Hail becomes World’s third producer of rare white strawberries
Saudi Arabia joins the United States and Japan in growing the elusive fruit.
SAUDI ARABIA – HAIL, a city in northern Saudi Arabia, has reached a new agricultural milestone with the Kingdom’s first white strawberry harvest, positioning the country as the third in the world to produce this rare variety.
White strawberries are prized for their distinct flavor and premium market value. Previously limited to the United States and Japan, their arrival in Saudi Arabia reflects the country’s rapid growth in agriculture and high-value crop production.
“The project was carried out under an exclusive agreement with the University of Florida to trial the variety in the Kingdom,” said one of the farm owners in Hail. He added that the cultivation process requires specialized laboratory techniques, where red strawberry flowers are pollinated with pineapple flowers. This method extends the ripening period from flowering to harvest by approximately 30 days.
The farm has successfully grown the strawberries thanks to Hail’s favorable climate and advanced irrigation infrastructure. The result is a crop that not only appeals to domestic and international consumers but also sets a benchmark for innovation in Saudi agriculture.
Boosting tourism and local economy
Beyond production, the farms are attracting visitors with interactive experiences. Tourists can explore the strawberry fields and learn about the cultivation process, combining agritourism with high-quality produce.
“We want visitors to enjoy both the taste of the strawberries and the experience of seeing how they are grown,” the farm owner said. This approach has strengthened Hail’s position as a destination for both agriculture and tourism, creating a new source of revenue for the region.
The initiative has also caught the attention of investors, as the Kingdom continues to diversify its agricultural portfolio. With high-value crops like white strawberries, local farms can command prices of around US$30 per kilogram, reflecting the fruit’s rarity and quality.
Expanding Saudi Arabia’s agricultural reach
The success of white strawberries aligns with recent developments in the Kingdom’s farming sector, including partnerships with research institutions and adoption of advanced techniques for other high-demand crops.
These efforts aim to increase domestic production, reduce reliance on imports, and introduce specialty crops to international markets.
“Our goal is to demonstrate that Saudi Arabia can grow crops that were once considered exclusive to other countries,” the farm owner said. As white strawberries take root in Hail, the Kingdom is steadily building its reputation as a hub for innovative and high-value agriculture.
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