RIYADH: Buraydah hosted the 16th Klija Festival from Jan.31 to Feb.9 at King Khalid Cultural Center, which attracted a large number of visitors.
The festival’s pavilion featured 10 sections with displays of beekeeping, honey, and olive oil products, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Visitors were able to explore a wide range of honey types and select their favorites from the diverse range of offerings.
Beekeeper Walid Al-Faifi said that at a young age he inherited the art of beekeeping from his father.
With more than 30 years’ experience, he presented several honey varieties at the festival, including sidr, samar, majra, and talh.
Beekeeper Abdulsalam Al-Muqbel, who has eight years’ experience, discussed the secrets of the profession that allow him to produce various honey types, such as wild sidr, fennel, arugula, citrus, shaflah (caper), talh, samar, and alfalfa honey, as well as pollen, local propolis, and royal jelly.
Beekeeper Mohammed Al-Muhaimid said that he was participating to be able to introduce visitors to the importance of honey, particularly its health benefits.
He highlighted its use as a natural ingredient in many dishes, including klija, and as a healthier alternative to sugar in tea.
Al-Muhaimid said that honey production demands significant time, effort and careful attention to the right conditions to ensure the best quality.
The 16th edition of the Klija Festival in Buraydah has garnered substantial attention with strong support from the region’s emir.
It promotes financial sustainability as an excellent platform for productive families and owners of small and startup businesses, offering them the opportunity to display their products and engage directly with customers.
