.
