Al-Baha, January 14, 2024, The ancient village of Thee Ain in the Al-Baha Region of southwestern Saudi Arabia, once renowned solely for its awe-inspiring architectural designs dating back thousands of years, has now diversified its appeal for tourists. Beyond the historic buildings, the expansive banana plantations, marked by their sprawling branches and delightful aroma, have become a captivating attraction for visitors and a source of lucrative economic opportunities for the locals.
In the tourism identity of the Al-Baha Region, bananas have assumed a significant role. The cultivation season in Thee Ain spans from October to December. Despite the challenging high-altitude and cold climate, Al-Baha has successfully established itself as a hub for banana cultivation. Although the bananas produced here may be smaller in size compared to those in other regions, locals attribute their success to the fertile land, moderate weather, and the abundant water supply facilitated through engineered channels.
According to farmer Abdulrahman Al-Amri, Thee Ain is renowned for cultivating delicious bananas distinguished by a unique aroma that sets them apart from other varieties. These small to medium-sized bananas are harvested every 20 days from mature trees that are eight to ten years old.
The distinct tourist identity of Al-Baha draws visitors year-round, creating a surge in demand for the region's famous bananas. Sales skyrocket during the summer, while winter sees an increase in demand as the supply decreases. Recognizing the economic potential of banana cultivation in the region, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has initiated supportive measures. This includes providing seedlings, conducting workshops, and assisting farmers through the Agricultural Terraces Rehabilitation Initiative.
The village of Thee Ain boasts approximately 25 banana farms spread across seven agricultural plots, with an estimated annual production of about four tons. This cultivation not only yields substantial profits for the locals but also presents a low-cost investment opportunity. With prices ranging from SAR15 to SAR20 per kilogram, banana cultivation in Al-Baha ensures good profitability for the hardworking farmers.
