All is rosy in Taif as fans flock to flower festival

The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)
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The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)
All is rosy in Taif as fans flock to flower festival
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The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)
All is rosy in Taif as fans flock to flower festival
3 / 4
The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)
All is rosy in Taif as fans flock to flower festival
4 / 4
The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)
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Updated 08 May 2024
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All is rosy in Taif as fans flock to flower festival

The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12.
  • Taif’s annual show features a floral carpet of over million flowers
  • Farmers, vendors optimistic about increase in sales at the event

JEDDAH: Visitors are flocking to the 19th Taif Rose Festival at Al-Raddaf Park where the flowers are in full bloom, highlighting the region’s rich floral heritage.

The festival, themed “Qetaf” meaning “picking time,” coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. The organizers include the Taif Rose Cooperative Society and Taif Municipality.




The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)

There has been an impressive turnout of Taif residents and domestic and international tourists. The exhibitors — mostly farmers and vendors — are optimistic that increased revenues will help boost rose cultivation and production.

Abdullah Altwairqi, a local farmer and festival participant, said: “Participating in the Taif Rose Festival has become a tradition for me. The atmosphere improves each year, and the revenue and exposure we receive from visitors make it worthwhile.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• Exhibitors at the Taif Rose Festival are optimistic that increased revenues will help boost rose cultivation and production.

• The flower carpet set up by the municipality in the center of the park was designed with decorative patterns inspired by the province’s heritage.

• It covers 5,206 square meters and was crafted using over a million flower and rose seedlings, making it the largest in the history of the festival.

At his booth, Altwairqi showcased various flowers and fruit, including Taif roses, peaches, prickly pears, figs, mulberries, grapes, blackberries, pomegranates, as well as aromatic plants.




The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)

Altwairqi urged people to visit the Rose Flavor cafe where they can savor hot and cold beverages infused with the flavor of Taif roses and other aromatic flowers including lavender, which is also abundant in the region.

The flower carpet set up by the municipality in the center of the park left visitors awestruck. Covering 5,206 square meters, it was crafted using over a million flower and rose seedlings, making it the largest in the history of the festival.




The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)

Faiz Al-Thibaiti, director-general of media and corporate communication at Taif Municipality, told Arab News: “The flower carpet was designed with decorative patterns inspired by the province’s heritage.”

He said the carpet has ensured the event has become “one of the most important tourism festivals in the Kingdom, attracting thousands of visitors and tourists from various regions of the country.”

NUMBER

70k

The rose-picking season in Taif starts around the end of March or early April, lasting between 35 to 45 days, with an average of 70,000 roses picked daily.

The decorations adorning the flower carpet draw inspiration from the intricate designs found on the walls and facades of Taif’s ancient structures, including Al-Kaki Palace in Al-Salama and King Saud Palace.




The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)

Al-Thibaiti added: “Preparations for the festival started early, with the Taif Rose Cooperative Society detailing participation criteria to highlight Taif roses, including their cultivation, harvesting, and distillation into fine perfumes. This adds to Taif’s unique tourist appeal. The festival provides a platform for producers, experts, and entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and boost this important sector.”

Among the highlights are the rose and flower path, product stalls, goods market, government booths, and the agricultural nursery.




The gaint flower and rose carpet, spanning 5206 square meters, was meticulously crafted using 1,026,491 diverse flower and rose seedlings. (Supplied)

Interactive fountain shows accompanied by national tunes were also among the attractions, with a crossing to the upper pedestrian bridge from where visitors can view the massive flower carpet.

Artwork, flower arrangements, and hanging floral baskets scattered throughout the park added to the flair of the event.




The 19th Taif Rose Festival, themed ‘Qetaf’ meaning ‘Picking Time,’ coincides with the harvest season and will run until May 12. (SPA)

Al-Thibaiti said: “The significant turnout at the current festival comes amid increasing rose production year after year, indicating the success of this agricultural sector in achieving high revenues while continuing to promote the Taif rose product.”

Taifrosethon

The five-day Taifrosethon began on May 7, which is being held to encourage entrepreneurship in the region with technological solutions to enrich the industry.




The flower carpet was designed with decorative patterns inspired by the province's heritage. (Supplied)

The event includes various skills training and technical workshops covering trade, cultural heritage, and tourism.

The top-three winners will receive $2,666, $1,866 and $1,333 respectively. Participants are required to enter as teams, each with three to five members.

Taif’s roses

The Taif province produces more than 200 million roses each season. According to the local chamber of industry, each tree produces an average of 250 roses daily throughout the harvest season, which lasts for about 45 days.

The rose-picking season starts around the end of March or early April, lasting between 35 to 45 days, with an average of 70,000 roses picked daily.

Taif roses feature an exquisite, sweet fragrance and vibrant pink hues on delicate petals, and are a hallmark of the region’s natural beauty.

Cultivated in the high-altitude climate of Taif, these roses thrive in the cool temperatures and fertile soil of the region.

They are meticulously harvested by hand to preserve their quality, with the petals carefully collected for various purposes.

 


Saudi FM receives Burundian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
Updated 43 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi FM receives Burundian counterpart in Riyadh

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah receives his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh.
  • The officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the officials reviewed relations and cooperation between their countries and ways to enhance them in various fields.

They also discussed international developments and efforts made with regard to the developments. 


Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece

Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece

Saudi naval forces participate in Medusa 13 joint naval-air exercise in Greece
  • The exercise includes naval and air forces from Greece, Egypt, France, and Cyprus, alongside Saudi Arabia

CRETE, Greece: The Royal Saudi Naval Forces took part on Sunday in a joint naval-air exercise called Medusa 13, being held in Greece.

The exercise includes naval and air forces from Greece, Egypt, France, and Cyprus, alongside Saudi Arabia, and aims to strengthen international military cooperation and enhance naval security, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Col. Naval Commander Fahd Al-Humaidi Al-Otaibi, the exercise commander, explained that Medusa 13 is designed to build alliances and foster joint security cooperation among participating nations.

The focus of the exercise is on executing joint combat missions using modern weaponry, coordinating between different units to counter unconventional maritime threats, and exchanging expertise in securing operational areas from various dangers.

The Saudi naval forces’ participation includes a range of units, such as the Special Naval Security Units, Marine Infantry, His Majesty’s Ships, and Naval Aviation. The exercise will take place both on the Greek island of Crete and in key operational areas in the Mediterranean Sea.

Medusa 13 will feature military operations, information operations, amphibious assaults, and a civilian evacuation scenario, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the training. The joint exercise is expected to significantly contribute to enhancing the naval capabilities of all participating nations while promoting regional security.


Saudi ministry promotes broiler pigeon breeding

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)
The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)
Updated 13 October 2024
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Saudi ministry promotes broiler pigeon breeding

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry. (SPA)

RIYADH: In a bid to boost food security and protein diversity, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture recently hosted a workshop in Riyadh for broiler pigeon breeders.

The workshop aligns with Vision 2030 goals and seeks to increase domestic production of poultry, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It aimed to equip breeders with the knowledge and skills necessary to raise broiler pigeon production to 16 million birds annually, equivalent to 12,000 tons of meat.

By increasing production and adopting modern breeding techniques, the ministry hopes to boost food security and reduce reliance on imports.

The ministry emphasized the importance of collaboration with Saudi universities to conduct research that supports the productive and economic aspects of broiler pigeon breeding.

Broiler pigeon breeding is seen as a promising project in Saudi Arabia due to its contribution to food security and potential to preserve natural resources.

By investing in this sector, the Kingdom aims to achieve its national targets while promoting sustainable agriculture.

 


Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine

Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine
Updated 13 October 2024
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Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine

Riyadh governor receives ambassador of Palestine
  • The two sides discussed various topics of common interest

RIYADH: Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Palestine to the Kingdom Basem Al-Agha on Sunday in Riyadh, where they held friendly talks.

Meanwhile, Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz met with Algerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sherif Walid in Dammam on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various topics of common interest.

The Algerian ambassador thanked Prince Saud for the warm reception.

 


Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms

Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
Updated 13 October 2024
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Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms

Sweet victory as 2,000 runners race through Madinah date farms
  • Runners competed on three routes, including one designed for competitors with disabilities
  • A total of $8,000 in prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category

MAKKAH: Madinah’s date palms provided the perfect backdrop for a 10-kilometer race that attracted almost 2,000 competitors on Saturday.

The race, organized as part of Madinah Dates Season, began at the Madinah National Park and passed through the Khalil farms.

Runners competed on three routes, including one designed for competitors with disabilities, with race stages named after renowned local date varieties, including anbarah, ajwa, berni, saqai, and majdool.

The event was attended by several volunteer groups and government entities. A total of SR30,000 ($8,000) in prizes were awarded to the top three finishers in each category.

The Madinah Dates Season exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in partnership with the National Center for Palms and Dates and the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, was launched in early October.

As part of the exhibition, Camp Wrth for Handicrafts, organized by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), aims to teach and promote awareness of traditional Saudi arts.

The camp brings together 49 young men and women from various regions across the Kingdom.

Sessions at the camp offer opportunities to learn traditional skills, engage in handicrafts, and create products inspired by local heritage, as well as participate in cooking demonstrations.

Abdullah Al-Zawawi, a member of the Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Chamber, told Arab News that each year the Madinah region competes with other regions of Saudi Arabia in the production and export of dates.

“Madinah exports 97.9 million kilograms of dates to more than 60 countries, sharing a message of love, peace, and genuine Saudi generosity with people worldwide,” he said.

At least 28 date varieties are exported, including ajwa, sukkari, safawi, anbara, sagai, majdool, barhi, barni, and mabroom — all cultivated by the region’s 27,000 farms, Al-Zawawi said.

“Each year, more than 20 date factories in Madinah compete to present their finest products to over 14 million visitors, welcoming them with the renowned warmth and generosity of Madinah’s people. Blessed with 4 million palm trees, the region’s date industry generates an impressive SR948.5 million annually.”

He said that the government offers significant support under Vision 2030, as demonstrated by the dedicated efforts of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Madinah region.

The ministry prioritizes quality at every stage of date production — from cultivation and harvesting to marketing — ensuring that Madinah dates reach global markets in peak condition.

The exhibition features the harvest of more than 29,000 regional farms, highlighting their vital role in supporting and strengthening food security strategies across the Kingdom.

A virtual reality area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the farming experience, bringing the harvest to life, and fostering greater environmental and agricultural awareness.

More than 50 sales outlets, a tasting and cooking area, and displays of traditional handicrafts are among other attractions.

A range of government and private organizations are also present to highlight initiatives in the agricultural sector, and showcase financial and logistical services available to regional investors.

“The Madinah Dates Season stands out as a vibrant and multifaceted event within our series of date seasons,” Lulu Walid, director of the Madinah Dates Season, told Arab News.

“The season is characterized by a unique visual identity, with colors that represent different elements of the dates sector, such as the distinctive hue of ajwa dates, exclusive to Madinah. This season offers a rich variety of events across multiple fields.”

She said the season’s activities began with auctions showcasing the finest dates from Madinah’s farms, alongside an AI hackathon with prizes totaling up to SR900,000.

The exhibition also features 46 pavilions showcasing and selling date products from local businesses and families, fostering support for the community and promoting small industries.