AlUla, January 02, 2025 – The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is proud to announce the launch of the Citrus Season 2025, set to take place from January 3 to 11. The event will coincide with the peak harvest period, furthering the RCU’s commitment to bolstering the agricultural sector and establishing AlUla as a premier agritourism destination. The Citrus Season is an integral part of AlUla's broader strategy to celebrate and promote the region's agricultural heritage, showcasing its contribution to both local and national economic growth.
The Citrus Season aims to stimulate economic development by supporting community-driven initiatives and sustainable growth projects that benefit both the local population and the environment. As part of this initiative, local farmers are provided with a vital platform to market their produce, with AlUla’s farms yielding thousands of tons of citrus fruits annually between November and February. These fruits significantly contribute to the region’s agricultural output and are a key component of the local economy.
AlUla is home to over 5,000 farms, which together span an area of 701 hectares and are cultivated with more than 405,000 trees across 29 distinct citrus varieties. These include popular fruits such as oranges, sweet lemons, bergamots, mandarins, clementines, grapefruits, and kumquats. Collectively, these farms produce an impressive 14,000 tons of citrus fruit each year, accounting for a substantial portion of the Kingdom’s total annual citrus production, which reaches 160,000 tons. This highlights AlUla's critical role in strengthening the national agricultural sector, supporting Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification, and positioning the region as an agricultural powerhouse.
The RCPU’s focus on expanding AlUla’s agricultural capabilities is in line with its broader vision of fostering sustainable economic growth, increasing producer competitiveness, and creating new opportunities for local residents. Through initiatives such as the Citrus Season, AlUla is also working to offer visitors enriching experiences that highlight the importance of agriculture to both the region’s past and its future. The event provides an opportunity for residents and tourists to engage in hands-on activities that demonstrate the region’s agricultural prowess, while also offering educational and cultural insights into AlUla’s agricultural traditions.
This year’s Citrus Season promises to be a memorable experience, featuring exhibition spaces where local farmers and families can showcase their produce and craft. The event will also include a variety of interactive activities designed for both residents and visitors, such as cooking demonstrations and workshops. A standout feature of this year’s festivities will be a specialized training course aimed at equipping local families and chefs with the skills needed to incorporate citrus fruits into diverse culinary creations. This initiative supports the RCPU’s efforts to diversify the region’s economic base and create value-added opportunities for local products.
Alongside the well-established AlUla Dates Season, the Citrus Season has become a vital component of AlUla’s agricultural economy. Dates and citrus fruits are two of the region’s most important agricultural products, playing an essential role in sustaining local livelihoods and enhancing AlUla’s presence in both local and regional markets. The Citrus Season not only boosts the local economy but also plays a crucial role in advancing the RCPU’s sustainable development goals, furthering the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a global leader in eco-friendly and diversified growth.
In summary, the 2025 Citrus Season in AlUla serves as a vibrant celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage while fostering economic growth and sustainability. It highlights the importance of local produce to the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy, providing both a platform for farmers and a unique experience for visitors. As part of the RCPU’s ongoing efforts to develop AlUla into a world-class destination, the Citrus Season reinforces the region’s growing role as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s agricultural landscape and its commitment to achieving long-term, sustainable development.
