MAKKAH: The second edition of the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum will take place in Taif from March 29 to April 11 under the patronage of Prince Fawaz bin Sultan, the governor of Taif.
The forum aims to strengthen Taif’s position as a leading hub for rose and aromatic plant production while promoting related economic and investment opportunities.
Forum spokesperson Khadija Abu Al-Naja said the event serves as a comprehensive platform integrating scientific, economic and tourism dimensions, while highlighting the governorate’s unique strengths in the sector.
The event builds on strong momentum from last year’s forum, which drew more than 350,000 visitors in just 10 days, underscoring Taif’s growing appeal as the Kingdom’s “City of Roses” and a distinctive tourism destination aligned with Vision 2030 goals.
It also reflects ongoing efforts to expand the Kingdom’s rose and aromatic plant industry. The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef), a key supporter of the sector, has helped drive a 34 percent increase in rose production over the past four years, reaching 960 million roses annually.
The program supports more than 400 farmers and aims to boost production to two billion roses annually by 2026, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position in regional and global markets.
