In response to increasing global concerns about food security, Saudi Arabia has launched a groundbreaking initiative called the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as “Reef Saudi.” This program aims to redefine the relationship between people and the countryside, advancing rural production sectors while fostering an ecosystem that promotes agricultural sustainability.

Led by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Reef Saudi is a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, launched in 2019. It seeks to elevate the agricultural sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP by providing financial and technical support to farmers and small-scale producers, complemented by hands-on training and capacity-building efforts.

The program focuses on eight primary sectors: Saudi coffee, beekeeping and honey production, fruit cultivation, floriculture and aromatic plants, rain-fed crops, livestock, aquaculture, and programs aimed at empowering rural women. These sectors are designed to ensure long-term economic sustainability within rural communities.

Since its launch, Reef Saudi has positively impacted more than 87 000 beneficiaries across various regions of the Kingdom, including farmers, artisans, producers, beekeepers, fisherfolk, and rural women. The initiative not only offers direct financial assistance but also transforms production models, diversifies livelihoods, and connects rural communities to modern agricultural value chains.

What distinguishes Reef Saudi is its commitment to integrating advanced technologies into agricultural practices. The program supports the adoption of modern irrigation systems, solar energy solutions, and digital marketing platforms for agricultural products. Custom training tracks, developed locally and through international exchanges, aim to equip beneficiaries with global best practices, enhancing product quality and boosting operational efficiency.

Reef Saudi has also encouraged entrepreneurship in rural areas through the Reef Entrepreneurship Program, helping traditional farmers become business innovators. Consequently, products from rural beneficiaries have expanded their reach from local markets to national and even international consumers.

Ghassan bin Mohammed Bakri, the secretary general of Reef Saudi, leads the program with a focus on aligning institutional planning with grassroots development. His strategic vision combines the preservation of rural heritage with the implementation of cutting-edge technologies. Bakri’s efforts were recognized when he was awarded the title of Arab Digital Government Personality of the Year 2024 at a ceremony in Dubai.

The program’s impact extends beyond direct rural development, as it has established a robust digital and media presence. Through targeted communication campaigns and innovative outreach efforts across various media platforms, Reef Saudi has successfully engaged remote communities, raised awareness about rural opportunities, and highlighted success stories of transformation in the Saudi countryside.

Internationally, Reef Saudi has received accolades, including praise from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which recognized it as a leading global example of agricultural development linked to improved quality of life. The FAO noted that Reef Saudi’s holistic approach, grounded in sustainability and empowerment, is a model that could be replicated in other regions worldwide.

As Reef Saudi continues to evolve, it has established itself as a globally recognized model that merges economic sustainability with human empowerment. The program not only addresses local agricultural challenges but also contributes to global food security, encouraging communities to cultivate more resilient and innovative agricultural practices.