Saudi Arabia has introduced ‘Reef Saudi’, a major initiative under Vision 2030 aimed at transforming rural agriculture while promoting sustainable development and human well-being. Backed by 8.5 billion SAR (US $2.2 billion) and supported by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the program focuses on improving food security, empowering rural producers, and creating new livelihood opportunities. So far, over 77,400 beneficiaries, including more than 57,000 women, have received support through training, grants, and access to equipment. As of 2023, 63,000 agricultural projects have been launched, helping Saudi Arabia boost self-sufficiency in key sectors: coffee (16%), fruit (22%), honey (49%), roses (33%), and rain-fed crops (13%).
Reef Saudi also tackles climate resilience and ecosystem restoration. In 2023 alone, the program helped plant 18 million seedlings across 150,000 hectares, aiming to reverse desertification. A major push in honey production included SAR 140 million investment, increasing output by 41% to over 3,120 tonnes, with a target of 7,500 tonnes by 2026. Similarly, Taif rose production reached 750 million flowers, with ambitions to scale to 2 billion roses. In regions like Jazan and Asir, over 370 pieces of agricultural equipment have been deployed, cutting harvesting costs by up to 90% for small farmers. Alongside agriculture, the initiative supports rural tourism, artisanal trades like leathercraft, and seedling nurseries—making Reef Saudi a flagship example of how agriculture, human development, and environmental goals can align in a single national program. More