Saudi Reef Targets 2 Billion Roses Annually by 2026

The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef) is supporting more than 400 rose farmers and has set a target to produce two billion roses annually by 2026, following a 34% increase in production over the past four years to 960 million roses per year. The announcement was made during the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in Taif Governorate, where Saudi Reef is participating as a co-sponsor, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The program’s efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030 goals to enhance food security, develop rural areas, and improve agricultural efficiency.

Have you ever considered how a single flower can symbolize a nation’s agricultural renaissance? In the highlands of Taif, the fragrant damask rose has been cultivated for centuries, and today it stands at the heart of a modern transformation. Saudi Reef, an initiative under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, is empowering local farmers to scale up production, adopt sustainable practices, and connect with global markets. The forum in Taif brings together experts, investors, and policymakers to explore innovations in rose cultivation and aromatic plant industries, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a leading producer. This development matters not only for its economic potential but also for its role in preserving cultural heritage and improving livelihoods in rural communities.

Context and Background

Why is the rose and aromatic plant sector so vital to Saudi Arabia’s agricultural strategy? The Taif rose, known for its intense fragrance and high-quality oil, has been a cornerstone of the region’s identity for generations. However, like many traditional industries, it faced challenges such as water scarcity, climate variability, and limited market access. Saudi Reef was launched to address these issues by providing training, resources, and infrastructure support to farmers. The program’s participation in the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum underscores its commitment to modernizing the sector while honoring its heritage. By co-sponsoring the event, Saudi Reef signals that collaboration between government, private sector, and local communities is essential to achieving sustainable growth.

The forum, held in Taif, serves as a platform to showcase success stories and share best practices. It also highlights the importance of research and development in improving yields and quality. Saudi Reef’s Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication, Majed Al-Buraikan, emphasized that the program’s involvement aligns with national efforts to empower farmers and promote initiatives in the rose and aromatic plant field. He noted that Saudi Reef is a strategic partner in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation, particularly in regions renowned for producing Taif roses and aromatic plants, such as Jazan and Aseer. These regions possess unique agro-climatic conditions that favor the cultivation of high-value crops, and Saudi Reef is helping farmers capitalize on these advantages.

Key Details

What exactly has Saudi Reef achieved so far, and what lies ahead? According to Al-Buraikan, the program supports over 400 farmers and has recorded a 34% increase in rose production over the past four years, reaching 960 million roses annually. This impressive growth is attributed to improved farming techniques, better access to inputs, and enhanced market linkages. The target of two billion roses per year by 2026 represents a ambitious yet achievable goal, reflecting the program’s systematic approach to sector development. To reach this target, Saudi Reef is investing in modern irrigation systems, pest management, and post-harvest handling, while also facilitating access to finance and insurance for smallholder farmers.

Moreover, the program is focusing on value addition through the production of rose oil, perfumes, and other derivatives, which command higher prices in international markets. By diversifying product offerings, farmers can increase their incomes and reduce vulnerability to price fluctuations. The forum in Taif provides an opportunity to showcase these products and forge partnerships with global buyers. Saudi Reef’s efforts are also aligned with the National Agriculture Strategy 2030, which aims to achieve food security, environmental sustainability, and economic diversification. The rose sector, though niche, contributes to these goals by creating jobs, supporting rural economies, and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage on the world stage.

International and Regional Impact

How does Saudi Arabia’s rose production influence regional and global markets? The Kingdom is already a significant player in the global rose and aromatic plant trade, and the projected increase to two billion roses annually will further solidify its position. Countries in the Middle East and beyond import Saudi rose oil and related products for use in perfumery, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. By scaling up production, Saudi Arabia can reduce its reliance on imports and potentially become a net exporter, contributing to trade balance and economic resilience. Regional neighbors, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), may benefit from knowledge sharing and joint ventures, as Saudi Reef’s model could be replicated in similar agro-climatic zones.

On the international stage, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable agriculture resonates with global efforts to combat climate change and promote biodiversity. The rose and aromatic plant sector, when managed responsibly, can sequester carbon, conserve soil, and support pollinators. Saudi Reef’s emphasis on environmental stewardship aligns with the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, which aim to plant billions of trees and restore degraded land. By participating in forums like the one in Taif, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its willingness to engage with international partners and share its expertise, enhancing its soft power and diplomatic ties.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Why is the rose sector economically significant for Saudi Arabia? Agriculture contributes a modest share to the Kingdom’s GDP, but high-value crops like roses and aromatic plants offer disproportionate benefits in terms of employment, rural development, and export earnings. The sector employs thousands of people, many of them women and youth, providing them with stable incomes and preserving traditional skills. Saudi Reef’s support helps smallholder farmers overcome barriers to entry, such as limited capital and technical knowledge, enabling them to participate in the formal economy. As production increases, economies of scale will lower costs and improve competitiveness, making Saudi roses more attractive in global markets.

Strategically, the development of the rose sector reduces Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil by diversifying the economy, a core objective of Vision 2030. It also enhances food security by promoting domestic production of non-food agricultural products that can be traded for food imports. Furthermore, the sector’s growth stimulates ancillary industries, such as logistics, packaging, and tourism, as visitors flock to Taif during the rose harvest season. The annual Taif Rose Festival, for instance, attracts thousands of tourists and generates significant revenue for local businesses. By integrating rose cultivation with tourism and cultural events, Saudi Arabia creates a unique value proposition that sets it apart from other producers.

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the rose sector contribute to Vision 2030? Saudi Vision 2030, launched in 2016, aims to transform the Kingdom into a diversified, sustainable economy. The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef) is a key enabler of this vision, particularly in its focus on rural development, food security, and economic diversification. By supporting over 400 farmers and targeting two billion roses annually by 2026, Saudi Reef is directly contributing to the vision’s objectives of increasing non-oil revenues, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life in rural areas. The program also aligns with the vision’s emphasis on environmental sustainability and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Looking ahead, Saudi Reef’s success in the rose sector serves as a model for other agricultural industries, such as coffee, honey, and fruits. The program’s holistic approach—combining technical assistance, market access, and value addition—can be replicated to unlock the potential of other rural regions. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward a post-oil future, initiatives like Saudi Reef will be instrumental in building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous economy. The target of two billion roses by 2026 is not just a number; it represents the collective aspiration of a nation to bloom on the world stage, rooted in its heritage and reaching for a sustainable tomorrow.

20 Questions

Q1. What is Saudi Reef and what does it aim to achieve?

A1. Saudi Reef is the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, an initiative under the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. It aims to enhance food security, develop rural areas, and improve agricultural production efficiency in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Q2. How many farmers does Saudi Reef support in the rose sector?

A2. Saudi Reef currently supports more than 400 farmers involved in rose and aromatic plant cultivation across the Kingdom, providing them with training, resources, and market access to boost production and incomes.

Q3. What is the current annual rose production supported by Saudi Reef?

A3. The program has recorded a 34% increase in rose production over the past four years, reaching 960 million roses annually. This growth reflects improved farming practices and better market linkages.

Q4. What is the target for rose production by 2026?

A4. Saudi Reef aims to achieve an annual production of two billion roses by 2026, which would significantly boost the Kingdom’s position as a leading global producer of roses and aromatic products.

Q5. Where was the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum held?

A5. The forum is being held in Taif Governorate, a region renowned for its damask roses. Saudi Reef is participating as a co-sponsor, showcasing its achievements and initiatives in the sector.

Q6. Who is Majed Al-Buraikan and what did he say about the program?

A6. Majed Al-Buraikan is the Assistant Secretary-General for Media and Communication at Saudi Reef. He emphasized that the program’s participation aligns with national efforts to empower farmers and promote sustainable agricultural transformation.

Q7. Which regions in Saudi Arabia are known for rose and aromatic plant production?

A7. Taif is the most famous region for rose cultivation, but Jazan and Aseer are also known for producing aromatic plants. Saudi Reef supports farmers in these areas to enhance their productivity and market access.

Q8. How does Saudi Reef help farmers improve their practices?

A8. Saudi Reef provides training, modern irrigation systems, pest management support, and access to finance and insurance. It also facilitates market linkages and value addition through rose oil and perfume production.

Q9. What is the significance of the rose sector for Saudi Arabia’s economy?

A9. The rose sector creates jobs, supports rural economies, and generates export earnings. It contributes to economic diversification and reduces reliance on oil, aligning with Vision 2030 goals.

Q10. How does the rose sector support food security?

A10. While roses are not a food crop, their cultivation generates income that enables farmers to purchase food. It also promotes sustainable land use and agricultural diversification, indirectly enhancing food security.

Q11. What role does the private sector play in Saudi Reef’s initiatives?

A11. The private sector partners with Saudi Reef to provide inputs, technology, and market access. Public-private partnerships are essential for scaling up production and ensuring the sector’s long-term viability.

Q12. How does Saudi Reef ensure environmental sustainability?

A12. Saudi Reef promotes water-efficient irrigation, organic farming, and biodiversity conservation. These practices align with the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative to combat climate change.

Q13. What are the main challenges facing rose farmers in Saudi Arabia?

A13. Challenges include water scarcity, climate variability, and limited access to markets. Saudi Reef addresses these through technology, training, and infrastructure support, helping farmers overcome barriers.

Q14. How does the Taif Rose Festival contribute to the sector?

A14. The festival attracts tourists and buyers, raising awareness of Saudi roses and generating revenue for local businesses. It also celebrates cultural heritage and promotes the region as a tourism destination.

Q15. What is the expected impact of reaching two billion roses annually?

A15. It will solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in rose production, increase export revenues, create jobs, and enhance the Kingdom’s reputation for high-quality agricultural products.

Q16. How does Saudi Reef support women and youth in rural areas?

A16. Saudi Reef provides training, financing, and market opportunities to women and youth, empowering them to participate in the rose sector and contribute to their communities’ economic development.

Q17. What innovations are being introduced in rose cultivation?

A17. Innovations include precision irrigation, integrated pest management, and post-harvest technologies. These improve yields, quality, and sustainability, helping farmers meet global standards.

Q18. How does Saudi Reef measure the success of its programs?

A18. Success is measured through production increases, income growth, job creation, and environmental indicators. The 34% rise in rose production is a key metric of progress.

Q19. What other sectors does Saudi Reef support besides roses?

A19. Saudi Reef supports coffee, honey, fruits, and other high-value crops. Its holistic approach aims to develop rural economies and diversify agricultural production across the Kingdom.

Q20. How can international partners collaborate with Saudi Reef?

A20. International partners can collaborate through joint ventures, technology transfer, and research. The Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum serves as a platform to explore such partnerships and share expertise.

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