Madinah henna growers eye economic opportunities 

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The plant is known for its light green color and strong herbal fragrance, which indicate its quality. (SPA photo)
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The plant is known for its light green color and strong herbal fragrance, which indicate its quality. (SPA photo)
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Powdered henna leaves. (SPA)
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Updated 15 August 2025
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Madinah henna growers eye economic opportunities 

  • Incentive measures have been provided by the relevant authorities in the Madinah region to encourage local henna production and export

RIYADH: Madinah is considered one of the leading regions in the Kingdom for cultivating henna, which is renowned for its high quality and unique characteristics. 

The plant is grown in several locations in the region, such as the governorates of Wadi Al-Fora’a and Badr. 

Madinah henna is regarded as one of the best varieties in the world due to its purity and natural properties.

It is known for its light green color and strong herbal fragrance, which indicate its quality.




Henna has long been used to dye and nourish hair, increase its thickness, and reduce hair loss, and as a natural substance to cool the skin in high temperatures. (SPA)

The plant is also organically cultivated, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, making it safe to use.

The uses of Madinah henna are varied, but it has widespread application in cosmetics, where henna leaves are ground into a fine powder and then mixed with water, olive oil, or coconut oil for added moisture, or with essential oils to enhance its color and improve texture. 

Henna has long been used to dye and nourish hair, increase its thickness, and reduce hair loss, and as a natural substance to cool the skin in high temperatures. 

FASTFACTS

• Madinah henna is regarded as one of the best varieties in the world due to its purity and natural properties.

• Henna can also be converted into derivative products such as powders, pastes, and essential oils to increase the economic value of this agricultural product and enhance its profitability.

It is also used for decorating hands and feet, cleansing the skin, and reducing pigmentation.

A report issued by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce has reviewed the investment opportunities provided by henna cultivation, noting the possibility of expanding henna farming using modern irrigation techniques to increase production, developing value-added henna products such as scented henna or organic henna, and targeting international markets by promoting henna as an authentic Madinah product.




Henna is also used for decorating hands and feet, cleansing the skin, and reducing pigmentation. (SPA)

The report suggested Madinah can benefit from opportunities in agricultural investment, livestock production, as well as industrial investment based on production inputs from agricultural crops, derivatives, or waste related to these crops and others. 

Henna can also be converted into derivative products such as powders, pastes, and essential oils to increase the economic value of this agricultural product and enhance its profitability.

Incentive measures have been provided by the relevant authorities in the Madinah region to encourage local henna production and export.

Henna is among the targeted sectors of the Reef program to support productive families and professions linked to local production, and to provide financial support to farmers and agricultural professionals, especially given the relatively low cost of cultivating the product. 
 


Jeddah Book Fair set to showcase rising Saudi literary scene

The event reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural hub attracting major publishers, content creators and investors. (SPA
Updated 09 December 2025
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Jeddah Book Fair set to showcase rising Saudi literary scene

  • This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is preparing to host the Jeddah Book Fair from Dec. 11 to 20 at Jeddah Superdome, bringing together more than 1,000 local and international publishing houses and agencies from 24 countries across 400 booths. 

Held under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the fair is part of the commission’s “Saudi Reads” campaign, which seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.  

Jeddah Book Fair’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage. (Supplied/@saudibookfairs)

Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasil, CEO of the commission, said the Jeddah Book Fair reflects the leadership’s continued commitment to cultural development and the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s literature, publishing and translation sector.

He highlighted the fair’s interactive programs for publishers, authors, translators and the public, which are designed to enhance content quality, support creative development and foster knowledge partnerships.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jeddah Book Fair seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.  

• It will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events. 

• The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers.

The event also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural hub attracting major publishers, content creators and investors.

This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops. A dedicated children’s zone will feature literary and entertainment activities tailored to young visitors, along with competitions to inspire reading and creativity.

The fair will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events. 

Book-signing stations will give readers the chance to meet their favorite authors, while cultural organizations, community groups and universities will present their latest publications and initiatives.  

A manga and anime zone will highlight collectibles from the genre, alongside specialized books. A discounted books section will also be available to promote wider access to reading.  

The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers, where hundreds of titles across literary and cultural fields will be showcased, underscoring the fair’s role in nurturing local talent and enriching the Kingdom’s evolving literary scene.