The 18th Al-Jouf International Olive Festival, held in Sakaka from January 2 to 12, highlights Al-Jouf's leadership in olive cultivation, featuring over 23 million trees, 16,000 farms, and producing 80% of Saudi Arabia’s olive oil.
Sakaka, January 7, 2025 – The 18th Al-Jouf International Olive Festival has reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone of tourism and economic activity for both Saudi Arabia and the Al-Jouf region. Held at the Prince Abdullah Cultural Center in Sakaka from January 2 to 12, this year’s festival has drawn significant attention from visitors, tourists, and investors, both locally and internationally, showcasing the region's leadership in olive cultivation and olive oil production.
The event has attracted a diverse array of participants, including local, regional, and international olive and oil producers, processing industries, agricultural associations, and companies. Al-Jouf’s reputation as the Kingdom's "land of olives" is well-deserved, home to over 23 million olive trees and recognized by the Guinness World Records as the site of the world’s largest olive farm. These trees yield an impressive 150,000 tons of table olives annually, processed by approximately 30 local presses into premium olive oil. The region is also home to over 16,000 olive farms and cultivation projects, underscoring its significance in Saudi Arabia's agricultural landscape.
The festival plays a vital role in supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and families engaged in cottage industries. By providing dedicated spaces for these groups to showcase their products, the event fosters growth, encourages innovation, and expands access to new consumers and potential business partners.
Omar bin Abdulaziz Al-Hamwan, CEO of the festival, highlighted its enduring importance as an iconic symbol of Al-Jouf's identity. He noted that the region produces over 20,000 tons of olive oil annually, representing 80% of the Kingdom's total production. This year, the festival has broadened its international appeal, welcoming participants from seven countries renowned for their expertise in olive cultivation and oil production: Spain, Italy, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Palestine.
The 2025 festival features 45 farmers and five agricultural companies, alongside a robust scientific and quality assurance component led by Al-Jouf Municipality's laboratory. The laboratory has conducted over 2,100 tests on samples provided by participating farmers, analyzing more than 40 tons of olive oil and seven tons of table olives for acidity, rancidity, and metal content. Products that meet the stringent standards are awarded certification labels, confirming their safety and quality for display and sale.
Beyond its agricultural and economic significance, the festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage through a variety of engaging programs. Visitors can enjoy traditional folk art performances, the Saudi Ardah, and displays of traditional fashion and handicrafts such as Sadu weaving. Additionally, the event includes plastic arts, poetry recitals, and cultural evenings, further enriching the festival experience and connecting attendees with the Kingdom’s vibrant traditions.
The Al-Jouf International Olive Festival continues to be a shining example of how regional strengths can contribute to national objectives, fostering tourism, supporting local industries, and promoting Saudi Arabia’s global reputation in agriculture and culture.
