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’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

Updated 15 December 2025
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Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

  • New milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport 
  • Lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight

JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded a new historic milestone on Sunday with the arrival of the 50-millionth passenger for year 2025.

The 50 million milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport since the launch of civil aviation in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. 

It also placed KAIA among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger numbers. The figure represents a 1.83 percent growth from 49.1 million passenger arrival recorded in 2024.

“This achievement reflects the qualitative transformation at KAIA and its growing status as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world,” the report said.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah. (SPA)

It also underscores the airport’s vital role in enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global tourist destination and a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

KAIA serves as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah.

She was welcomed by JEDCO’s leadership, who greeted her and presented a commemorative gift to mark the occasion.

JEDCO Chief Executive Officer Mazen Johar said that reaching 50 million passengers reflects the airport’s high operational readiness and marks a pivotal milestone in preparations to double this figure in the coming years.