RIYADH: Tucked into Saudi Arabia’s mountainous southwest, Baha’s rural farms are drawing travelers looking for a slower pace of life.
Fruit picking, farming and rustic charm meet Saudi hospitality in the growing tourism trend.
The region is home to 23 licensed rural farms, with more expected as part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to license up to 50 farms across Baha, the Saudi Press Agency said in a report.
The growth is part of a national initiative to promote agritourism and rural development, with farms contributing to the local economy by combining agriculture with heritage-based tourism.
The ministry has supported this development by distributing 15,000 seedlings of crops suited to the region, including blackberries, pistachios, saffron, roses and strawberries.
Seven demonstration fields have been set up as models for successful farming, and small farms have been developed to host agritourism activities, including fruit picking, livestock care and tree planting.
Five agritourism workshops and several entrepreneurial training sessions have been held for farm owners. The ministry has also conducted 25 workshops on licensing procedures and 114 field visits to facilitate agricultural licensing processes.
The licensed farms span various governorates and offer a range of experiences that combine traditional hospitality with the region’s agriculture and cultural identity.
Visitors can sample local cuisine, take part in agricultural activities, and explore handicrafts and social traditions.
During the summer, the farms produce a variety of fresh fruits, including grapes, figs, apricots, pomegranates, blackberries, prickly pears and peaches.
