The Grain and Productive Families Festival in Balsamer, which was adopted and approved by Prince Sultan bin Salman, the president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), has invoked excitement in the families of Balsamer as they anticipate significant economic returns, development and increased tourism.

The head of Balsamer, Aoun Mohammed Al-Hathloul, said the festival will present a unique opportunity to market its products, which include the finest types of grains grown on more than 6,000 farms around the country.

To be held every year, the festival will provide productive families opportunity to market their products and maximize their profits, he said.

He said Prince Sultan has issued a directive to prepare for the festival to be held early next year, adding that the experience will be unique and will encourage greater understanding and knowledge about the production of grains.

Al-Hathloul said Balsamer is known for its strategic location and environment, which experiences abundant rainfall and promotes the production of this crop. Many people frequently purchase Al-Asmari grain, due to its excellent quality and taste, he added.

About the most important tourist sites in Balsamer, Al-Hathloul said: “The area is characterized by its beautiful scenery, including more than six large recreational parks which have been prepared to receive visitors during the summer season. The area also includes old citadels operated by the SCTA that symbolize the culture and heritage of the region.”

The Deputy Director of Balasamer Center, Tarad Masafak, said the festival is expected to witness a high volume of visitors looking to purchase special types of the grain.

“Farming these crops yields high economic returns for farmers because they don’t have to pay the high cost of irrigation as the crop is dependent on the abundant rainfall in the region,” he said.

Prince Sultan notably said in a press statement that the study of the Taif-Asir tourist route, to be completed soon, will serve the festival. There are programs and tours for visitors to see the historic parks and farms, as well as efforts underway to establish hotels that complement the nature and culture of the region, he said.

He said that the first specific executive step for the success of this project is for the Director of Program of the Productive Families, Jasser Al-Herbish, to visit the center and perform a full review of the area.