Al-Baha's Rural Farms Flourish as Agritourism Hub, Boost Local Economy
Al-Baha Region’s 23 licensed rural farms are rapidly becoming a major attraction for visitors and tourists from both within and outside the Kingdom, offering a unique blend of tranquil countryside charm and modern tourist amenities that create a distinctive experience.
The notable growth of Al-Baha Region’s rural farm sector is driven by expanding investments in both agricultural product sales and tourist accommodations, fueled by a national initiative to develop rural areas and promote agricultural and heritage tourism. These farms are emerging as key contributors to the local economy and are attracting investment in non-traditional tourism, particularly in areas with unique agricultural and geographical features like Al-Baha.
According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the 23 currently licensed rural farms are spread across the region’s various governorates, and plans are underway to license more farms as part of the ministry’s broader goal to license 50 farms throughout the region.
The ministry has supported this growth by providing 15,000 seedlings of crops with comparative advantages and encouraging the expansion of promising cultivations such as blackberries, pistachios, saffron, roses, and strawberries. It has also established seven demonstration fields as successful models and developed small farms to offer engaging agritourism activities, including fruit picking, livestock care, and tree planting.
Five agritourism workshops have been launched alongside entrepreneurial training sessions for rural farm owners. The ministry has also conducted 25 workshops on licensing procedures and 114 field visits to facilitate agricultural licensing processes.
These rural farms in Al-Baha offer tourists an unforgettable immersive experience in nature, blending authentic rural hospitality with the region's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, take part in agricultural activities, explore handicrafts, and engage with social traditions.
The farms also provide a diverse array of fresh agricultural products and fruits that are abundant during the summer, including grapes, figs, apricots, pomegranates, blackberries, prickly pears, and peaches.
